After splitting two games at home against rookie QBs, the Vikings will face Sam Darnold on the road Sunday. The Jets likely will try to simplify things for Darnold against the Vikings defense, but Minnesota will slow down New York's run game, harass Darnold and come out with the win.
THREE BIG STORY LINES
Cousins faces his would-be suitors
Quarterback Kirk Cousins could hear a few catcalls from Jets fans after choosing to sign with the Vikings for $84 million, passing up the Jets' $90 million offer and detailing the process in his NFL Network documentary. Cousins' decision led the Jets to trade up for the right to pick Darnold third overall.
One more vs. a rookie QB
For the third time in five weeks, the Vikings will face a rookie quarterback. This time, it'll be Darnold, who has thrown for nine TDs against seven INTs in six games. The Jets likely will look to get Darnold out of the pocket to keep the pass rush off-balance.
Murray gets the call again
With Dalvin Cook missing his third straight game because of a hamstring injury, Latavius Murray will start at RB once again for the Vikings, after rumbling for 155 yards on 24 carries last week against the Cardinals. Murray ran for a team-leading 842 yards last year, after Cook tore his ACL, and will get his opportunities again Sunday.
TWO KEY MATCHUPS
Vikings' offensive line vs. Jets DT Leonard Williams