New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings
The Patriots have allowed just three points in each of their last two games — a 26-3 victory over the Colts in Week 9 and a 10-3 win last weekend over the Jets courtesy of walk-off punt return touchdown. Three points is all Minnesota could muster Sunday in a 40-3 home loss to Dallas.
New England is the No. 1 defense in the league per Overall DVOA and Pass Defense DVOA. They are also allowing just 16.9 points per game (No. 2 in NFL) and 302.9 yards per game (No. 4 in NFL). The Patriots surrendered just 103 total yards to the Jets after holding the Colts to 121 two weeks prior.
Minnesota had been living on some good fortune during its seven-game winning streak. That came to a screeching halt Sunday as Kirk Cousins was sacked a career-high seven times, which does not look promising having to face a New England bunch with 13 sacks in the last two games. Furthermore, second-year left tackle Christian Darrisaw left early for the second straight game with a concussion and is expected to miss Thursday’s game.
Still, the Vikings are 8-2, own a four-game lead in the NFC North and have the fifth-easiest schedule remaining per Football Outsiders. Nevertheless, it was a matter of time before they took one on the chin after winning seven straight games by a touchdown or less.