Byron Murphy Jr. just locked up NFC Defensive Player of the Week, and man, it feels good to see it happen. After what he did to the Saints on Sunday, it was pretty much the only call that made sense. Two picks, three tackles, and a tackle for loss in that 23-13 win down in New Orleans.
Vikings Byron Murphy Jr. Big In Win
The first one came in the third quarter when Shough tried to force something under pressure, and Murph just sat on it. The second one, late with under three minutes left, sealed it. Shough went deep for Chris Olave on what looked like a double move, and Murphy tracked it the whole way and came down with the ball. That’s the kind of play that ends a drive and a game.
Byron Murphy Jr. is now tied for the league lead with three interceptions through five games. First one came against the Bears in Week 2, and he’s been making life miserable for receivers ever since. Twenty-one tackles, a tackle for loss, and five passes defensed so far. The defense as a whole has been ridiculous—ten turnovers already, ranking right near the top of the league, and they’ve held teams under 100 passing yards in back-to-back weeks. That’s why we’re 5-0 heading into the bye. Four NFC Players of the Week already this year between special teams and now this. You can feel the confidence on that side of the ball every week.
Murphy Jr. On Track Again
Murphy’s been a huge part of the defense since he got here. Career-high six picks in 2024, and got a Pro Bowl appearance. He signed that three-year, $54 million extension in March 2025 so he’s locked in through 2027. They restructured it earlier this year too, which helped the cap a bit. He struggled somewhat in the 2025 season with only 2 interceptions on the year and 7 pass defenses. At 28 he’s still in his prime, and it shows this season. He looks to be right on track again for this Minnesota Vikings Defense.
He went up against some solid receivers already this year—guys from Green Bay, Chicago, Tampa, Miami—and then got matched up with Chris Olave on Sunday. Olave came in as the Saints’ go-to guy, but he was held to just four catches for 46 yards on six targets. That’s a quiet day for him, especially after the numbers he’d put up earlier. Murphy limited the damage and then took the ball away twice. That’s the difference he has been able to make this year.
Another Pro Bowl In His Future?
The whole defense has been the engine behind this undefeated start. Brian Flores has these guys flying around, creating turnovers, and making it tough for anyone to get comfortable. Murphy’s ball skills and instincts fit right in with that. With the bye this week, they get a chance to rest up before the Colts come to town. If Murphy keeps playing like this, the secondary is going to keep giving offenses problems for a while. Might even have another Pro Bowl appearance in his future! SKOL!
Steve is also the host of the Vikings Playbook Podcast and the Fantasy 15 Fantasy Football Podcast/Website at Fantasy15Football.com.
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