The Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos are two very opposite NFL teams, yet they are both finding ways to win games that most teams don’t. The Vikings can’t control the ball offensively but are undefeated. The Broncos are continuing their philosophy from last year by winning one-score games. Both are proving that it’s better to be lucky than good. Let’s dive deeper into this madness.

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Consistent strategy for Denver

Sep 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Broncos won 11 games last season by 8 points or fewer. This year, they have won every game by the same margin. Their offense is putting up less than 20 points per game and is last in the league in yards per play (4.4). 

How does this team continue to find ways to win games with poor QB play? Defensively, they are holding their opponents to the 9th-fewest points per game (20.8). Their defense is carrying the load, as they are ranked 3rd in EPA/Pass. 

Bo Nix hasn’t looked like himself this season. He suffered an injury last year in the playoffs that put him out for the rest of the postseason. The numbers are not good. Their offense against Seattle struggled, while the defense was able to force Sam Darnold to throw two interceptions. 

An interesting stat for Bo Nix is 2026: Bo Nix ranks 701st out of 701 in average pass length (4.9 air yards per attempt) over the past 20 years.

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Brian Flores deserves his flowers

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The offense is in a similar situation to Denver, as they can’t win games cleanly and their defense has been one of the best in all of football. Brian Flores deserves more credit than he already gets. 

This team is number one in EPA/Play on defense, and their offense ranks 28th offensively per EPA/Play. Why is this team struggling? Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones are their only two notable offensive weapons. Jones is getting a heavy workload, but you would think his numbers would be higher with how much volume they’re feeding him. Jones ranks 22nd in EPA/Rush.  Despite receiving the majority of carries, he is only marginally improving their scoring chances.

If the Vikings want to be a true contender, their offensive numbers are going to need a major boost, or this team will continue to fall under the category of a “pretender.”

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