Brian Flores has found a steady home with Minnesota, unleashing a flexible, high-pressure defense that another coach would label mad genius. Through three games, the unit sits among the leaders in key metrics while Flores’ blend of blitzes, zone schemes, and personnel tinkering fuels weekly turnover potential.

Ahead of the Dublin clash with Pittsburgh, Flores’ influence shows in smart free-agent bets (Rodgers, Greenard, Van Ginkel, Cashman, Murphy) and a defense that has produced five turnovers in the win over Cincinnati. Fantasy angles point to Vikings defenders driving value as the scheme tightens.

The Vikings boast a hyper-deep defensive group, making the chase for a single “most important” player more about roles than a lone star. Byron Murphy Jr. emerges as the top corner in a thin rotation, while a five-man nucleus—Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Josh Metellus, Blake Cashman and Harrison Smith—drives the unit’s versatility and playmaking. Interior anchors Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, plus speed from Ivan Pace Jr., protect the middle and rush edges. On offense, Jefferson anchors the attack and J.J. McCarthy’s start-forward arc will shape their ceiling this season. A Week 1 shootout backdrop against Philadelphia and Dallas adds fantasy wrinkles for depth and weekly volatility.

J.J. McCarthy handled his first extended look against a top first-team defense with a blend of pace, poise and moments of pressure. He opened with a rough patch in one-on-ones but settled into seven-on-seven rhythm, finishing a two-minute drive with a throw to Addison and a scramble that kept the Vikings’ march alive. Coach Kevin O’Connell praised McCarthy’s composure and leadership as a checkpoint in camp, signaling elevated expectations for his development and fantasy upside.

Drake Maye flashed the touch and accuracy that made him a high pick, threading quick-hitting passes and keeping plays alive against the Viking rush. He connected repeatedly with Stefon Diggs and TreVeyon Henderson, illustrating a capable Patriots attack that benefited from Garrett Bradbury’s presence at center and the guidance of Josh McDaniels. The day also highlighted veteran defenses’ adjustments and how rookie and veteran weapons might shape Week 1 expectations for both sides.

Addison and Maye linked on multiple angles, while Maye’s pocket mobility and quick decision-making underscored the Patriots’ upside this season. For fantasy managers, the mix of McCarthy’s development plus Maye’s flair and the surrounding supporting cast provides a clearer read on target distribution, offense cadence, and potential two-quarterback stack opportunities with a condensed early slate.

The Minnesota Vikings have secured cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. by re-signing him this offseason. However, a recent PFF re-draft sheds light on what might have been, had he been selected earlier. In this re-draft scenario, Murphy, originally the 33rd overall pick in 2019 for the Arizona Cardinals, is now taken by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 25th pick, as they traded up to secure him. This strategic move highlights how teams can overlook talent during initial drafts.

Murphy's ascent into the first round, despite being a second-round rookie, underscores his potential and performance. If he had been drafted by the defending Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, it might have significantly altered his career trajectory and the Eagles' defensive dynamics. As the Vikings aim for a more robust defense, this re-draft serves as a reflection on talent evaluation processes in professional football.