Vikings snap counts and notable PFF grades from dominant win over Saints

The Vikings put together their most impressive all-around performance of the season on Sunday as they improved to 5-0 with a road win over the Saints. With the way they dominated yardage and time of possession, this would've been a Minnesota romp if not for two poorly-timed red zone fumbles that led to both Saints touchdowns. Even with the fumbles, it was a ten-point win that hardly felt in question for most of the fourth quarter.

Let's dive into this week's snap counts and PFF grades before the Vikings head into their bye week.

Vikings offensive snaps vs. Saints (out of 71)

Hockenson left the game after just two snaps to be evaluated for a concussion and did not return. The Vikings were already without Josh Oliver. That left them to lean on Bartholomew (who ended up with five receptions) and Yurosek, who was making his season debut.

Aaron Jones once again dominated running back snaps, but it sounds like Jordan Mason will be back after the bye week to return the position to a committee approach. With no Jordan Addison, Jennings finished second in wide receiver snaps but did not have a catch on one target. Murray had him open for a touchdown on one occasion and didn't pull the trigger.

Jeshaun Jones played only six snaps but made his impact felt with a 32-yard reception. Dallas and Claiborne were also among the ten Vikings players with at least one catch.

Top 5 PFF grades on offense (min. 20 snaps)

Murray earned a very strong grade for the second consecutive week. Getting Jefferson back was a big boost to the offense. Bartholomew acquitted himself well in easily the most snaps of his career, as did Yurosek (65.5 grade). Jones getting a grade that good despite having a fumble tells you how effective he was.

The Vikings' lowest grade went to Price for his 14 snaps and key fumble. Jennings, Van Demark, Felton, and Huber also earned lower grades.

Vikings defensive snaps vs. Saints (out of 45)

For the second straight week, the Vikings' offense was on the field for far more snaps than the defense was. The top eight players in snaps are the same as always. Ingram-Dawkins and Jackson also saw quite a bit of playing time, following by Smith and Rodriguez and Pierre. There were only scraps left for Van Noy, Pace, and the rookies.

Top 5 PFF grades on defense (min. 20 snaps)

The usual suspects make up the top grades as well. Jackson and Van Ginkel weren't far behind. Murphy had two interceptions, Cashman led the team in tackles, Rodgers was sharp in coverage, Redmond was a menace against the run, and Turner had four pressures, even if he finished with no sacks for the first time this season.

Lower grades went to Metellus, Rodriguez, Wilson (despite a team-high five pressures), Smith, and Ingram-Dawkins.

This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Oct 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Vikings section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.