The Vikings’ offense has been uneven all season. Can they finally put together a complete performance against the defending Super Bowl champions?
Here are three keys for the Vikings’ offense against the Eagles in Week 7.
Does having Justin Jefferson affect the passing game, either directly or indirectly?
Justin Jefferson warmed up during the Vikings’ international trip. He caught 17 passes for 249 yards against the Steelers and Browns, showing a growing connection and trust on Wentz’s part. Can he continue like this against the Eagles?
Philadelphia ranks eighth in passing EPA allowed (-0.12). Will they sell out to stop Jefferson, who is finding his groove? Doing so could allow Jordan Addison to feast if too many resources are paid to Jefferson.
Establish the running game
The Vikings could really put the Eagles defense in a blender if they can get their running game going. Philadelphia allows 4.7 yards per rush and Minnesota averages 4.5 yards per rush, the highest of the Kevin O’Connell era.
Leading the charge for the Vikings has been Jordan Mason, whose 44.9% success rate ranks 11th among qualified running backs, per Next generation statistics. His +1.1 above-expected rushing yards per carry ranks tied for sixth in the league.
Mason has turned the ball over in each of the last two games. But if he can take care of the ball and remain efficient with the ball in his hands, the Vikings can dictate time of possession.
Do not commit unnecessary sanctions
The Vikings have committed 22 offensive penalties in 2025. Coaches can live with some plays, like holding, when players move so quickly in different directions. But other penalties, specifically pre-snap penalties, can drive a coach crazy.
Minnesota has had four delays of games and nine false starts. The delay in games can be attributed in part to a young quarterback in JJ McCarthy and then a new quarterback in Wentz, who was acquired in late August. The false starts could be due in part to the 14 different offensive line combinations the Vikings have used in five games.
But the Vikings will play at home on Sunday, which means they won’t have to deal with crowd noise or faulty clocks at international stadiums. If they can play a clean game before the snap and avoid backing up unnecessarily, they will be able to operate their offense in time.