They finished with an 11–3 record to win the NFC Central title and return to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season; however, they lost 20–12 at home to the eventual Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round.

In 2007, ESPN.com ranked the 1971 Vikings as the fourth-greatest defense in NFL history,[1] saying, "Considering that their motto was 'Meet at the quarterback,' it's no surprise that the Purple People Eaters held opposing QBs to a 40.4 rating, one of the lowest ever."

ESPN also noted that the 1971 Vikings "shut out three opponents, and only one team scored more than 20 points against them.

As a result, Alan Page became the first defensive player to ever be named NFL MVP.

Carl Eller, Jim Marshall and safety Paul Krause joined Page on the All-Pro team."