Prior to Week 7, only the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Minnesota Vikings remained undefeated. However, now the picture is totally different.

The Vikings were able to survive a very intense, low-scoring game against the Indianapolis Colts. Minnesota came back and won 16-10 after a hard-fought battle. As for the 49ers, they’re undefeated no more. San Francisco got shocked by the Atlanta Falcons, who beat them 29-20.

One team remains to play in Week 7

The Kansas City Chiefs already had their bye, but they are still undefeated as of now. However, that can change if they lose on Sunday Night Football of Week 7 away at Seattle.

If the Chiefs win, they’ll be 6-0, but a defeat would leave the Vikings as the sole unbeaten team in the 2026 NFL season. The glamour and prestige of being undefeated is one thing, but it also puts teams in a premium position to win their division and be the first seed in the conference, assuring home playoff games.

When was the last time a team went undefeated in the NFL regular season?

Almost 20 years have passed since the NFL saw a team stay unbeaten throughout the regular season. In 2007, the Patriots finished 16-0 and went all the way to the Super Bowl, where they were finally beaten by the New York Giants.

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins also managed to play an unbeaten season, though they were able to not only finish 14-0, but also win the Super Bowl en route to an overall 17-0 record.

Key takeaways

• The Minnesota Vikings survived against the Colts with a 16-10 comeback victory.
• The Atlanta Falcons shocked the San Francisco 49ers with a 29-20 defeat.
• A Kansas City win over Seattle would improve the Chiefs to 6-0.

The timing of the break also creates an interesting pause for a Vikings team that has quickly emerged as one of the NFL‘s unbeaten clubs. While Minnesota sits out Week 6, four other teams are also off this weekend.

They won’t have to wait long to return to action. Minnesota’s next game is scheduled for Week 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium, giving the team a full week to recover before attempting to extend its perfect start.

Who are the Minnesota Vikings playing in Week 7?

The Vikings will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL regular season, as they continue their campaign in the NFC. The team is looking to build momentum and strengthen their position in the NFC playoff race.

According to the Minnesota Vikings’ official 2026 schedule, the game is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at noon CT at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The matchup will air on CBS.

They enter Week 7 after their Week 6 bye, giving the team an additional week to rest and prepare for Indianapolis. The Colts, meanwhile, will be looking to make the most of the matchup as the regular season progresses.

Key takeaways

• The Minnesota Vikings are off in Week 6 due to their bye week.
• Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s team enters the break with a 5-0 start.
• The Minnesota Vikings face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Following the victories of the Minnesota Vikings over the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers over the Seattle Seahawks, they stand as the only franchises that remain undefeated with a 5-0 record. However, they are not the only unbeaten squad in the league.

The Kansas City Chiefs also remain undefeated, but fans must wait until Week 6 to see if they will reach 5-0. This week, the Chiefs were on a bye week, meaning a week of rest. In Week 6, they will play against the Los Angeles Chargers.

On the verge of something rarely seen before

The last time three NFL franchises started undefeated with a 5-0 record was in the 2015 season. On that occasion, the three teams that managed to reach Week 6 without a loss were the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Key victories for the Vikings and 49ers

The Vikings secured a victory against the Saints with a 23-13 score, where their defense stood out as the stellar unit of the week—a unit that has been providing hope for a Super Bowl-level run since the start of the season. Entering Sunday, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough ranked fourth in the NFL in passing yards with 1,203 yards through the air in his first four games this season.

Some believed that containing Shough this weekend seemed like it was going to be a tall task for the Vikings, but Flores and the defense did what they do best in the game and made the New Orleans quarterback lose his mind.

On the 49ers‘ side, they secured a hard-fought 32-29 victory against a tough Seattle Seahawks team, where Brock Purdy once again demonstrated why he is emerging as one of the MVPs of the season.

Key takeaways

• The Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers stand as the only 5-0 teams.
• The Kansas City Chiefs remained undefeated following a Week 5 bye.
• The 2015 season was the last time three NFL teams started 5-0.

Hockenson was tackled and his head slammed the ground hard. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Hockenson suffered a concussion, hence, he was downgraded to out. This is a big blow, as wideout Jordan Addison is not playing vs Saints either.

The fact of the matter is that now, the Vikings will have an uphill battle to produce yards. They’ve got too many injuries on offense, so their unbeaten record might be in real jeopardy.

The Vikings offensive injury list is lengthy

Minnesota is 4-0 but that is not because of their offensive prowess. In fact, after Week 1, the Vikings have struggled to actually just score touchdowns. When you see the injuries they’re dealing with, it’s not that surprising. Even Justin Jefferson had limited practices all week.

• TJ Hockenson
• Jordan Addison
• Jordan Mason
• Christian Darrisaw
• Ben Yurosek

The Vikings offense ranks badly in the NFL

Minnesota’s offense has struggled badly. The Vikings rank 31st in yards and dead-last in passing yards. It’s remarkable to see the defense holding this team and earning wins.

Key takeaways

• TJ Hockenson was ruled out after suffering a concussion against the New Orleans Saints.
• Minnesota’s lengthy offensive injury list includes Jordan Addison and Jordan Mason.
• The Minnesota Vikings offense ranks dead-last in passing yards across the NFL.

Addison is dealing with a hamstring injury, hence his absence, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. However, the Vikings also answered if Justin Jefferson is playing today vs Saints.

The other big-name wide receiver on the roster is Odell Beckham Jr., who isn’t playing for the Giants anymore. Still, he is inactive. Hence, it’s going to be a real challenge for quarterback Kyler Murray to move the chains, though having Jefferson always help.

Murray has formed chemistry with TE TJ Hockenson

The Vikings have dealt with wide receiver injuries all season long. Hence, the tight end TJ Hockenson has become very important. While Murray missed a couple of games, last week they played and found natural chemistry.

Hockenson had a season-high game in targets (13), catches (13), and receiving yards (119). Justin Jefferson will serve as the home run weapon in this game, but Hockenson is the safety net for Murray.

Vikings WR depth chart vs Saints

The Minnesota Vikings WR depth chart against the New Orleans Saints is thin. However, head coach Kevin O’Connell is a masterful playcaller, so the offense should still work at some degree. This is the full depth chart:

• Justin Jefferson
• Jauan Jennings
• Tai Felton
• Myles Price

Key takeaways

• Jordan Addison will miss Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints with a hamstring injury.
• TJ Hockenson set season highs with 13 targets, 13 catches, and 119 receiving yards.
• Justin Jefferson and Jauan Jennings lead Minnesota’s wide receiver depth chart for Week 5.

The Vikings’ receiving corps is dealing with a huge absence, as Jordan Addison initially was listed as questionable, but he was finally ruled out for this crucial game vs Saints.

Another certainty for Kyler Murray and his offense at the moment is that veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings will be one of his targets through the air. Meanwhile, Minnesota is looking to remain unbeaten in the 2026 NFL season.

Jefferson’s troubled ankle

Minnesota’s star wideout sent shockwaves through the fan base back in Week 3 (September 27) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Just a few plays into the game, Justin Jefferson picked up a right ankle sprain after Vita Vea accidentally landed on his leg while making a tackle.

The injury sent him straight to the locker room for the rest of the day and kept him sidelined for Week 4 against Miami. Fortunately, it wasn’t a long-term issue—he managed to put in some limited practices during the week and was ultimately cleared to return for the Vikings’ Week 5 matchup.

A major addition for the Vikings

The Vikings made a low-risk, high-upside move by picking up Odell Beckham Jr. on October 7 after he was released by the New York Giants. Beckham had a quick, quiet stint in New York where he went catchless on just one target through three games, but Minnesota pounced as soon as he hit the open market to add extra depth and a veteran presence to their receiving corps.

It’s a natural fit for both sides: OBJ gets a fresh start with head coach Kevin O’Connell—whom he won a Super Bowl with during their time in Los Angeles—and reunites with fellow LSU standout Justin Jefferson. Initially signed to the practice squad, Minnesota immediately elevated OBJ ahead of their Week 5 matchup against New Orleans, giving him an instant shot to provide some extra pop to a 4-0 squad looking to keep its strong momentum going.

Key takeaways

• Justin Jefferson is listed as questionable for Minnesota’s Week 5 game against New Orleans.
• Justin Jefferson was cleared to return after missing Week 4 with an ankle sprain.
• Minnesota signed Odell Beckham Jr. on October 7 to add receiver depth.

Beckham has quickly learned Minnesota’s offense and established chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray after signing with the Vikings earlier this week, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “Sources say Odell Beckham Jr. has quickly picked up the #Vikings’ offense and has developed a good connection with Kyler Murray as well. It’s a pretty cool homecoming for OBJ, who grew up in New Orleans.”

Beckham joined Minnesota on Wednesday following his surprise release from the New York Giants last Tuesday. His quick turnaround gives him an opportunity to make an impact only days after joining a Vikings team that has opened the season with four consecutive victories.

Beckham’s debut with the Vikings

The matchup also carries additional significance for Beckham. The veteran receiver grew up in New Orleans before starring at LSU and beginning an NFL career that has included stops with several teams, making this a significant return.

While Beckham‘s role in his Vikings debut remains to be seen, his early connection with Murray could allow Minnesota to incorporate him into the offense sooner than expected. The 33-year-old gives the Vikings another experienced option in their receiving corps as they attempt to remain unbeaten.

The confidence behind Beckham comes with clear reasons. Beckham largely dominated the NFL during his first stint with the Giants (2014-2018). He made three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro Second Teams and posted 1,000+ yards in every season except 2017, which ended early due to a fractured left ankle.

The Vikings (4-0) will look to extend their hot start when visiting New Orleans (1-3) in Week 5. Beckham could make his Vikings debut in his hometown as Minnesota seeks its fifth consecutive victory to open the 2026 season.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. was elevated from the practice squad by the Minnesota Vikings.
• Kyler Murray established quick chemistry with Odell Beckham Jr. in Minnesota.
• Week 5 features Minnesota (4-0) visiting New Orleans (1-3) for Beckham’s potential debut.

The decision comes as Minnesota deals with uncertainty surrounding its top two wide receivers. Justin Jefferson is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, while Jordan Addison carries the same designation because of a hamstring issue. With both players potentially unavailable, the Vikings are preparing for different scenarios as they look to maintain their offensive production.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the move, explaining that Beckham’s elevation provides additional insurance for Minnesota’s receiving corps. The former New York Giants star recently joined the Vikings after being released by his previous team, and his familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell from their time with the Los Angeles Rams could help him adapt quickly if called upon.

Will Odell Beckham Jr. play for Vikings vs Saints?

Pelissero confirmed that Minnesota has elevated Beckham to its active roster for Sunday’s game, but he emphasized that the receiver’s participation has not yet been determined. The move gives the Vikings another option at wide receiver while they wait for clarity on Jefferson and Addison, both of whom remain questionable on the final injury report.

“The Vikings are elevating WR Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad for Sunday’s game at New Orleans, per sources. Still TBD if OBJ will play. But the move provides insurance with both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison listed as questionable.”

Beckham’s potential role will depend largely on the availability of Minnesota’s leading receivers. Jefferson missed the Vikings’ previous game while recovering from his ankle injury, and Addison has also been managing his hamstring problem. If either player cannot suit up, Beckham could provide valuable depth for quarterback Kyler Murray, who would benefit from having another experienced target available against New Orleans.

The move also represents another opportunity for Beckham to revive his NFL career after a brief and unproductive return to the Giants. He recorded no catches on one target across three games with New York before his release, but his experience and previous connection with O’Connell offer Minnesota a low-risk option. Whether Beckham makes his Vikings debut on Sunday remains to be seen, but the team has taken the necessary step to make him available if needed.

Key takeaways

• The Vikings elevated Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad before playing New Orleans.
• Receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are both questionable with injuries.
• Beckham recorded zero catches on one target across three games with the Giants.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, “Most of the league projected Reese as an outside linebacker coming out of Ohio State, but the Giants saw him as an inside linebacker.” Reese told ESPN this week that he recalls only two teams telling him he would be an inside linebacker at the NFL level: the Giants and Minnesota Vikings.

“Everyone else pretty much said ‘he’s an edge guy,” Reese said. Hence, this was a next-level read for the Giants, who have a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year in their hands. To be fair with the rest of the franchises, Reese did say at the NFL scouting combine that he was an oustide linebacker/edge.

Where did Reese play for Ohio State in CFB?

Reese played 238 snaps as an inside linebacker, and 356 as an outside linebacker in his final year with the Buckeyes. So, he wasn’t really lying. However, it’s still plenty of snaps played at ILB. The Giants received positive feedback on Reese for his performance.

For Giants head coach John Harbaugh, it’s easy, “I would answer it this way — that’s what he played. So, it was easy. You watched him on tape and he played it really well… but he played it really well at Ohio State against the best teams in the country in a pretty complicated defensive system that they have over there. So, yeah, it was, to me, the evidence was right there,” he said.

Reese is a clear-cut game-changer for the NY Giants

Reese has absolutely transformed the New York Giants defense and emerged as a frontrunner for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Selected No. 5 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, he has quickly silenced critics who questioned the Giants’ decision to play him as an off-ball, inside linebacker rather than a pure edge rusher.

Oh and by the way, according to Reese, this isn’t even close to his best level. In fact, he labeled his Week 4 breakout performance as just “decent.” Therefore the Giants must be ecstatic to see what “good” or “great” looks like for Reese.

Key takeaways

• Arvell Reese posted nine solo tackles and his first career interception in Week 4.
• Only the Giants and Vikings projected Reese as an inside linebacker during pre-draft evaluations.
• Head coach John Harbaugh praised Reese’s film against top collegiate programs at Ohio State.

Beckham emphasized the importance of having a coach who genuinely believes in him, pointing to head coach Kevin O’Connell as a key reason why the opportunity came together. They already worked together with the Rams. While he did not directly criticize the Giants, his remarks could be interpreted as a contrast with his experience in New York, where opportunities to make an impact were limited.

“He had extreme confidence and belief (O’Connell). It’s always good to be somewhere where you want it. He was the one who reached out and kind of made this whole thing happen. It seemed as if he wanted me to be here. It always feels better when you’re doing it for somebody where it feels like their heart is there for it as well.”

Why did the Giants release Odell Beckham Jr.?

Odell Beckham’s comments are particularly notable because of what John Harbaugh previously said about his role in New York. The Giants head coach acknowledged that the team had not given the veteran receiver enough opportunities, taking responsibility for how the situation unfolded rather than placing the blame solely on the player. There was nothing wrong at practice with the veteran.

Harbaugh summed up that accountability with a brief statement: “put it on us.” His explanation suggested that the coaching staff recognized Beckham had not been put in a position to make the kind of impact the team had hoped for when he joined the organization.

With the Vikings, Beckham appears to have found a situation in which the head coach actively pushed to bring him aboard. His words about wanting to play for someone whose commitment feels genuine may therefore be seen as a subtle contrast with his time with the Giants, even though he stopped short of directly criticizing Harbaugh or New York. Minnesota now offers him another opportunity to show what he can do when he feels the organization is fully invested in him.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Minnesota Vikings after feeling genuinely wanted by Kevin O’Connell.
• Giants head coach John Harbaugh took full responsibility for Odell Beckham Jr.’s limited role, saying “put it on us.”
• Odell Beckham Jr. expressed appreciation for playing under a coach whose heart is fully invested.

The other two main weapons Kyler Murray has at his disposal through the air are Jordan Addison and veteran Jauan Jennings, who most recently played for the San Francisco 49ers. Further down the receiving corps are Tai Felton and Myles Price.

The Vikings added not only experience, but also a key piece to their passing-game rotation. Beckham Jr. gets a chance at redemption after being released by the G-Men, and he will look to earn more playing time in this new chapter of his career.

OBJ’s departure from the Giants

Odell Beckham Jr.’s hope of wearing a Giants uniform again lasted only a moment. Although the wide receiver did make the final 53-man roster for this season, his stay in East Rutherford lasted only a handful of games.

His limited playing time, combined with the number and quality of receivers ahead of him in New York, led John Harbaugh and his staff to make the decision to release the veteran. Now, under the guidance of O’Connell, who knows him from his time with the Los Angeles Rams, he has a new opportunity in his career.

When could OBJ make his debut?

Following their Week 4 win over Miami, the Minnesota Vikings’ next three games include a Week 5 road matchup against the New Orleans Saints on October 11, followed by a Week 6 bye before returning home to host the Indianapolis Colts on October 25.

They then hit the road again to take on the Detroit Lions in a division clash on November 1. If Odell Beckham Jr. gets activated by Minnesota, he could realistically make his debut as early as the Saints game, though the Week 7 matchup against Indianapolis after the bye week provides an ideal window to get fully up to speed with the offense.

Key takeaways

• The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to strengthen their depth chart.
• The New York Giants released Odell Beckham Jr. due to limited playing time.
• Odell Beckham Jr. could debut as early as October 11 against the Saints.