The Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints 23-13 on October 12, 2026, with Kyler Murray starting 12 for 12 and finishing 24 of 30 for 229 yards, and the defense allowing three touchdowns since halftime of the opener while holding opponents to 22 percent on third down. The discussion has settled on that defense, with Cashman and Van Ginkle producing an opening-snap stop, against an offense that turned it over at the plus seven and plus 12 for 17 expected points lost and a 38.5 percent rushing success rate. Murray's scrambling, seven carries for 54 yards and three first downs, is the counterweight. The Saints pressured on 28 percent of dropbacks against a line missing two starters.