Explanations here: https://t.co/xb9hqI38gV

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) October 11, 2026

Vikings player/coach ratings from win over Saints: Murray, Reichard, Murphy, more

More high marks after yet another Vikings victory.

The Vikings improved on offense — even with a couple brutal fumbles — and delivered their usual dominance on defense and special teams in a 23-13 win over the Saints on Sunday. They’re a perfect 5-0 as they head into a well-timed bye week that should help them get healthier.

Here are this week’s player and coach ratings, along with an explanation for each one.

Kyler Murray: 8.1

Murray played his best game of the season. After finishing last week’s game with 13 completions on 14 attempts, he completed his first 12 passes in New Orleans. Murray finished 24 of 30 for 229 yards and a TD, with 51 rushing yards chipped in. He stacked completions. He was excellent on third down, using both his arm and his legs. He found ten different players for at least one completion.

Lotta green dots for the Vikings' QB1, who understands the power of stacking completions. And this doesn't even show his 50 rushing yards. pic.twitter.com/UKs6mgKkIo

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) October 11, 2026

With that said, it wasn’t the kind of spectacular performance that would warrant a score in the 9s. He took a couple bad sacks instead of throwing the ball away. He mostly was content to dink and dunk instead of pushing the ball downfield (and for good reason). At some point, he’ll need to complete some passes over the middle of the field. Still, this was a huge step in the direction for Murray, whose passer rating was 109.6.

Justin Jefferson: 9.3

What a homecoming game it was for Jefferson, who grew up about 30 minutes away from the Superdome. His line — 6 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD — is nothing crazy, by his standards. But his all-world talent was on full display. Jefferson caught a 19-yard pass in the first quarter. He made an incredible catch on a sideline shot for 21 yards late in the second. And he added to his career highlight reel with a 15-yard touchdown catch over three defenders on the opening possession of the second half.

Justin Jefferson, in triple coverage —HOW DID HE CATCH THIS?! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jaBttL0Apb

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 11, 2026

The Vikings are a different offense when No. 18 is on the field.

Aaron Jones: 7.5

Jones has been simply incredible since Jordan Mason landed on injured reserve after the first game of the season. On Sunday, he turned a season-high 28 touches into 117 yards and a touchdown. He battled through a knee injury. He ran over a Saints defender on his touchdown. If not for a fumble inside the Saints’ 10-yard line, Jones’ score would easily be in the 8-9 range.

Aaron Jones, since Jordan Mason's injury:

W2: 23 carries, 105 yards
W3: 22 touches, 92 yards
W4: 24 touches, 128 yards
W5: 28 touches, 117 yards, TD, FUM

Turns 32 in a couple months.

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) October 11, 2026

Kevin O’Connell: 7.8

For the most part, O’Connell called a really strong game on Sunday. He dialed up quick passes to get to ball out of Murray’s hands and mitigate the fact that the Vikings were down two starters on the offensive line. He put Murray in positions to succeed. He stuck with the run game. The Vikings ended up with 364 yards of offense.

Two things hurt O’Connell’s score. After Jones’ fumble, the Vikings came right back with three straight runs — despite Murray being 11 for 11 at the time — and went three-and-out. In the fourth quarter, O’Connell got way too cute with a trick play that didn’t work and could’ve been a disaster if a Saints defensive lineman had caught the lateral that Jefferson threw right to his chest.

Offensive line: 6.5

Whenever you put up over 350 yards of offense and win the game, the offensive line deserves some credit. Even with two backups on the left side, the Vikings opened up holes in the run game and protected Murray fairly well. But there were other plays where pressure got into the backfield quickly, or runs were blown up. The offensive line also committed four penalties (two on Ryan Van Demark, one on Will Fries, one on Brian O’Neill that was declined).

Myles Price: 5.1

Price had a 43-yard punt return and three receptions. His score is entirely weighed down by a fumble in the red zone that was returned 87 yards for what could’ve been a game-changing touchdown. It’s the type of thing that just can’t happen.

Will Reichard: 10

What else can you say? Reichard made field goals from 40, 54, and 55 yards out. He’s made 34 in a row. It feels automatic every time.

Brian Flores: 9.7

Again…what else can you say? The Saints had 142 total yards. Tyler Shough had 96 yards and two interceptions on 25 attempts. The Saints went 2 for 10 on third down. Their only offensive touchdown came off of a Vikings turnover. Their offense had no chance against this ultra-aggressive juggernaut of a defense.

Byron Murphy Jr: 8.8

The standout individual defensive performance of the day belongs to Murphy, who had two interceptions and a tackle for loss. He stepped underneath a Shough throw for an easy pick on his first of the day, then ranged back on an overthrown deep ball for his second. Blake Cashman (9 tackles) and Andrew Van Ginkel (1 sack) also had strong days.