The Vikings, rested up and ready to roll after their bye week, resume their season in Philadelphia against a plucky Eagles team capable of pulling off an upset at home (see their beatdown of the Steelers). But their rookie QB hasn't yet seen a defense like this. Prediction: Vikings 22, Eagles 16.
Three big story lines
Wentz wagon
The aforementioned rookie QB for the Eagles is former NDSU star Carson Wentz, who has a 7-to-1 TD-to-INT differential. He must remain poised against Zimmer's tricky blitzes for the Eagles to win.
Bradford's back
Wentz's maturity is why the Eagles were willing to deal QB Sam Bradford to the Vikings. Against his former team, Bradford, 4-0 as a starter, will look to make it five straight games without a turnover.
Healthy returns
The Vikings are expected Sunday to welcome back from injury a pair of offensive starters, top WR Stefon Diggs and RG Brandon Fusco, in addition to Rhett Ellison and fellow backup TE David Morgan.
Two key matchups
QB Sam Bradford vs Eagles FS Malcolm Jenkins
The Eagles, especially their Pro Bowl safety, will look to take advantage of their familiarity with Bradford. So the QB must keep one eye on Jenkins, who had a pick-six in the Eagles' loss to the Redskins last Sunday.
DE Brian Robison vs. Eagles RT Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Vaitai, a rookie, had a rough starting debut against Redskins OLB Ryan Kerrigan, who had two sacks. Now Robison, and in some looks fellow DE Danielle Hunter, will look to blow by Vaitai on their way to Wentz.
One stat that matters
4.8 yards per carry allowed by the Eagles, good news for the struggling Vikings runners.
The Vikings will win if…
• They fluster Wentz with their pass rush and negate Philly's by establishing their ground game so that Bradford doesn't face too many third-and-longs.
The Eagles will win if…
• They keep it close early, give Bradford a rude welcoming back to town and slot WR Jordan Matthews wins his matchup with CB Captain Munnerlyn.
Vensel's win probability
60%
