As the cliche in the NFL goes, it’s not who you play but when you play them.
Two weeks ago, the prospect of the Minnesota Vikings playing a road game against the New York Jets might’ve seemed like a cakewalk considering they were coming off three straight humiliating losses. A 31-12 defeat against Jacksonville plummeted New York to 1-3 through Week 4, but a three-game homestand seems to have reinvigorated the Jets. Led by rookie quarterback Sam Darnold, the Jets have decisively beaten the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts at home to even their record and give them a fresh outlook heading in their homestand finale against Minnesota.
Then again, the Vikings are also playing better football themselves, winners of two in a row and in position to claim first place in the NFC North with a win.
Let’s take a final look at the game’s biggest storylines.
VIKINGS OFFENSE vs JETS DEFENSE
Running back Dalvin Cook is out once again for the Vikings (hamstring), leaving the rushing attack to Latavius Murray, who notched a career high 155 yards a week ago.
But the onus will likely be on the Jets to stop the Vikings passing game, which has averaged 367 yards on the road and has the matchup advantage with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs against an injured Jets secondary.
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With three Jets secondary members out, the passing game should have ample appeal. That would, in turn, put more pressure on a Vikings offensive line that ranks 29th, according to Pro Football Focus, in pass blocking and has permitted 124 pressures this season.
The Jets are second in the league in takeaways with 15, while Kirk Cousins has turned it over eight times between interceptions and fumbles. Ball security will be key.
VIKINGS DEFENSE vs JETS OFFENSE
New York is coming off Darnold’s most consistent passing performance of the season in last Sunday’s win over Indianapolis — four takeaways didn’t hurt either. The week before, 323 rushing yards propelled the Jets over the Broncos. In Week 1, defensive and special teams touchdowns aided a blowout win against Detroit.
Ultimately, the Jets have won in a variety of ways but have yet to establish a strong offensive identity. The passing game, which was great against Indy, has only produced over 200 yards twice. Only once has the offense turned it over fewer than two times. The run game dominated against the Broncos — and Isaiah Crowell is averaging 6.1 yards per carry — but it has also produced 42- and 34-yard duds in a pair of losses.
The Vikings have had mixed results against rookie passers this year, losing to Josh Allen and beating Josh Rosen, so it’s fair to be perplexed over which unit will show up. Minnesota has allowed 424 yards per game on the road this year.
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BOTTOM LINE
If there was a game where the Vikings simply needed to survive, it’s this one. A win paired with a Bears loss against New England and the Vikings are in first place. A loss, and they are back to playing catch-up with a tough game against the Saints looming.
Minnesota needs to win — and will — but it won’t come easily.
Vikings 27, Jets 24
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