Winning without touchdowns
The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0 and sitting at the top of the NFC North. They have achieved this record in a way the NFL has not seen for more than one hundred years. Sunday brought a 15-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins, which was the second game this season without a touchdown for Minnesota. The other was a 9-3 win against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. The last time a team started a season 4-0 with multiple games without a touchdown was in 1923 by the Chicago Cardinals.
While the offense struggles, the defense limits opponents to an NFL best 12.8 points per game. Over the past three weeks, special teams accounted for six times as many points as the offense. Coach Kevin O'Connell acknowledged the issues, stating that the team must own its role in not moving the football more consistently.
Personnel changes and injuries
The offense faces challenges due to a heavy personnel shuffle. New quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a concussion early in the season, and receiver Justin Jefferson sprained his ankle soon after. They have played only eighteen snaps together. The offensive line also dealt with injuries during the Miami game, missing left tackle Christian Darrisaw and left guard Donovan Jackson for parts of the match.
Fans showed frustration at the stadium as the offense struggled with pre-snap penalties and cadence issues. However, the fourth quarter showed promise. Murray completed twelve of thirteen passes for 113 yards, connecting with Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson to run down the clock. Kicker Will Reichard remains a bright spot, converting all twelve of his field goal attempts this season.
Predictions for these teams
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NFL and every other league
- NFL official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
