Brian Flores. As much as Sam Darnold deserves some love here, Minnesota’s defensive coordinator has meant even more to what the Vikings have been able to do in a season when most people expected them to be mediocre. The Minnesota D started fast and remains an elite unit today, largely because of the creative schemes Flores has used to pressure quarterbacks and generate big plays. The Vikings rank among the best in the league in sacks, takeaways and points allowed. In fact, seven of Minnesota’s 11 opponents have been held to 17 or fewer points this season, which speaks to the consistency of this defense. Even though it had a tough day against the Bears in a 30-27 overtime win on Sunday, this unit has produced when this team has needed it most.