The Minnesota Vikings are seeking their fourth win of the season and their ninth straight, dating back to last season, as they face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. However, despite their 3-0 record, the Vikings' offense and defense are operating at opposite ends of the spectrum.
No one has accumulated fewer offensive yards than Minnesota this season. The unit hasn't even eclipsed 250 yards in a game yet. However, the defense, led by Brian Flores, is the top-rated unit by DVOA and EPA/play allowed. This defense-first approach has driven the Vikings' current eight-game winning streak, but the offense has to carry its own weight at some point.
Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins could give Kevin O'Connell's offense a prime opportunity to get
on track, even without Justin Jefferson in the lineup. That leads us to the first of three bold predictions for the game.
3 Bold predictions for the Vikings Week 4 matchup with the Dolphins
Kyler Murray will throw three touchdowns
Part of Minnesota's success in its current win streak has been its reliance on the ground game to minimize turnover risk. But the Vikings' run game has lacked explosion since Jordan Mason was placed on injured reserve after Week 1. Aaron Jones has three runs of 10+ yards, which is tied for 28th with players such as Malik Willis. Jones also dealt with a knee injury last week, although he played through it against the Buccaneers.
How does any of that relate to Kyler Murray, who completed only 15/29 passes for 168 yards, one touchdown, and an interception? It makes me believe O'Connell will use Sunday as a suped-up scrimmage for Murray. With Minnesota's running game providing its own limitations, the Dolphins' pass defense could be exactly what the Vikings' offense needs to get back on track.
Miami is allowing 9.1 yards per pass this season and has yet to record a sack. With one game under his belt, Murray should be more comfortable dropping back to pass. O'Connell had a full week to prepare a game plan without Jefferson, so I'm watching for Murray to let it fly.
Jauan Jennings will complete a pass
With this offense needing a spark, I could see this as the time for O'Connell to reach into his bag of tricks and ignite some momentum. Jennings has only caught one pass for one yard this season, but he has shown the ability to throw the ball. He has two passing touchdowns in his career, both coming in the playoffs while he was with the 49ers, including one against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Jauan Jennings to Christian McCaffrey for a TD. Let's get crazy!pic.twitter.com/rX6IN5P6EI https://t.co/Ceutlo0JXl
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 12, 2024
O'Connell has taken heat this year for the offense's ineptitude, and pulling out a trick play could help instill confidence in his creativity. I'm not sure if O'Connell tries pulling it out near the goal line or in the middle of the field to get a drive going, but this feels like a game where the head coach can try some things on offense against a susceptible defense.
The defense will record a touchdown
It's hard to envision Minnesota losing this game because it would almost require a defensive letdown, and I can't see Flores taking this matchup for granted. This is the first time he's faced the Dolphins as a playcaller since the organization fired him in 2021 after serving three years as head coach.
No one has generated as many pressures (63, per Next Gen Stats) or sacks (14) as the Vikings this season. But they have yet to record a touchdown on defense, and if the offense can build a lead, a furious pass rush and dizzying secondary could force Willis into desperate throws. I have Minnesota scoring on defense one week after Myles Price tallied one for special teams.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 3 Bold predictions for the Vikings Week 4 matchup with the Dolphins
