Dolphins visit undefeated Vikings in Week 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium
The Miami Dolphins visit the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Week 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium, the team said in a game preview. Minnesota enters 3-0 and seeks its second 4-0 start in three years, while Miami makes its first trip to U.S. Bank Stadium since 2018. It is just the second time in NFL history that a team’s first four opponents were all undefeated entering Week 4. The matchup will test Miami’s ability to sustain the defensive progress it showed in Week 3.
Minnesota’s defense has been the story this season. The Vikings rank second in points allowed (13.7 per game), second in takeaways (6) and fourth in run defense (85.7 rushing yards per game), the team said. Minnesota will be without All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson for Sunday, and the team also reported Jordan Mason is on injured reserve.
Miami’s defense showed signs of progress in a 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Miami limited Kansas City to 10 points over the Chiefs’ final seven possessions and limited Kenneth Walker to 70 rushing yards after he had averaged more than 140 rushing yards per game through the first two weeks. The Dolphins enter Week 4 tied for fourth in the league in rushing average allowed at 3.5 yards per carry.
head coach Jeff Hafley said, “I think it’s one of the better atmospheres in the NFL with a really good team and a really good staff, I think it’s a huge challenge.” Quarterback Malik Willis said, “Watching the tape, they do a lot.” Hafley added, “I think for some of those guys that maybe weren’t sure if they believed, I think a lot of them now are starting to believe, and I think that’s very powerful.”
Fans should check the official injury report and the team’s social media accounts 90 minutes before kickoff to see who is active for the game. Watch the game live on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX. Fans can also listen on the Dolphins Radio Network and follow the team’s Game Center for the latest coverage.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Miami’s best path to an upset is to stop the run and force Minnesota to rely on a passing attack that ranks last in yards per game (137). With Justin Jefferson out and injuries in the backfield, Minnesota’s offensive balance will be tested; turnovers and red-zone execution should determine the outcome.