6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win over the Raiders in Week 14

Vikings takeaway No. 3

Thank goodness for the defense

So far, we've talked a lot about the punts, the low offensive output, and Josh Dobbs' disappointing showing but the big positive from this game was how the Minnesota Vikings defense held the Raiders scoreless in Las Vegas.

In fact, the Vikings held Chicago out of the end zone in their previous game and only allowed one late score to the Broncos in Week 11. Considering this team's defense last year, fans should be pretty excited about the turnaround.

Brian Flores has baffled opposing teams and has been able to get the most out of players like Josh Metellus and Ivan Pace Jr. among others, and this should be considered a strength for this team moving forward.

The Minnesota Vikings will have some tough challenges ahead of them in their four final games of the season, but, at least for now, the defense appears to be clicking and growing as a unit at a time when the offense is struggling.