Overview
- Smith earned the award after posting three tackles (two for loss), one sack, one interception and three passes defended in a 23-10 win over Detroit.
- Minnesota's defense forced six turnovers, sacked Jared Goff five times and held the Lions to 231 yards, eliminating Detroit from playoff contention.
- Smith now has 39 career interceptions and 21.5 sacks, a combination previously reached only by Ronde Barber.
- A 40th interception would place Smith alongside Charles Woodson, Ronde Barber and Larry Wilson in the NFL's exclusive 40–20 club.
- It is his third career weekly honor, and he is the fourth Viking to earn a conference Player of the Week this season, joining J.J. McCarthy, Isaiah Rodgers and Levi Drake Rodriguez.