The Vikings face the high powered Lions offense this week. They are first in passing yards per game. They are second in points per game at 30.7. The Vikings defense has given up the least yards and points per game and are second in passing yards allowed per game given up. The Vikings offense has is 29th in passing yards per game, 12th in rushing yards per game, and 24th in points per game. The Lions defense is last in passing yards allowed per game, 12th in rushing yards allowed per game, and 26th
in points allowed per game. Something has to give right?
Will the Lions continue to pass the ball very well? Will the Vikings pass the ball better? I expect more passing this game from the Vikings but they might try to force the run to win the time of possession battle which would be good. Can the Vikings run the ball better?
Which brings me to the Jonathan Taylor trade talks/proposals/etc. On October 20, 2022, the Carolina Panthers traded running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2023 second, 2023 third, 2023 fourth, and a 2024 fifth. Is Taylor worth that much? According to a “report” linked below, the Colts want a first for Taylor.
Should Nolan Teasley trade a first round pick for Taylor right now? The answer is complicated IMHO. First some facts.
The team is 6-0.
They probably will get at least 4 more wins giving them 10 which should make the playoffs. I think they get more wins.
That puts the draft slot from #20 to #32.
Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are both free agents in 2027.
The 2027 RB free agent class is average at best to below average.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/available/_/year/2027/position/rb
There are some folks who are already believing that Teasley needs to keep his first round pick to draft a rookie QB or to package with future picks presumedly which likely could be another first if you are coming up from at least #20.
You have teams like the Cardinals, Titans, Jets, Browns, and Steelers all possibly looking for a young QB. The current draft class is starting to not look as many predicted earlier (or last year during the draft cycle). Manning and Moore probably need to stay. Chambliss has no more eligibility. Mestemaker, Carr, Mensah, and Simmons all have eligibility left and it is unknown if they will come out. I am thinking that not many will come out with the amount of NIL money they could get. There are a lot of other factors as well but the Vikings are playing too well to be in position to get a QB without giving up more draft capital.
The NFL free agent QBs do not look very good right now either. You will have Murray, Mac Jones, Rodgers (retiring), Justin Fields, Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun Watson, Anthony Richardson, and others.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/available/_/year/2027/position/qb
I am thinking Teasley will go with a free agent QB and it probably will be Murray unless he gets worse or does not get better. The other option that most want is Mac Jones. Maybe they go that route? I would not be upset with that move.
That could mean the team will need to use a high draft pick on a running back in the next draft. How many draftees will be as good as Taylor?
I would be OK with this offer …
2027 first, 2027 fifth, 2028 a conditional fourth for Taylor (bumps to a 3rd if he gets 1400 yards and 70% of the snaps in 2027) and a 2028 sixth
… this solves the RB issue for 2027 and they will have a QB.
I know many will say forget that and pass on getting a back like Taylor which is cool. I would love the hear the alternatives though.
The Vikings offense faces split-safety looks on 41.3% of their snaps which is designed to limit Jefferson. Split-safety coverage inherently forces a defense to play with a “light box” (six or fewer defenders close to the line of scrimmage). It would be riskier to do that against a back like Taylor.
It makes too much sense to go get Taylor (if possible) to pair with Jefferson right now.
A side note: I will say this about the Bears trading for Jeffrey Simmons by giving up two firsts. Would you rather have Simmons or Banks and Donovan Jackson?
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
NFL Expert Picks: Vikings Defense vs. Lions Offense Anticipated Matchup in Week 8 Clash
https://www.vikings.com/news/nfl-expert-picks-defense-lions-offense-anticipated-matchup-week-
Lions 23, Vikings 13 – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
The undefeated Vikings face a tough road game here against Detroit. The Lions offense against the Minnesota defense will be a treat to watch. Jared Goff is playing at a high level right now, but Minnesota’s defense is the best in the league in terms of scoring. The Vikings offense is limited, but the Detroit defense has had major problems. But they were better last week, which I think carries over. Lions take it.
Lions 25, Vikings 22 – Bill Bender, Sporting News
This is a fun NFC North matchup. The Vikings defense continues to dominate, but Detroit’s offense presents a new challenge. Jared Goff averages 259.3 passing yards per game with six TDs and no interceptions at home, and Jahmyr Gibbs continues to put up huge numbers. Detroit’s defense also improved with the return of safety Brian Branch. The Lions hand the Vikings their first loss, but it will be tight.
Lions 23, Vikings 20 – Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Vikings have dominated with defense and are getting away with little offense. They will face a different kind of test on the road. Jared Goff can handle blitzes well with his top wide receivers and tight ends. Jahmyr Gibbs and the Lions running game can also get some wins at the line of scrimmage. The Lions defense also carries some positive vibes after slowing down the Packers.
0 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, NFL.com
1 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, Bleacher Report
Bleacher Report analysis Moe Moton: Don’t let the Vikings undefeated record fool you. They’re good but not dominant. Minnesota beat the Miami Dolphins 15-10 in Week 4 and just squeaked by the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 last week.
Kyler Murray has been inconsistent in five outings, throwing for three touchdowns and two interceptions while averaging 162.4 passing yards per game. He won’t keep pace with the Lions second-ranked scoring offense, even if Detroit scores only 21-24 points.
At worst, this is another push against the spread in a divisional matchup for the Lions.
3 of 8 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB
1 of 11 experts pick the Vikings, ESPN
1 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic
Colts reportedly open to trading RB Jonathan Taylor before Nov. 10 deadline
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nfl/article/colts-reportedly-open-to-trading-rb-jonathan-taylor-before-nov-10-deadline-131011904.html
Taylor said this week that he met with Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon to talk about his future with the team. While the team originally wanted to keep the 27-year-old running back as part of its rebuild, that sentiment has apparently changed, especially knowing the type of return the three-time Pro Bowler could deliver.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Taylor confirmed that he did not request a trade, but understood that he isn’t in control of the situation.
“I’m proud to wear the horseshoe, proud to be here. Similar to Quenton [Nelson] and [DeForest Buckner], they were proud to wear the horseshoe, they were proud to be here,” Taylor said. “But obviously, circumstances may cause otherwise. Hopefully that day may not come, but I can’t control that.”
There are already a number of suitors interested in acquiring Taylor. According to Schefter and Rapoport, the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks are among the teams who have inquired.
Report: Colts turn down second-round pick and more for Jonathan Taylor
https://coltswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2026/10/31/report-colts-turn-down-second-round-pick-and-more-jonathan-taylor/92532555007/
Vikings Get Major News on Possible Jonathan Taylor Trade
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/jonathan-taylor-colts-trade-interest-nfl-news/
“Multiple teams have reached out to Indianapolis, and those talks are said to be active and ongoing, according to sources,” Schefter and Rapoport wrote. “The list of teams that have expressed at least some level of interest in trading for Taylor so far is thought to include the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, sources said.”
What Indianapolis will accept for Taylor in trade is unclear, though the most common proposals authored in speculation by media members involve a second-round pick and possibly another draft asset. Considering the interest from five teams, however, the Colts may push for a first-rounder in return.
Part of the argument for that high of a price is that Taylor remains under contract through 2028. And even though he recently signed a two-year, $44 million extension that kicks in next season, Indy has already paid a good chunk of that money to the running back.
“Taylor, 27, is under contract in 2027 for $15 million and in 2028 for $9.46 million, making him even more attractive to any acquiring team,” Schefter and Rapoport added. “Indianapolis already paid him a signing bonus of $15 million before the season.”
Vikings $30 Million Trade Pitch Counters Bears’ Jeffery Simmons Deal
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vita-vea-buccaneers-trade-bears-jeffery-simmons-nfl-news/
Daniel Popper of The Athletic on October 21 named Vea among the best players in the league who might also find themselves on the trade block ahead of the November 10 deadline.
Vea requested a trade from the Bucs in July. In August, the two sides agreed on a one-year, $30 million extension that got Vea back on the field for the start of the regular season. The Bucs, though, have struggled.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has missed time with a thumb injury. The offense, with and without Mayfield, has been a limiting factor. Time could be running out for coach Todd Bowles.
Vea is a very powerful interior player who demands attention as a run defender and pass-rusher. He is due $23 million guaranteed in 2027, so an acquiring team would be looking at a future commitment. The Bucs, meanwhile, would take on $19.6 million in dead money in 2027.
Latest Vikings trade deadline buzz: GM Teasley working phones like a ‘madman’
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/latest-vikings-trade-deadline-buzz-gm-teasley-working-phones-like-a-madman
Where the 2026 Vikings rank among worst 6-0 NFL teams ever
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50329579/2026-minnesota-vikings-worst-undefeated-team-ever
Did the Vikings Demote 1 Offensive Lineman?
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/did-the-vikings-demote-ol
Sneaky Trade Opportunity Could Solve Vikings’ RB Needs as Deadline Nears
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/sneaky-trade-opportunity-solve-vikings-rb-needs-deadline-nears-01m673c31b2n
My Guys: 5 Vikings Trade Targets Ahead of the NFL Deadline
https://vikingsterritory.com/2026/news/top_news/5-vikings-trade-targets-nfl
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