Despite their offensive flaws, the Minnesota Vikings are 6-1. Their defense still ranks first in points allowed (13.3 per game), second in yards allowed, and second in EPA/play allowed. So, if the offense can take advantage of that defense, it could fuel a postseason run.

That should make the Vikings "buyers" at the trade deadline, Alec Lewis of The Athletic argued this week. He said team leadership understands that the coaching staff can elevate the team to catch up to a championship-worthy defense and special teams unit.

"Better quarterbacks and offenses will test the system’s sustainability in the next few weeks, but the Vikings’ confidence in their ability to put complex game plans together makes them a challenge in the NFC," Lewis wrote on Wednesday. "Minnesota’s brass recognizes this. It understands that the team and coaching staff have earned the right to load up for the duration of the season. With that being the case, buying is a no-brainer."

Minnesota will host the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. A win could ease concerns after the Vikings' Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions. But falling to 6-2 in an uber-competitive NFC North could raise questions about Minnesota's long-term sustainability.

That could place them squarely in the middle of several trade talks before Tuesday's trade deadline. If they can make moves to bolster their offense, Minnesota could keep vying for the NFC's top seed come playoff time.