Hello defense, my old friend…

Throughout the 2024 season, the Vikings have called upon their defense on several occasions, whether it's providing the energy on the game's opening possession or getting a necessary stop in late-game situations.

Minnesota (7-2) will need to do so again on Sunday when it travels to Nashville to face the Titans (2-7). The Vikings will look to complete a sweep of the AFC South for the first time since the division was established in 2002.

Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores' group has been able to answer that call by silencing opposing offenses to the tune of 17.4 points per game (third fewest in the NFL), including shutting out its opponents in 16 of 36 quarters through nine games. Minnesota has also kept its opponents' run game to a minimum, allowing just 79.0 yards per game, the second fewest in the league.

The Vikings have cranked up the noise in terms of pressure. They lead the league in pressures (110), blitzes (147) and blitz percentage (38.9 percent) and rank second in quarterback hurries (38) and hits (42) and sixth in sacks (30). That type of pressure has created plenty of turnover opportunities, which Minnesota has capitalized in, as it leads the NFL in total takeaways (20) and interceptions (15).

Don't count Tennessee out just because of its record, though. The Titans have allowed the league's fewest total yards per game (273.6) and passing yards per contest (156.7) despite giving up an average of 26.7 points (fourth most in the NFL). According to NFL Media Research, the Titans have allowed the most points per game by any team with the No. 1 total defense in league history through nine games.

Tennessee has also struggled in generating pressure and turnovers. The Titans rank 27^th or lower in the NFL in sacks (18), pressures (54), blitzes (64), interceptions (three), total takeaways (six), quarterback hurries (18) and hits (18). Tennessee has blitzed just 22.1 percent of the time, which is 22^nd in the league.

The Vikings and Titans have met 14 times in their history, which includes Tennessee's time as the Houston Oilers, with Minnesota holding a 9-5 advantage in the all-time series. Minnesota has won six of the past eight meetings dating back to 1995, but the two sides have split the past four matchups, each winning once at home and once on the road. Minnesota is 2-1 in games at Nashville, with victories in 1998 and 2016 bookending a loss in 2008.

Tennessee claimed the most recent matchup in 2020, a 31-30 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium. Despite that loss, Vikings fans were treated to a breakout performance by Justin Jefferson in only his third game and first start as a pro. Jefferson recorded seven catches on nine targets for 175 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown – "Griddy-ing" his way into the end zone.

Keep an eye on Jefferson, who only needs 55 receiving yards Sunday to pass Torry Holt (6,784) for the most by a player in his first five NFL seasons.

Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game:

Vikings 23, Titans 20 – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

The Vikings are out on the road for a second straight week and didn't look good last week against the Jaguars but found a way to win. Sam Darnold has not been good the past few weeks. The Titans are playing for the future, but they will show up and play well here. Look for a close game with the Vikings winning it late.

Vikings 23, Titans 16 – Staff, Bleacher Report

Through the first month of the season, the Minnesota Vikings offense steamrolled through opponents before wideout Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson were fully healthy. Oddly, the offense hasn't looked as explosive with a full deck of pass-catchers.

Over the last three weeks, Sam Darnold has thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions. On the other hand, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis had his first turnover-free game last week after returning from an extended absence due to a shoulder injury.

[Bleacher Report NFL analyst Maurice] Moton isn't buying that Levis has turned a corner in his development, though.

"Levis is coming off his best game of the season, but bettors shouldn't get their hopes up about his improvement. He still took seven sacks," Moton said. "The Titans will now face the blitz-happy Vikings, which means Levis must make quick, shrewd decisions from the pocket. Based on his number of turnover-worthy plays this year, don't expect another efficient performance from him.

"Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will make life in the pocket tough for Levis, and the Titans will remember why they must take a quarterback early in the 2025 draft," Moton added. "Levis throws multiple interceptions, and the Vikings offense gets its swagger back after settling for four field goals last week."

Vikings 24, Titans 14 – Bill Bender, Sporting News

The Vikings lead the NFL with 15 interceptions, and Sam Darnold has thrown five INTs in his past two games. The Titans are 31^st in the NFL with a -11 turnover ratio. Which team can keep it clean? Justin Jefferson, who hasn't scored a TD in three games, breaks that streak, and the Vikings improve to 4-1 on the road. Aaron Jones (ribs) should be good to go, too.

Vikings 24, Titans 19 – Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

The Vikings defense and special teams saved them in Jacksonville on an off day for the offense despite multiple red-zone trips. Tennessee can also be a tricky AFC South trip, but Minnesota should feel confident its pass defense can cause a lot of issues for Will Levis with Brian Flores' aggressive scheming. Sam Darnold should play better, given he might be auditioning to replace Levis as the Titans QB in 2025.

6 of 6 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB

8 of 9 experts (2 of 11 total had not submitted) pick the Vikings, ESPN

6 of 8 experts pick the Vikings, Bleacher Report

8 of 8 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic