WEEK 16: noon at miami • ch. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM)

23

VIKINGS

17

DOLPHINS

One man's prediction: The Vikings and Dolphins are only separated by one win in the standings, but they seem to be worlds apart. The Vikings have bought in to Mike Zimmer and are still playing hard despite being out of the playoff hunt. The Dolphins, meanwhile, are in another late-season swoon under their coach, Joe Philbin, who could soon be fired. Look for the Vikings to fight their way to a road win.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) outruns Detroit Lions outside linebacker Ashlee Palmer (58) for a three-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Three keys

THAT'S MY QUARTERBACK

Teddy Bridgewater threw a pair of costly picks in the second quarter of last week's loss to the Lions, but Bridgewater has been impressive in recent weeks, so much that offensive coordinator Norv Turner on Thursday performed a 545-word soliloquy praising his rookie quarterback. Bridgewater has completed 63.5 percent of his throws, which would put him in the top five all-time in rookie completion percentage. A couple of strong games to close the season would make the team feel even better about its draft-day move to get Bridgewater in the first round.

The Fixer has fixed it

Zimmer has worked wonders with his Vikings defense, plugging in eight new starters and taking the team from 31st in total defense to a tie for 11th in his first season. And with a strong finish, the Vikings can crack the NFL's top 10 defenses, which would be a fine accomplishment. They are not far behind the Chargers, who rank ninth in yards allowed. A strong game Sunday could help them overtake them.

AS THE INJURIES TURN

The Vikings could get back two defensive starters Sunday. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd is officially listed as probable to play. And safety Robert Blanton, who also sat out last week, is questionable. But the injury news wasn't all good this week. Outside linebacker Anthony Barr is done for the season, and tight end Kyle Rudolph, who finally started to look like himself last week, is doubtful with ankle and knee injuries.

Player to watch

MIKE WALLACE, DOLPHINS

Don't let his 13-yards-per-reception average fool you. Wallace remains one of the NFL's fastest wide receivers, a long touchdown waiting to happen if Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill could just get him the ball on deep throws. This season, the Dolphins are getting Wallace the ball on shorter routes, but Xavier Rhodes and the Vikings cornerbacks will have to be ready whenever Wallace goes vertical.