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Vikings star Anthony Barr says Minnesota's M.V.P. may NOT be on the field ... it might be the big guy above ... ya know, Prince!!

TMZ Sports ran into Barr last week at LAX ... and had to ask him whether he thought the undefeated Vikings were getting outside help from the late pop icon and Minnesota native.

Barr -- who says the Vikings dominant defense could go down in history as the best of all-time -- gives a great answer.

The Vikings didn't play this weekend ... so A.B. also breaks down his plans for his mini vacay in L.A.