The Minnesota Vikings (3-0) and Miami Dolphins (0-3) will be facing off Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota won 23-16 last week on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miami fell 24-10 at home to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Vikings-Dolphins game therefore involves a team trying to get to 4-0 as the other seeks to avoid going 4-0.
The Vikings-Dolphins in Week 4
Minnesota leads the all-time series 8-6, including winning the past two matchups.
The last time these two teams faced each other came in Week 6 of the 2022 season.
Kirk Cousins went 20/30 for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Dalvin Cook rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Justin Jefferson caught six passes for 107 yards.
On defense, Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks each tied for a game-high with 11 tackles a piece. Za’Darius Smith and Patrick Jones II each recorded two sacks.
Minnesota won 24-16.
For Miami, Teddy Bridgewater went 23/34 for 329 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Tyreek Hill caught 12 passes for 177 yards. Mike Gesicki caught six passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns.
On defense, Elandon Roberts recorded a team-high seven tackles and 1.5 sacks.
With the win, Minnesota improved to 5-1 on the season and finished the season at 13-4 to win the NFC North for the first time since 2017. They fell to the New York Giants at home in the opening round of the playoffs. Miami fell to 3-3 with the loss and finished the season at 9-8 as a wild card team. They fell to the Buffalo Bills on the road in the opening round of the playoffs.
Jefferson’s status (ankle) is uncertain at the moment. Even if he is healthy enough to go, will Minnesota keep him out and get him ready for the following week against the New Orleans Saints on the road?
That would be the best decision. True, it is any given Sunday, but given this is a home game and Miami is not a good team, they should win even without him. It is also a long season and what if Jefferson re-aggravates his injury?
Minnesota’s offense has been struggling so far, but even if Jefferson is out, Jordan Addison could be in a for a big game. He caught a 41-yard touchdown last week. Jauan Jennings has been very quiet so far, but he is capable of making plays too.
Aaron Jones may not get 23 carries again like he did in Week 2, but could get 17 like he did last week, or maybe around 15.
Miami’s offense and defense have both struggled. All of their losses also have been by 14 points or more. Losing De’Von Achane for the season (torn ACL) is a huge loss for them.
Minnesota should win this game and it would be a big shocker if they do not. Every win is very critical and starting at 4-0, especially with some very tough games later in the year, would be massive.
Prediction: Vikings win 31-10