After starting the season with five straight wins, the Minnesota Vikings have lost four games in a row following their bye week to fall to 5-4 and second place in the NFC North. In those five wins to begin the season, their defense held every opponent to under 20 points -- something they have failed to do in any of their losses this season.
In addition to their losing streak on the field, the Minnesota defense has taken a steep fall in terms of fantasy production after their bye week as well.
| Per Game Statistics | Before Bye | After Bye |
|---|---|---|
| Points Allowed | 12.6 | 22.25 |
| Sacks | 3.8 | 0.75 |
| Interceptions | 1.4 | 0.75 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 | 0.75 |
| Touchdowns | 0.4 | 0 |
| Fantasy Points | 16.6 | 4 |
During the first five weeks of the season, their defense finished among the top-10 in fantasy scoring at their position in every game and was among the top-two three times. Since then, they have not been inside the top-12 once.
Minnesota has a great opportunity to get back on track in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals, who are averaging the 20th-most points per game this season and are giving up the 4th-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses.