Their defense has faced one quarterback who started in last year’s Super Bowl, one who was the offensive rookie of the year in 2023, and another who recently signed a contract worth $160 million, and has allowed just 30 total points.

Their rookie kicker, Will Reichard, has made all 15 of his attempts.

They have won without getting a single game from No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison, who has an injured ankle, and won on Sunday without first-round draft pick Dallas Turner and starting linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.

Even a jaded fan base is allowed to say this out loud: As of late Sunday afternoon, these Vikings looked like the best team in football.

A team that, if it were allowed, could forward two nominees for Coach of the Year: head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

In the NFC, only the Vikings and Seahawks are 3-0, and Seattle has had a much easier schedule, beating Denver and New England in close games before defeating Miami’s backup quarterback, Skylar Thompson, on Sunday.