The Dallas defense may not be as polished as the 49ers since they do give up yards, but they step up when it counts. Jan 15, 2022 The Minnesota Vikings ended their disappointing 2021 campaign with an 8-9 record, missing the postseason altogether and firing their general manager and head coach. The biggest issue on defense is getting home. I went by the total number (2017 being -12.3). We paired each response with the team's defensive efficiency rating and where that stacks up in the league. These are the Vikings definitive year-end defensive rankings. An intriguing element of that was it came despite just one defensive or return touchdown. The biggest issue on defense is forcing turnovers. We love the front of this group, especially if DaRon Payne returns. 44. Positive is good for an offense and negative is good for a D. DVOA for defense is sadly shit. Theyve allowed the second-fewest touchdowns while remaining stout in the red zone. Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News. They were just ahead of the Buffalo Bills who had a grade of 65.0. A variety of factors were included in these rankings, including returning personnel, how these defenses performed in recent. The biggest issue on defense is defending the pass. Defense has carried the Saints since the retirement of Drew Brees. Ultimately, the Eagles got Mahomesd in the Super Bowl and the San Francisco 49ers, along with so many other NFL teams, know what thats like. However, Arden Key is a free-agent Jacksonville must keep and its evident the Jags need help at corner. Advanced research data including targets, touches and red zone opportunities are also available. It also reflects the Miami Dolphins' loss on Thursday night to the Cincinnati Bengals after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) left the game on a stretcher. We should be poised for a giant bounce back. Otherwise, their defense is not as bad as the numbers might suggest (25th in points per game allowed). -- Brooke Pryor, Defensive efficiency: 36.3 The biggest issue on defense is third-down conversions. Across 17 games, Chicago allowed opponents to average a 94.4 QB rating, 4.9 yards per carry and they allowed the most points per game (27.2) in the NFL. Terrell, the Falcons have some work to do when it comes to bringing in more talent to improve this unit. There should be even greater improvement under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The Bears are the NFL's worst team against the run, having allowed 733 rushing yards through four games (183.3 yards per game), and are on pace to reach historically low marks. The Seahawks are getting gashed against the run, in part because they're struggling in their transition to a 3-4 but also because they're missing tackles. After ranking every team's offense by tiers, it's now time to turn attention toward the defensive side of the ball.. Rather than list teams from top to bottom and split hairs between similarly elite or poor groups, we have arranged the NFL's 32 teams . It's hard to argue. The Vikings' No. When EK54 got hurt, the young front 7 began to crumble at the touch of a feather. Cap issues might push either linebacker Lavonte David or corner Jamel Dean out. 1 receivers helps everyone else on this unit. However, because of injuries in the secondary, it has since become a handicap. If Robert Saleh can find a playmaking safety, the Jets could be No. The concerning part for Washington is that it lacks corner depth and its starters are both established vets -- Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III. Here's the weird part: It's not because of the pass rush. NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF Theres an opportunity for the Carolina Panthers to have one of the best NFL defenses in 2022. The other shocking thing is our 2020 defense wasn't as bad as we all remember (although I think the 18th ranking is a bit high) I'm guessing Alvin Kamara deleted anything positive from our brains. Given Bobby Okereke is a free agent, it adds linebacker to the pressing list of needs this offseason. DVOA: -0.5-13th, The Vikings rushing attack has been inconsistent this season but the big touchdown runs by Dalvin Cook have been a major factor in not seeing their rankings lower. 2020 Team DVOA Ratings: Defense Updated 02/22/2023 10:17 AM EST Year 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 Here's the bad news: The Vikings defense currently ranks 25th in the NFL according to Football Outsiders' DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average), which is an opponent-adjusted. Four of them came through the air, which has sparked questions about the secondary. Top free agents: Daniel Jones (QB), Saquon Barkley (RB), Julian Love (S) While Jones is a candidate to be franchise tagged, he's still one of the the top quarterbacks on the . DVOA: 10.8%-19th. If the Buccaneers are going to turn it on and make any type of noise in the playoffs, this defense must continue playing at a high level. The Chiefs are much better against the run, but they employ one of the most vulnerable secondaries in the NFL. Washington has surrendered an NFL-best 12 plays of 30 yards or more -- 10 of those have been pass plays -- often because of blown coverages. You arent good. With studs like Brian Burns, Shaq Thompson, and Jaycee Horn on all three levels of the defense, this unit could emerge in 2023, especially if they end this season on a high note. With an Eagles team that runs the ball effectively in their division, the Cowboys have to get better. The Chiefs are doing a nice job of pressuring the quarterback, so it figures the turnovers will come. | 8th most accurate ranker in the FantasyPros ECR for sleepers (2020) Still, it is not all bad for the Saints. Moving off as many draft picks as the Rams have through the years is catching up to them, as is a mismanaged salary cap. The Minnesota Vikings sit at 9-2 going into week 13 and they are feeling really good about their chances down the stretch. The Rams do have four interceptions this season. Ryans will certainly help, but so much talent needs to be injected at every level of this defense. The Vikings defense graded highly in PFFs model, ranking fourth in the NFL with a grade of 85.3. Even that's a reach, as corners Darius Slay (forearm) and Avonte Maddox (right ankle) are expected back soon. The Vikings finished a paltry 19th in the league with a grade of 66.6. The only three teams ahead of the Vikings are the 49ers, Dolphins and Chiefs. I would put the Bears dead last, but they have been at least competent in defending the pass despite being awful in containing the run. Just ask the 2018 Chiefs. 2nd in Sacks 4th in Defensive 3rd Down % 10th Interceptions 11th in Forced Fumbles Recovered Notably, they are dead last in plays, passing yards, red zone attempts, and first downs. When you can hold the Chiefs to 24 points, you know you are doing something right. By. New England Patriots @ MIA 5. It also hasnt helped that Cook has looked like he has lost that next-level gear that has made him such a dynamic back, Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin OConnell celebrates the win after the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Bolts are also having to adjust without Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa, who was placed on injured reserve after tearing his groin in Week 3. He is also the co-creator of the FF Faceoff (Faceoff Sports Network) and the FF Faceoff Mental Health Podathon partnered with the Hayden Hurst Foundation. That's exactly when it mattered. The Vikings have been good at defending the run and PFF thinks they are among the best in doing so. While the offense has taken a drastic step forward, the Jacksonville defense remains a liability. There are only three teams allowing more rushing yards after contact than the Packers. Barnwell predicts the next QBs to get benched: Did Pittsburgh wait too long? . Coach Kevin Stefanski said Garrett could return next Sunday following last week's single-car crash. But there's little to pick apart. The Vikings put the NFL on notice following three consecutive years of defensive domination. The Vikings ranked top-five again at fourth with a grade of 82.0. Where Chiefs' offense, defense rank through the first quarter of 2021 Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/lists/minnesota-vikings-2022-pff-grades-by-team-category-rankings/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Ive been watching since around 1995 and cant recall any season that was definitively better. Elite rookie corner Derek Stingley Jr. has made an immense impact containing enemy No. That has helped stabilize the Vikings pass defense. They ranked behind only the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. Dallas was not being drafted in the top 12 at the position, and New England was 9th. Using DVOA once more, the Vikings rank 11th in "mid-zone" defense (plays between the opponents' 40-yard line and their 40-yard line) and 15th in "front zone" defense, (plays between . League rank: 24th. Change is coming. The problem is the coverage, specifically the safeties and linebackers. Minnesota Vikings (vs. New Orleans Saints) Regarding those last two: The Saints D is good, the . Joe Rexrode weighs in on who he thinks will miss out on the playoffs this year. That's not to oversimplify what's gone wrong for Seattle's defense, which has had all sorts of issues during another awful start. Perhaps I am being a tad harsh on the Steelers. Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress. Mel Kiper takes another shot predicting the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, with elite QBs and defensive players highlighting the latest mock. The biggest issue on defense is soft coverage. The Dolphins have been stout against the run, and the numbers they've given up are a bit skewed considering Josh Allen's 63 pass attempts in Week 3 and Lamar Jackson's prolific first half in Week 2. This seems like another year where below-average defense is most likely, and . It is difficult to put any team ahead of the 49ers. The biggest issue on defense is points allowed. Finding NFL ready defensive tackle is a tricky proposition for franchises and that's why its typically the . Choose from seasonal averages or review past weekly performance to help optimize your lineup. But when the players say they still need to get better, slowing the run is their biggest must. -- Ben Baby, Defensive efficiency: 60.8 They had a pile of big gains against the nickel, including a 43-yard run by Josh Jacobs in the third quarter. Although, New England would be wise to improve at outside corner. The Steelers ranked second in D/ST scores last year. Below, you will find our latest NFL Defense Power Rankings for 2022, ranking all 32 team defenses from around the league. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Coming from the Vic Fangio coaching tree, Evero oversaw one of the best pass defenses in the NFL last season. Baltimore Ravens League rank: 10th. Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is returning for the 2023 season, which might be the biggest offseason move for the Dallas Cowboys. Outside of Grady Jarrett and A.J. CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND See how each team defense ranks against the rest and see updated stats and rankings throughout the year. However, it is deserved. Minnesota Vikings (3-1) Week 4 ranking: 9. They have the 2017 team as the only one that ranks with the Purple People Eaters. Fantasy Football Defense Rankings for Week 18 | 1-10 1. Panthers impressed by Derek Carr visit Jaycee Horn is an ascending No. Arizona allowed the highest completion rate (69.8%) to opponents and it surrendered the second-most passing touchdowns (29). The biggest issue on defense is the nickel package. 2 receivers and the Jets finishing with the second-highest run-stop win rate (33%) in the league, everything came together. J.J. Watt may be an elite player on the back end of his career, but he cant do it alone. They have figured it out in critical stretches and have played well against top-tier quarterbacks and offenses. Tagovailoa already has been ruled out for Week 5. They must also find a way to create more turnovers. As part of our ranking of the position groups in the 2023 NFL Draft class, we have the edge rushers ranked No. Still very sound against the run, the Steelers are 27th in passing yards and 30th in passing touchdowns conceded. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. With Jamin Davis added in the 2021 NFL Draft, things are only looking up for this young defense. -- Alaina Getzenberg, Defensive efficiency: 85.7 Teams have found some success running the ball against the Broncos, but throwing on them has been a completely different story. | 13th most accurate ranker in the FantasyPros ECR for in-season accuracy, including 2nd at quarterback and 3rd at tight end (2021). Since the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year tore his pectoral at the end of regulation in Week 1, the Steelers have given up an average of 23 points per game and recorded just three total sacks. Offense Defense 1 Bills 35.1% 2 49ers 27.5% 3 Eagles 25.2% 4 Chiefs 23.0% 5 Bengals 18.1% View Overall DVOA A team loaded with defensive talent, it has not lived up to form. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER. SUBSCRIBE: $1 for 3 months. There are also 15 teams this week that have a 2-2 record. The biggest issue on defense is sluggish starts. So 3 years were ahead of 2017 by total number but one of those was ranked #4 within it's year. The biggest issue on defense is getting off the field on third down. The Baltimore Ravens are set at safety and linebacker, but it will be losing No. League rank: 23rd. Losing sturdy DT Lawrence Guy to a shoulder injury is a contributing factor, but that alone doesn't fully explain the alarming past six quarters the defense has played against the run. But they're going to have to rush the passer more effectively if that is going to continue. The Vikings defeated the Saints 28-25. Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, . The Vikings are allowing the 11th-most points per game. Our power panel -- a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities -- evaluated how teams are stacking up through four weeks and named a new No. Stat to know: The Rams defensive line ranked tied for first in the NFL in time to pressure generated with a mark of 2.48. Below, we checked in with NFL Nation reporters across the league and asked what the biggest issue faced by each team's defense is. Everything came together after leading the Vikings to a 13-3 record their most regular-season wins since Randy Moss ' 1998 rookie season and a defense that led the NFL in both points and yards allowed. Only the New York Jets, 49ers and Eagles finished ahead of them. 1 spot might be ambitious, but betting on Zimmer having a top-five defense is usually a smart decision. Sunday's 26-16 loss to Arizona was a prime example as the Cardinals had the ball for just over 38 minutes to 21:25 for Carolina. Its understandable to not fully buy into the team, but 23rd in the league is quite the outlier. While they are worse on offense, their defense has not been able to carry them. The Minnesota Vikings ended their disappointing 2021 campaign with an 8-9 record, missing the postseason altogether and firing their general manager and head coach. Here are the PFF grades for each unit and how they rank against the rest of the NFL. What will define Eric Bieniemy's success. Martin/Thomas/Millard/Doleman all had years in their career with over ten sacks. Frazier has been Buffalo's DC since 2017. San Francisco ranks near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category, but the offense has been near the bottom of the league in a number of areas, most notably points scored. NFL Defense Power Rankings 2022 | Ranking All 32 Team Defenses NFL Spread Pick Of The Day C.J. The Vikings defense has been one of the league's most consistent since Mike Zimmer was hired in 2014, ranking in the top 11 in points allowed each season. The biggest issue on defense is a banged-up defensive line. This could be troublesome, however, in the playoffs. However, New York ranked last in Football Outsiders Rush DVOA (11.6%) and its painfully thin at cornerback. Teams have still been able to run on the Buccaneers, something that was an afterthought under Todd Bowles, but theyre a bit more difficult to throw on, allowing the fifth-fewest passing yards in the NFL. Not everybody shares that sentiment, however. The Lions need to make some changes immediately, and head coach Dan Campbell knows it. The Washington defense is a big reason why this team is in the postseason conversation in December. We probably don't factor them in enough when talking about the offensive and defensive performances. Ranking 25th in third-down percentage, 28th in rushing yards, and 26th in passing touchdowns allowed, this team has a lot of work to do in the offseason. Jets GM Joe Douglas has also hit on a few key free-agent acquisitions, including D.J. 2 outside corner, this could be an excellent unit. May 23, 2012 at 2:53 pm ET 1 min read. However, Seattle allowed 150.2 rush ypg, 21 rushing touchdowns and it ranked 28th in ESPNs pass-rush win rate (34%). The Jaguars had allowed just 55 yards per game on the ground through the first three games, but gave up 210 yards and four touchdowns rushing to the Eagles on Sunday. -- Jake Trotter, Defensive efficiency: 51.0 However, this defense still has its issues. League rank: 7th. With David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport both set to hit the open market, salary cap restrictions will likely force New Orleans to lose at least one of them. They're actually getting decent pressure on the quarterback, with a 35% pressure rate (19th) on third down. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense ended the regular season with a dominant stretch, allowing just 151.1 pass ypg with 21 sacks and eight interceptions in the final seven contests. The 49ers defense has stepped up in a big way under second-year defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. However, Miamis struggled to generate turnovers (12-4 TD-INT) with Byron Jones sidelined all season and Xavien Howard regressing. League rank: 4th. It's one of the many reasons they're winless, and it has made them vulnerable in the play-action game, too. Sure, they managed to improve this season, but they are very much a middle-of-the-pack bunch. Over the course of the last two years, the NFLPA has sat down and drawn up ways to improve available information for free agents who are making decisions about where they'd like to play next, and this . Related: Indianapolis Colts mock draft 2023\. The biggest issue on defense is forcing takeaways. The biggest issue on defense is allowing explosive plays. Running back Dalvin Cook is a top 5 back in the league due to his speed, footwork, and pass catching ability. Learn More > Our special teams was atrocious in 2020 (2nd worst in the NFL). Green Bays secondary has done its part. If you go look at the PFF grades per unit, the Vikings were an excellent team. -- John Keim, What will define Eric Bieniemy's success? They did a better job of it in 2019 but still came up short when it mattered. League rank: 8th. However, the Seattle defense is allowing the fifth-most points per game while slated in the bottom six in a slew of categories including points, plays, passing yards, rushing yards, and touchdowns allowed. The NFL regular season is now just four days away, and The. The Browns are only in the red in rushing touchdowns (29) and red zone attempts (29), showing the spots that need improvement. The biggest issue on defense is run defense. But that could also be a function of how much teams are throwing against Cincinnati. Johnson only managed nine. Year Advertising. 2017 was only the franchises fourth best season from a DVOA perspective since 1983? Meanwhile, the Panthers' offense has looked like . Bet Tip: Seahawks to Win NFC West (+320) at FanDuel Sportsbook. Follow us for breaking news and latest updates: Explained: Predictions and Analysis for Vikings-Lions. However, this was to be expected in the wake of the loss of Don Martindale to the Giants. If the Texans are doing anything right in 2023, its on defense. NFL Defensive Rankings By Year 2000 To 2021 | StatMuse NFL defensive rankings by year 2000 to 2021 Explore Who has the most career 5+ passing TD games? Randy Oliver. Who had the most wins as an underdog last season? There is a lot of inexperience in the secondary, but now those young, talented defensive backs have a seasons worth of lessons to learn from. Which is false (cue Dwight face). Bet Tip: Cowboys to Win Super Bowl 57 (+800) at FanDuel Sportsbook. Here you go: Vikings top 6 DVOA rankings 2008 was a legit D. Great DL, Good LBs, Better secondary than 2009 because that creep Sharper was still on the team. Gambling Problem? If the right additions are made at cornerback, this could be a top-5 unit. I think DVOA is very good but not perfect. Outside of rookie Roger McCreary, all of the Titans' primary cornerbacks have been beat for explosive plays. The Vikings came from behind to beat the Bills 33-30 in overtime.Ag3i9021, 276.1 YPG-32nd 5. Cleveland was missing three of its four starters along the defensive line in Sunday's loss to the Falcons, including star pass-rusher Myles Garrett. Miami currently has the second-worst pass defense in the NFL through its first four games, although that hasn't translated to the scoreboard. Related: 2023 NFL franchise tag projections. Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) hands the ball off to running back Dalvin Cook (4) against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The fourth-quarter comebacks have significantly made an impact on the passing yards and PFF grade, but DVOA, a metric designed to predict future success, isnt convinced of the sustainability of the unit. It is important to note that Pittsburgh is 24th in sacks. League rank: 13th. However, I am deducting points from the Chargers because they should be better. Lets dive into our 2023 NFL defense rankings after Super Bowl LVII, evaluating every single defense and where they stand heading into the offseason. Although, Carolina would be wise to upgrade at safety. However, when it comes to stopping the run, the Packers fail to show up. It wasnt a clean performance, but this is also a young defense. The 27-year-old rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries last season, with another 39 catches for 295 yards and two scores on 56 targets, though his 4.4 yards per carry was a. The Chicago Bears had the worst defense in the NFL this season. The Vikings pass rush was not viewed as highly, as they ranked 10th with a grade of 75.2, slightly ahead of the Patriots. Where this position ranks in the draft. While they are a bottom-four team in sacks, they are the fourth-best team in getting off the field on third down. The Seattle Seahawks struck gold with rookie cornerbacks Tariq Woolen and Cody Bryant, who look like long-term starters. Ranking NFL stadiums 2023: Best and worst stadiums in NFL, Realistic veteran QB options for the Las Vegas Raiders, 4 offseason moves Seattle Seahawks should make in 2023 after Wild Card loss, NFL mock draft 2023: Latest Round 1 projection for 2023 NFL Draft with big trades, 5 NFL QB trades wed love to see this offseason, NFL teams that have never won a Super Bowl, Evaluating the 3 best Lamar Jackson trade landing spots in 2023, Why Joe Burrow deserves to be the highest-paid QB in the NFL, New wild details about New England Patriots offensive dysfunction in 22-23 revealed, Steve Wilks joins San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator. However, I am doing so because this should have been expected. Before Jared Allen joined the Vikings in 2008 and donned the number 69 jersey, Doug Sutherland played 10 years on the defensive line in Minnesota with the same number.. Sutherland joined the . Smith, who opted out of all other tests and interviews, put up 34 reps of 225 pounds. In the meantime, the Chiefs have made the most of their four turnovers. Donald led all defensive lineman in the NFL last year in pass-rush wins with 127. The Vikings easily had a top 10 offense in 2022 and they should be at the top of the league in 2022. Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith both finished in the top 15 of the PFF rankings for edge rushers. Dont get me wrong, this is still one of the best defenses in the NFL, allowing the fourth-fewest points. Denver Broncos (at Raiders) 13. Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson intercepts a Josh Allen pass in the end zone. This is something that needs to be corrected for Week 5. The Vikings pass defense has been interesting to say the least. Green Bay is set at cornerback (Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes) but safety is now a weakness and a healthy Rashan Gary isnt nearly enough of a pass rush. A defense that led the NFL in ESPN's pass rush win rate (52%), allowed the third-lowest average QB rating (81.6) and ceded the lowest adjusted net yards per pass attempt (4.4) in the NFL.. 1 wideouts. However, in the Week 4 loss to the Raiders, the Broncos were pushed off the ball far too often in run defense. League rank: 9th. Look for the defense to be addressed. Please check your email for a confirmation. After that, the Cowboys can go out and find a No. There are many positives to draw from the 2022 Jaguars in Year 1 under Doug Pederson. It. As if getting gashed by Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon wasn't enough to have the Bears licking their wounds after a Week 2 loss at Green Bay, Giants running back Saquon Barkley totaled 145 yards on 31 carries and earned 94 of his rushing yards after first contact in Week 4. Labeled as a top-five defense heading into the 2022 season, the Green Bay Packers didnt play like it until late in the year. They are allowing 5 yards per carry and have given up 20 runs of 10 yards or more in four games, including two runs of at least 33 yards in the past two games. Sometimes inexperience has led to the big plays, but other times it's just corners getting beat, whether outright or because they anticipated help that didn't arrive. 1 in our NFL defense rankings next season. From the ruined ACL, Devin Bush is back to breathe new life. The 2022 version of the Bill Belichick defense is one with flaws. While they are still one of the leagues best, the Patriots struggle at times defending the pass. The losses in the secondary could have significant ramifications on this pass defense in 2023. The Vikings defense overall has had stretches of brilliance and others where you question literally everything. Baltimore Ravens vs. "It's like night and day,'' he said. The Falcons are allowing opponents to convert 44% of third-down chances, ranking 24th out of the 32 teams. Its Week 14, and while some team defenses are living up to the hype, others have fallen short or exceeded expectations. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. -- 2022's consensus defensive player of the year after winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Vince Lombardi Award -- has battled some of the NCAA's toughest linemen across his three-year collegiate career. Next year, the defense will be able to not have to worry about a full install but rather tweaking things and bringing in more personnel. Its defense has faced the third-most pass attempts in the NFL this season. The Denver Broncos defense played extremely well given the circumstances of the 2022 season. While he will be missed, Steve Wilks is a fantastic fit for San Francisco. Getting Von Miller and Micah Hyde back for the 2023 NFL season are huge boosts for the Buffalo Bills defense. Terrell took a step back in 2022 after a breakout season a year prior. Vikings Patrick Peterson celebrates as Bills quarterback Josh Allen walks off the field. The biggest issue on defense is finishing the game. Related: 5 NFL QB trades wed love to see this offseason. Minnesota scored when Allen didnt handle the snap at the goal line and the Vikings recovered the ball in the end zone. If the 49ers' defense can stay reasonably healthy, they don't need an offensive juggernaut to be a contender.