Dolphins (3-2) vs. Minnesota Vikings (4-1), Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX
Latest line: Vikings are favored by 3 1/2 factors; over/underneath is 42.
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season document: 3-2): Dolphins 24, Vikings 20
Yes, the Vikings are 4-1, however they’ve crushed up on a few NFC North patsies in Detroit and Chicago and their solely opponents with a profitable document is 3-2 Green Bay. Kirk Cousins is simply adequate to make you involved about their offense, nevertheless it averages 23 factors a recreation — precisely just like the Dolphins. But Cousins and star receiver Justin Jefferson, who already has 40 catches, may have one other large day in opposition to Miami’s struggling secondary. Jefferson had a career-high 12 catches for 154 yards in opposition to the Bears final week.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season document: 1-4): Vikings 27, Dolphins 24
This is basically primarily based on the Dolphins’ damage state of affairs. Their depth is being examined in lots of areas, however maybe the largest subject is the cornerback state of affairs, which has an enormous bearing on all the protection. The Dolphins are ranked twenty eighth in opposition to the move and have given up quite a few large performs. It’s additionally a significant query how rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson will fare in his first NFL begin. The Dolphins have gained eight straight video games at Hard Rock Stadium, however they are going to be hard-pressed to increase that streak.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season document: 3-2): Vikings 30, Dolphins 20
Miami will stay with third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson in opposition to the Vikings as Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater stay in concussion protocol. The Dolphins are additionally attempting to carry a number of star gamers again from damage in Xavien Howard, Terron Armstead and Tyreek Hill. The Vikings are off to a robust 4-1 begin. Dalvin Cook may very well be in for a giant recreation again in his hometown, and Pro Bowl receiver Justin Jefferson would possibly feast on a banged-up Dolphins secondary. Jefferson leads the NFL in receiving yards with 547.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season document: 3-2): Vikings 34, Dolphins 20
The Dolphins appear to be in a downward spiral, and dealing with Minnesota isn’t going to assist them pull out of it. The Vikings’ solely loss has been to the undefeated Eagles, and they’re clicking on many ranges. The Dolphins’ dismal fourth quarter final week makes it arduous to select Miami, particularly with its quarterback state of affairs and damage woes. Miami’s protection must get again on observe.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season document: 2-3): Vikings 27, Dolphins 17
While Tua Tagovailoa inched nearer to returning, rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson will begin in opposition to the Vikings as Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater stay in concussion protocol. If Bridgewater is cleared to return this week, he’ll again up Thompson in opposition to Minnesota. But a third-string QB making his first NFL begin doesn’t bode properly in opposition to the division-leading Vikings. Veteran Kirk Cousins and his standout receivers definitely get the nod on this matchup.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season document: 2-3): Vikings 27, Dolphins 20
The Dolphins are getting buried by accidents, and the Vikings without having appeared spectacular doing it, are 4-1 and main the NFC North. If the Dolphins’ prime two cornerbacks to cowl Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are Nik Needham and Kader Kohou, the Dolphins may have a minimum of a half-dozen sacks to outlive. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, although, has been sacked greater than 3 times solely as soon as in his previous two-dozen video games.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com