A Welcome Bye Week for 5-0 Vikings After Solid Win in NO and a Wild Week 5 Around the NFL

In my team exec years, I always loved winning our game before the bye week. It gave us a rare two weeks to enjoy a victory. As great as the Vikings feel about winning in New Orleans on Sunday with the offense joining the defense and special teams as equal contributors, the team feels even better that they hit the bye as one of three remaining unbeaten teams. The 5-0 Vikings hold a two-game lead over the Lions, Packers, and Bears in the NFC North. Kevin O’Connell and the team also are pleased with the timing of the bye. When T.J. Hockenson left the Saints game in the first series due to concussion protocol, the offense was missing four starters—Hockenson, wide receiver Jordan Addison (minor hamstring injury), tackle Christian Darrisaw (concussion protocol), and guard Donovan Jackson (out for at least the regular season with a knee meniscus tear). Running back Jordan Mason also has been on IR with a thumb injury. O’Connell said Monday that Mason will return for the home game aga