What happened: League tracking shows Minnesota has blitzed 136 times this season. That total leads the NFL through the opening stretch and sits well ahead of Washington's 80.

Why it matters: The pressure-heavy approach has lined up with a 3-0 start, including a 23-16 win at Tampa Bay on Sept. 29. If the Vikings keep forcing quicker throws and tougher protection calls, the scheme can stay central to their early edge.

What to watch: The next test is whether Minnesota can keep that pressure gap once opponents spend a full week game-planning for it. Weekly blitz totals and defensive efficiency will show whether the edge is holding.