Vikings Injuries

Injuries will always be a part of football. While not hit as hard as some other teams, the Minnesota have navigated several injuries on their way to a perfect 5-0 start. The interesting thing about the Vikings injuries is that they have been almost exclusively on the offensive side of the ball. The following players have missed at least one of the five games.

Kyler Murray, QB

Jordan Mason, RB

Justin Jefferson, WR

Jordan Addison, WR

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Josh Oliver, TE

Christian Darrisaw, OT

Donovan Jackson, G

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis noted that Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jordan Mason, and T.J. Hockenson were on the field together for only nine snaps. With those Vikings playmakers available for so few snaps, is there really any surprise that the offense struggled to find any rhythm early in the season. Toss in starting quarterback Kyler Murray essentially missing the first two games with a concussion and it’s a thrown-together offense on the field to start the season. Murray returned in Week 3 but it took about a bit more than a game for him to find some comfort while surrounded with jumbled personnel. Over the final game-and-a-half before the bye, the Vikings offense finally looked lively. It’s always nice to have Jefferson on the field but they we’re still missing Addison, Mason, Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Christian Darrisaw, and Donovan Jackson. Week 6 is early for a bye. This year, it may have come at a good time. It gives a few of the above injured offensive players extra time to get healthy. Fortunately, Mason, Addison, Hockenson, and Darrisaw should all be healthy as the Vikings return to the field in Week 7. Unfortunately, Oliver and Jackson are out for the regular season. They will be missed. 

The Vikings are 5-0 because of the stellar performance of the defense and special teams. A reason for that stellar performance, especially on defense, has been the consistent availability of players. Defensively, through five games, only rookie corner Chuck Demmings has missed games. A Week 3 hamstring injury kept him out of the Week 4 and Week 5 games. As a rookie, he contributed on special teams and had scattered defensive snaps. The closest the Vikings came to not having a defensive regular was Week 3. Ivan Pace Jr. missed the team’s flight to Tampa due to the birth of his son. While his game availability was initially questioned, he was present for his son’s birth, caught a flight, and made it to the game on time. Then he got a sack and a finger on a punt. 

Hopefully, the Vikings offense gets, and stays, healthy and the defense continues their strong and healthy play. 

Trade Targets

The NFL trade deadline is November 10. That puts teams, media, and especially fans in the middle of a trading frenzy. With a 5-0 start to the season, Minnesota Vikings fans are simply mad for potential deals. I’ve always had a skeptical view of in-season football trades. Since everything done on the field is such a practiced coordination of 11 individuals, it’s difficult to drop a new player into a new team in the middle of the season. That being said, the right player can give a team a boost. So, I’ll play along with this trade deadline frenzy. Sports Illustated’s MMQB put together a list of 15 players that could be trade targets over the days leading up to the deadline and potential team fits. The list wasn’t put together for the Vikings but I’m looking at the players with the Vikings in mind. 

15. Chris Godwin Jr., WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Potential Fits: Packers, Giants

Vikings: Nope

14. Josh Uche, DE, Miami Dolphins

Potential Fits: Bears, 49ers

Vikings: Tempting, but no.

13. Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

Potential Fits: Panthers, Cardinals

Vikings: Nope

12. Zach Sieler, DT, Miami Dolphins

Potential Fits: Lions, Cowboys

Vikings: Maybe. And Brian Flores knows him.

11. Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Potential Fits: Panthers, Seahawks

Vikings: No. The Vikings have tight end concerns but I don’t see Goedert as the answer. 

10. Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders

Potential Fits: Lions, 49ers

Vikings: Nope

9. Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans

Potential Fits: Jaguars, Seahawks

Vikings: Tempting, but no. The Vikings must be looking at all of the available running backs. Aaron Jones Sr. is 31, 32 in December and Jordan Mason is returning from a stay on injured reserve. I might be a fool but I’d rather see more of rookie Demond Claiborne than adding Pollard. 

8. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Potential Fits: Bills, Rams

Vikings: Nope

7. Stefon Diggs, WR, Washington Commanders

Potential Fits: Chiefs, Ravens

Vikings: Nope

6. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals

Potential Fits: Bills, Bears

Vikings: Absolutely Maybe. It’s difficult to drop any new player into this Vikings defense but I’d listen to any trade talk for Baker.

5. Landon Dickerson, G, Philadelphia Eagles 

Potential Fits: Jaguars, Seahawks

Vikings: Nope

4. Riq Woolen, CB, Philadelphia Eagles 

Potential Fits: Bills, Panthers

Vikings: Nope

3. Josh Sweat, DE, Arizona Cardinals

Potential Fits: Bears, Lions

Vikings: Nope

2. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns

Potential Fits: Chiefs, Rams

Vikings: Nope

1. Khalil Mack, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers 

Potential Fits: 49ers, Bears

Vikings: Nope

From the 15 players the MMQB produced, I don’t see the Vikings making a deadline splash. I do believe general manager Nolan Teasley will make a deal, or two. I just don’t see the deal(s) involving the above those players. The interesting thing about the players I do see the Vikings targeting is that several play for the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings play the Colts on Sunday. Will a player, or two, be staying in Minnesota after the game?

Interesting Colts:

Jonathan Taylor, RB

Quenton Nelson, G

DeForest Buckner, DT

Camryn Bynum, S

If they do look to boost the run game, I see the Vikings making a fairly big swing. Jones and Mason are solid pair. It would take a fairly big swing to improve on them. Taylor’s age (27) and potential cost are the concerns. With left guard Donovan Jackson injured for at least the season, I wouldn’t mind Nelson as a one-year rental. Buckner would be a very intriguing addition to an emerging defensive front. As for Bynum, I wouldn’t mind a reunion. I’m skeptical of any new safety impacting the Vikings defense. Bynum has two years in the Flores defense. 

Some non-Colts

Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets - if healthy

A Blocking TE

Now, I’m a little more frenzied than I was earlier. 

Looking Ahead

In an ideal NFL world, the bye week comes around the middle of a season. The undefeated Minnesota Vikings didn’t get an ideal schedule as they were handed a Week 6 bye. At least it gave some players a little extra time to get healthy. How long can the Vikings remain undefeated? Here’s a look at the remaining 12 games in front of them.

Looking Ahead:

Week 7:  vs Indianapolis Colts 

Week 8:  @ Detroit Lions

Week 9:  vs Buffalo Bills (MNF)

Week 10: @ Green Bay Packers 

Week 11: @ San Francisco 49ers - Mexico City (SNF)

Week 12: vs Atlanta Falcons

Week 13: vs Carolina Panthers

Week 14: @ New England Patriots (TNF)

Week 15: vs Detroit Lions (SNF)

Week 16: vs Washington Commanders

Week 17: @ New York Jets

Week 18: vs Chicago Bears

It’s always tough to predict what each game might hold. Before the season, it looked like the Vikings had a difficult first five games. Starting with games against division foes Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, most “experts” had the Vikings stumbling to a 0-2 start. The same experts perhaps saw a third loss at Tampa Bay before a get-right win over the Miami Dolphins. Then a 50-50 game against the up-and-coming New Orleans Saints. 2-3 might’ve been the start that many had for the Vikings. Instead, it’s 5-0 and the “experts” are explaining it away by pointing at an easy opening schedule. I guess, the five teams were considered challenging until the Vikings destroyed them. 

One game at a time, teams have to deal with whatever schedule is put in front of them. On paper, it would seem that the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets are the easiest matchups among the remaining 12 games. They are the only teams on the Vikings opponents with a losing record through six weeks. Those losing records can be deceiving as each of the four could have a winning record if some breaks had gone their way. Isn’t it always that way? The difference between winning and losing is often a fine line. Every team in the league can throw a scare into any team in the league. They might even steal a win. No matter the opponent, every game is a challenge in the NFL. 

It’s a very optimistic outlook but I truly believe that this Vikings team is nowhere near the team they can be. Most of that is because the offense is still searching for themselves. An honest assessment of the season so far has the Vikings offense as poor through the first three games and trending upwards in the next two. They are 5-0 and just scratching the surface of the team they could be. With the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers up in four of the next five games, the Vikings will have to get to where they can be in a hurry. 

I can see the Vikings winning each of the remaining 12 games. That isn’t realistic. Four of the games are against very good division foes. At worst, they split those games. That would give the Vikings a solid 4-2 record against the division. I’m hoping for at least 5-1 with the one loss being a bullshit loss to the Packers on that shit Lambeau turf. Beyond the division games, it’s the Buffalo Bills at home on Monday night and the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico that draw the most attention. Wouldn’t it be great if the Vikings and 49ers are still undefeated for that game? 

As long as they can dodge the injury issues that wrecked two of the past three seasons, I can see the Vikings navigating the rest of the season in a fashion that results in a 13-4 or 14-3 record. Hopefully, that’s good enough to secure the NFC’s #1 seed. 

Flea Flicker Week 6 Predictions

Is it really an NFL Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings aren’t playing. Week 6 is a bit early for a bye but the Vikings have a few injured players that can use a week off to get healthy. Anyway, here are some guesses at the Week 6 games.

Byes: Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Texans

A battle between AFC South foes. The Jaguars have had a real nice start to the season. The Texans have not. The matchup is also part of the NFL’s idiotic international series as the game will be played at Wembley. The Jaguars have the added benefit of having been in London for a second consecutive week. All of these international games present jacked-up logistics and that’s an added disadvantage for the Texans. So, I’m more hoping that the Texans win rather than thinking that they win. 

Chicago Bears @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Falcons

The Falcons rebound from the disappointing Sunday Night loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

Pick: Ravens

The battle between the “old” Browns vs the “new” Browns.

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

The Colts should handle the winless Titans.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

The Jets have caused problems for teams this season. The Patriots should handle the pesky team.

New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants

Pick: Saints

The Saints rebound from being stifled by the Vikings. The Giants move a step closer to J.J. McCarthy starting. 

Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Panthers

The Panthers handle the unpredictable Eagles.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Buccaneers

The Steelers have yet to win on the road. The Buccaneers have yet to win at home. I should pick a tie. 

Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Rams

The Rams have “lost” two games the past three weeks they should’ve won. This feels like a “get right” game for them.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chargers

This Chargers team simply can’t keep losing. The Chiefs probably aren’t the best opponent for a team desperate for a win. 

Buffalo Bills @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Bills

Just a couple weeks ago, the Raiders were the darlings of the league. The Bills roll. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Packers

Rematch of the Ice Bowl. It shouldn’t be as cold this time. 

Washington Commanders @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers should become the league’s first 6-0 team. 

Minnesota Vikings All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings have Week 6 off as they rest and recover after starting the season undefeated. 5-0 is a nice place to be at this early break in the season. It’s also a fine time to look back at some of the great players in franchise history. 

Other than winning the final, big game, the Minnesota Vikings have a strong history. Once they stepped away from their initial expansion team days, they have avoided having more than two consecutive losing seasons. That’s not a real high bar but it shows that they have avoided ever being woeful. Far more often than not, they are contenders. Their winning percentage since the NFL-AFL merger is among the best in the league. They have 16 Hall of Fame busts. A handful more deserve a spot. For a team with a history of 30-40 fewer years than many of their peers, that’s a very robust number. The Vikings just need a Super Bowl, preferably several. 

The Vikings have no shortage of players to populate the 27 positions on this Minnesota Vikings All - Time Team. Other than tight end, the offensive positions are mostly taken by Hall of Famers, soon-to-be Hall of Famers, or should-be Hall of Famers. Other than the line, the defensive positions are mostly wide open. Here’s a look at some of the best players in Vikings franchise history.

Minnesota Vikings All-Time Team

Offense

Quarterback 

Fran Tarkenton

Running Back

Adrian Peterson

Fullback

Chuck Foreman

Typically, I think of Bill Brown as the Vikings best fullback. Chuck Foreman lined up as a fullback his first couple years in the league. He had a career worthy of the Hall of Fame. At his peak, he was arguably the best back in the league. He was definitely the most versatile back in the league. It’s fun to think of Adrian Peterson and Chuck Foreman in the same backfield. Peterson will receive his Hall of Fame bust next summer. 

Wide Receivers

Cris Carter

Randy Moss

Justin Jefferson

Due to the supreme talent available, I must go with three receivers. The Vikings second-team would be the first-team for many franchises. 

Tight End

Steve Jordan

Steve Jordan vs Kyle Rudolph. Both had excellent Vikings careers. If T.J. Hockenson extends his contract with the Vikings and has several seasons like his first season-plus with the Vikings, he will join the Vikings All-Time tight end argument. That’s a few “ifs.” We’ll see if it happens. 

Tackles

Gary Zimmerman

Ron Yary

Guards

Randall McDaniel

Steve Hutchinson

In doing these teams, I try to keep the players in the position that they played on the field. Randall McDaniel and Steve Hutchinson are the two best guards in Vikings franchise history. Both played left guard. I can’t leave either off this team. I just can’t. On this team, Hutchinson flips to the right side. The best right guard in Vikings franchise history? That would be Ed White. 

Center

Mick Tingelhoff

Defense

Defensive Ends

Carl Eller

Chris Doleman

Jared Allen

Just picking the team’s Hall of Famers is lazy. If I had to go with only two? Today, the choice is probably Carl Eller and Jared Allen.

Defensive Tackles

Alan Page

John Randle

Alan Page and John Randle are the best defensive tackles in franchise history. Kevin Williams was damn great as well. They all played essentially the same position. If I were to put a run-stuffing nose tackle-type player on this team, then there’s a difficult debate. Henry Thomas, Pat Williams, and Linval Joseph. I’d probably have them in that order. When Joseph was on a roll, he’s an easy choice. He had the highest ceiling. Unfortunately, injuries often kept him from sustaining that ceiling level of play. 

Linebackers

Matt Blair

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

It’s tough to leave out Chad Greenway, Jeff Siemon, and any of the Vikings first great trio of Wally Hilgenberg, Lonnie Warwick and Roy Winston. 

Cornerbacks

Antoine Winfield

Bobby Bryant 

Antoine Winfield is easy. The second corner spot comes down to Bobby Bryant, Carl Lee, and Xavier Rhodes. Maybe Nate Wright as well. Today, the choice is Bobby Bryant. His long, underrated career finally earned him a spiffy purple jacket and a spot in the team’s Ring of Honor. If Rhodes had played his entire career like he played for his 2-3 peak years, he’d be the easy choice to line up opposite Winfield. 

Safeties

Paul Krause

Harrison Smith

Not having Joey Browner on this team is a crime. In terms of skill/ability/talent, Harrison Smith and Browner are probably the best safeties in franchise history. Paul Krause intercepted an NFL record 81 passes. On a list of league records least likely to be broken, that’s at the top. He has to be on this team. So does Smith. 

Special Teams

Kicker

Ryan Longwell

Punter

Chris Kluwe

Kick Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson

Punt Returner

Marcus Sherels

Special Teams

Joey Browner

Joey Browner first made his mark on special teams. At least, it gets him on this team. He’s one of the greatest players in franchise history. 

Minnesota Vikings Coaches

The Minnesota Vikings are enjoying their Week 6 bye. While it’s a little early for a bye, the Vikings do have some injured players that could use the time to get healthy for the run through the rest of the season. An NFL bye week is a fine time to look at a team’s roster. If one were to look at the Vikings coaches, they’d find that there’s been a change since the group was finalized early in the offseason. 

Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell

Assistant Head Coach: Frank Smith

Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips

Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores

Special Teams Coordinator: Matt Daniels

Offense:

QBs/Pass Game Coordinator: Josh McCown

Assistant QB/Pass Game Specialist: Jordan Traylor

Assistant Offensive Coordinator: Chris O’Hara

RBs/Run Game Coordinator: Curtis Modkins

Receivers: Keenan McCardell

Assistant Receivers: Derron Montgomery

TEs/Pass Game Management Coordinator: Ryan Cordell

Offensive Line: Keith Carter

Assistant Offensive Line: Derek Warehime

Offensive Quality Control: Kyle Caskey

Offensive Assistant: Ben Ellefson

Assistant to the Head Coach: Henry Schneider IV

Defense:

DL/Run Game Coordinator: Ryan Nielsen

Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill

Outside LBs: Thad Bogardus

Inside LBs/Senior Defensive Assistant: Mike Siravo 

Assistant LBs: Dalmin Gibson

DBs/Pass Game Coordinator: Gerald Alexander

Assistant DBs: Chenzo Funari

Defensive Assistant: Charlie Frye

Defensive Assistant: Will Johnson

Defensive Assistant: Bobby McCain

Special Teams:

Assistant Special Teams: Chili Davis

***

My peculiar Vikings curiosity forces me to regularly check the coaches page on the team’s website through the season. Often it’s a quick look while I’m already on the site checking the player roster. During one of those recent checks, I discovered that Bobby McCain is listed among the Vikings coaches. The former defensive back last played for the Vikings in 2024. He hasn’t played since. After a 10-year NFL career, he’s apparently not done with the game. Along with former receiver Trishton Jackson, McCain joined the Vikings coaches during this past training camp as participants in the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program. Kevin O’Connell has often expressed a passion for helping players transition from playing to after-playing. It appears the Vikings liked what they saw in the coaching potential of McCain. I’m not sure why McCain joining the Vikings coaches came without an announcement of some sort. Maybe, I just missed it. This reminds me of the coaching evolution of former tight end Ben Ellefson. He was a player in 2022 and a coach in 2023 with no mention of the move. The transition was actually somewhat mysterious. For months, maybe even a year, Ellefson had no picture on the website’s coaching roster. These player-to-coach transitions happen often but the lack of attention is a little surprising. These days, everything seems to get attention. I guess an NFL team’s new offensive or defensive assistant somehow isn’t attention-worthy. Anyway, welcome, again, to the Vikings, Bobby McCain. 

Minnesota Vikings Pre - Bye Week Superlatives

The Undefeated Minnesota Vikings are sitting out the NFL’s Week 6 games as they are on bye. A break after five games is early but the Vikings do have several players that could use the time to get healthy. With that in mind perhaps a Week 6 bye isn’t such a bad thing. Five games in and the Vikings are 5-0. Record-wise, they couldn’t be better. Here are some of the players that were crucial to the terrific start to the season.

Minnesota Vikings Pre - Bye Week Superlatives

Offensive Player of the First Five Games

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

It’d be nice if quarterback Kyler Murray was an easy choice here. That would mean that the Vikings offense was off to a nice start and contributed significantly to the 5-0 start. Unfortunately, Murray didn’t start the season well and the offense has mostly been carried by the defense and special teams. Fortunately, Murray’s play and the offense, in general, was trending upwards the last two games. A significant reason for the Vikings early-season offensive issues was Kyler Murray being knocked out by a couple Green Bay Packers headhunters early in Week 1. He essentially missed two games with a concussion. That had to stall his growth in a new offense. Receiver Justin Jefferson also missed two games with an ankle injury. Murray and Jefferson didn’t play a full game together until Week 5. Is it any surprise that the offense finally found some rhythm in Week 5? 

All of that is to say that the Vikings offense has mostly struggled while the team started the season 5-0. Through those offensive struggles, Aaron Jones Sr. has been a warrior. The Vikings run game was supposed to be a combo deal with Jones and Jordan Mason. Unfortunately, Mason came out of the Week 1 game against the Packers with a thumb injury that required surgery. It landed him on injured reserve. Fortunately, he’s expected back when the Vikings return from their bye week. Mason’s injury resulted in the offense leaning on Jones for four games. For most of those four games, Jones carried the offense. 

Week 1 - Packers:

12 carries 

40 yards 

1 TD

Week 2 - Bears

23 carries

105 yards

Week 3 - Buccaneers

17 carries

58 yards

5 catches 

34 yards

Week 4 - Dolphins

20 carries

94 yards

4 catches 

34 yards

Week 5 - Saints

25 carries

113 yards

1 TD

3 catches

4 yards

Totals:

97 carries

410 yards

2 TDs

12 catches

70 yards

I don’t think the plan was for Jones to ever have 20 carries in a game. Through the first five games, he’s had three games with at least 20 carries. Jones has been the Vikings most consistent offensive threat through the first five games of the season. But he needs his backfield partner over the next 15 games.

Defensive Players of the First Five Games

All of Them. 

Other than the first half of the Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings defense has been brilliant. I still don’t understand what was going on in that first half against the Packers. It was as if the defense collectively missed their wake-up call and didn’t show up until the second half. The thing about the Vikings defense is that it’s very much a team defense. Dallas Turner, Jalen Redmond, Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Andrew Van Ginkel, or Byron Murphy Jr., etc. Players have simply taken turns wrecking opposing offense. Take your pick. The Vikings have a collection of impact players. Every starter and most of the backups have made impact plays in the five wins. The scary thing for the rest of the league is that the Vikings defense is just getting started. 

Special Teams Players of the First Five Games

Will Reichard, K

Myles Price, Returner

Like the defense, the Vikings special teams have been outstanding through the first five games. Over those five games, three Vikings players have been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Isaiah Rodgers

Myles Price 

Will Reichard

Isaiah Rodgers’ field goal block against the Chicago Bears in Week 2 was the play of that game. That was a season-defining play but the Vikings great special teams performance has been highlighted by Will Reichard and Myles Price. 

Myles Price showed kick and punt return potential as an undrafted rookie last season. This season, he’s shown far more than just potential. He’s been explosive. He’s been dangerous. In Week 3, he returned a punt for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His 68-yard kick return against the Green Bay Packers triggered the great comeback in that game. He’s averaging 29.8 yards/kick return with a long of 68 yards. He’s averaging a ridiculous 21.6 yards/punt return with that 86-yard touchdown. He’s returning kicks and punts with such confidence. The Vikings have a recent history of impact returners. Percy Harvin, Cordarrelle Patterson, Marcus Sherels, and Kene Nwangwu. Price looks like he’s on a path to join them.

Will Reichard is a beast. He might be as good at his job as any player on the roster. And the Vikings have Justin Jefferson on the roster. He’s gone nearly a year without missing a kick. He’s never missed an extra point. Not only does he not miss, nearly all of his kicks are through the middle of the uprights. 

Minnesota Vikings Bye Week Roster

The Minnesota Vikings are idle this week as they have a Week 6 bye. Week 6 is usually a bit early for a bye but this year it comes at a good time. The Vikings have a few players that could use an extra week to get healthy. 

Christian Darrisaw

Jordan Mason 

Jordan Addison

T.J. Hockenson

Justin Jefferson played in the Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints. He was returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him for most of the previous two games. He could use a week of rest before he rips up the league for the remainder of the season. 

Oh, the Vikings are also undefeated while they rest up during this break. 5-0 is a nice start. Some have argued that the Vikings have merely raced through the “easy” portion of their schedule. Perhaps but that take would reflect poorly on media darlings and preseason contenders Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. The Vikings started their five-game run with wins over their division foes. I’ve never understood why the Vikings are always tasked with defending the worthiness of a nice run of games. They can only play the teams the league puts in front of them. After the bye, maybe the Vikings will finally win a game that the “experts” find worthy. 

The bye week is a fine time to look at the roster. With the trade deadline a few weeks away, it’s a fine time to see if additions are needed. Fans always like a midseason blockbuster deal. Sitting 5-0, I’m not sure the Vikings need to do anything so bold. Season-ending injuries to tight end Josh Oliver and left guard Donovan Jackson would seem to highlight those positions. I’m not sure there’s a tight end in the league that could adequately replace what Oliver brings to the offense. I like Joe Huber as the current replacement for Jackson. So, I’m not sure if those are the positions that the Vikings must address through a trade. Adding depth at running back and safety are moves that might be considered. I don’t see any trade being of the blockbuster sort. But, I’m often wrong about things like this. Here’s a look at the Vikings current roster. 

Players on the roster now that weren’t on the initial 53-man roster are in bold. 

Minnesota Vikings Bye Week Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterback (3)

Kyler Murray

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Running Back (3)

Aaron Jones

DeeJay Dallas

Demond Claiborne

Fullback (1)

Max Bredeson

Wide Receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Tight End (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Gavin Bartholomew

Ben Yurosek

Offensive Line (9)

Christian Darrisaw

Joe Huber

Blake Brandel

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark

Caleb Tiernan

Michael Jurgens

Trevor Keegan

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Caleb Banks

Domonique Orange

Elijah Williams

Outside Linebacker (5)

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Kyle Van Noy

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Linebacker (4)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Jake Golday

Cornerback (5)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

Chuck Demmings

Zemaiah Vaughn

Safety (6)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

Jacob Thomas

Jakobe Thomas

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Brett Thorson

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

***

There are only five players on the current 53-man roster that weren’t on the initial one. Quarterback Max Brosmer was promoted from the practice squad after J.J. McCarthy was traded to the New York Giants. Tight end Ben Yurosek and center Michael Jurgens were activated from injured reserve last week. Running back DeeJay Dallas and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy are the only players added to roster that arrived from outside the organization. I suppose it’s the constant player churn on the practice squad that makes it feel like more new players have populated the roster. When a player like Odell Beckham Jr. is sitting on the practice squad there’s always roster intrigue. It would be fun to Justin Jefferson and Beckham on the field together. 

5-0 and resting up on the bye week is a real nice place to be. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 5 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New Orleans Saints on Sunday 23-13. It really wasn’t that close. The Vikings are undefeated at 5-0 as they enter their Week 6 bye. Here are some of the players that made the big win over the Saints possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Kyler Murray, QB

The Vikings quarterback finally gets “player of the game” recognition. It’s a very welcome development. Kyler Murray finally looked comfortable and played in rhythm. 

24 completions

30 attempts

229 yards

1 TD

10 carries

51 yards

He converted first downs with his arm and with his legs. There’s a lot of room for improvement but Murray’s play against the Saints is close to the hope that many had when the Vikings signed him in March.

Honorable Mention:

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

Aaron Jones Sr.’s game must be mentioned.

25 carries 

113 yards 

1 TD

Through the first five games, Jones has been the Vikings offensive MVP. With the Week 1 injury to Jordan Mason, the Vikings have leaned on Jones in the run game. And he’s done it while dealing with a knee injury. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Once again, the Vikings defensive player of the game can be any of several players. Jalen Redmond, Blake Cashman, Dallas Turner, Eric Wilson. Take your pick. This really is a team defense. Despite all of that, Byron Murphy Jr. is an easy choice. He intercepted two of Tyler Shough’s passes. 

Special Teams Players of the Game

Jake Golday

Jeshaun Jones

Through four games, one of Myles Price and Will Reichard, and often both, were easy special teams choices each week. After ending the first half with a field goal, the Vikings special teams opened the second half with one of the plays of the game. On the second half’s opening kick return, Jake Golday forced a fumble and Jeshaun Jones recovered the football. Just like that, the Vikings had a scoring opportunity on the Saints 37-yard line. Six plays later, Justin Jefferson had a touchdown and the Vikings had a 13-7 lead. 

Vikings - Saints

The Minnesota Vikings dodged any possibility of a “trap” game by handling the New Orleans Saints by a score of 23-10. The game felt a bit more one-sided than a 10-point margin. The Vikings defense completely shut down the Saints offense. The Vikings offense finally showed some life. It was a welcome sight. The win bumps the record to 5-0 as the Vikings enter their Week 6 bye.

The Vikings defense and special teams were the main reason for the first four wins. The offensive support was so limited that the only points scored in two of those wins came from field goals. That changed yesterday against the Saints as Kyler Murray showed some comfort in the Vikings offense. He finally played with some rhythm. 

Murray’s game:

24 completions

30 attempts

229 yards

1 TD

10 carries

51 yards

It’s easier to get comfortable and play with rhythm in an offense when Justin Jefferson is a part of it. Due to injuries this was Murray’s first full game with Jefferson. If this is Murray’s baseline play moving forward, the Vikings should be a tough out each week. 

The Vikings defense continues to stifle offenses. 

Some stats against the Saints:

9 first downs

43 total plays

142 total yards

2 interceptions

Last week, the Dolphins ran 37 plays against the Vikings defense. This week, the Saints ran 43 plays. That’s a pretty light load. So light that it’s as if the Vikings played about one full game over the past two weeks. 

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough entered this game averaging about 300 passing yards. Yesterday, against the Vikings defense, Shough threw for 97 yards and two interceptions. The Saints had eight drives. Five went three-and-out. 

Despite being completely shut down for much of the game, the Saints did manage two touchdowns. Each originated from Vikings fumbles in the red zone. After kicking a field goal on their first possession of the game, the Vikings looked like they were driving for another score on their second possession. On third-and-one from the Saints 10-yard line, Aaron Jones Sr. gained enough to move the chains. Unfortunately, he fumbled the ball before he hit the ground. Saints defensive end Chase Young recovered the ball and returned it 27 yards to the Saints 34-yard line. The big play briefly flipped the momentum. For the only time the entire game, the Saints offense played with a spark and some purpose. 66 yards and a two-yard Kendre Miller touchdown. The next fumble was even more sudden. Late in the third quarter, receiver Myles Price fumbled as the Vikings were driving for another score. Saints safety Jonas Sanker recovered the football and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown. On each occasion, the Vikings were on the verge of putting some scoreboard distance between them and the Saints. Each time, the Vikings generously put the ball on the ground. Credit the Saints for taking advantage of that generosity. If the Vikings were more secure with the football, the score of this game is probably 33-0 rather than 23-13. 

While it was considerably improved, the Vikings offense still has a lot of room for growth. With Kyler Murray’s growing comfort in the offense, that growth appears within reach. If they can get some players healthy, the growth feels nearly certain. Receiver Jordan Addison, running back Jordan Mason, and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw should be back after the Week 6 bye. Tight end T.J. Hockenson left yesterday’s game after only two plays with a concussion. He should also be back. That’s a lot of offensive talent returning the next time the Vikings takes the field. 

The Vikings enter their bye week undefeated. 5-0 with a two game lead over their three division foes. It’s a nice place to be. Two of the five wins were against two of those division foes (Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears). Undefeated and two weeks to get some players healthy. It’s going to be a nice and welcome week off. 

Flea Flicker Week 5 Predictions

It’s Already October. It’s already Week 5 of the NFL season. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Week 5 brings the first byes:

Byes: Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers

Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings must go into their Week 6 bye at 5-0.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Jaguars

Another idiotic international game. London is a second home for the Jaguars so the ridiculous logistics often work to their advantage. Plus, it looks like the Eagles are going through some things. 

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Bears

It feels like the media and fans have finally stopped wrongly calling this the league’s oldest rivalry. For the record, it’s the third oldest after Bears-Cardinals and Packers-Cardinals. Anyway, the Packers are a mess.

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Texans

The preseason Super Bowl contender finally gets their first win. 

Cincinnati Bengals @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Bengals

The plucky Dolphins remain winless.

Las Vegas Raiders @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

After a surprising 3-0 start, the Raiders take another step back to reality. 

Cleveland Browns @ New York Jets

Pick: Browns

The Browns continue their surprising run.

Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Colts

The clown show with Aaron Rodgers continues.

New York Giants @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Commanders

The Giants are a couple losses away from J.J. McCarthy starting. 

Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chargers

Sean Payton’s playcalling won’t help. The Chargers finally get their first win. 

Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Lions

Lions roll.

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: 49ers

49ers roll.

Baltimore Ravens @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Falcons 

With Lamar Jackson, this could’ve been a real fun game. Without Lamar Jackson, who knows? 

Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams

Pick: Bills

Some have circled this as a Super Bowl preview. Both teams have only occasionally looked the part. Its still so early but the Bills have shown a bit more fight than the Rams. 

New Orleans Saints All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings play the Saints in New Orleans tomorrow. The Saints entered the league as an expansion team in 1967. They were terrible for most of their first twenty years. Fans even covered their heads with paper bags due to the team’s ineptitude. It was bad. It was so bad that Archie Manning barely survived the 1970s. Under the guidance of former Vikings architect Jim Finks, the Saints got better in the late 1980s. They made the playoffs for the first time after the strike-impacted 1987 season. The Vikings quickly dispatched them from those playoffs. It was in the 2000s that the Saints truly started to rise. Head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees led them to consistency and success. The Saints got some degree of revenge when they robbed the Vikings of a Super Bowl appearance in the 2009 NFC Championship game. The Saints went on to defeat the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Since the conference championship robbery, the Vikings and Saints have developed something of a rivalry. On the eve of the big game, here’s a look at some of the best players in New Orleans Saints franchise history. 

New Orleans Saints All - Time Team

Offense

Quarterback

Drew Brees

Running Back

Alvin Kamara

Fullback

Chuck Muncie

Wide Receivers

Marques Colston

Joe Horn

Tight End

Jimmy Graham

Offensive Tackles

Willie Roaf

Stan Brock

Offensive Guards

Carl Nicks

Jahri Evans

Center

Joel Hilgenberg

Defense

Defensive Ends

Cameron Jordan

Wayne Martin

Defensive Tackles

La’Roi Glover

Derland Moore

Linebackers

Rickey Jackson

Sam Mills

Pat Swilling

Cornerbacks

Marshon Lattimore

Dave Waymer

Safeties

Tom Myers

Roman Harper

Special Teams

Kicker 

Morten Anderson

Punter

Thomas Morstead

Returner

Tyrone Hughes

Minnesota Vikings 2027 Draft Picks

With trades often involving future draft picks, it can be difficult to keep track of which picks a team has in an upcoming NFL Draft. After the trade of quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick, I was wondering what picks the Minnesota Vikings currently held in the next draft. Fortunately, the team’s website had the answer. 

Minnesota Vikings 2027 Draft Picks

First Round

Second Round

Third Round

Third Round (from Philadelphia Eagles in the Jonathan Greenard trade)

Fifth Round

Fifth Round (from Carolina Panthers in the Adam Thielen trade)

Fifth Round (from the New York Giants in the J.J. McCarthy trade)

Sixth Round (from the New England Patriots in the Walter Rouse trade)

Sixth Round (from the New York Jets in the Harrison Phillips trade)

***

The Vikings currently hold nine picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. It could bump to 10 draft picks if the Vikings receive a compensatory pick for the loss of receiver Jalen Nailor in free agency. 

The Vikings currently don’t hold picks in the fourth and seventh round. It’s nice to have two picks in the third and three picks in the fifth but it isn’t nice to sit out the first round of Day 3. 

That trade for Adam Thielen before the start of the 2025 season sure was expensive. It felt expensive at the time. It feels even more expensive with the loss of that fourth-round pick on the horizon. Having an extra fifth from that trade does offset a little bit of the pain of not having a fourth. It was nice to have Thielen back in Minnesota but he didn’t do much and was eventually sent on to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

The sixth-round pick from the New England Patriots for Walter Rouse originally belonged to the Vikings. That pick was sent to the Patriots during the 2026 NFL Draft in the trade that put the Vikings in position to select Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne. Last summer’s trade of Rouse returned the pick to where it belongs. 

Now, back to thinking about the 2026 season. 

Another Vikings Roster Move

The Minnesota Vikings made several roster moves on Tuesday. None of the moves garnered much attention across the league. That changed on Wednesday. The Vikings signed a couple receivers to the practice squad. 

Jeshaun Jones 

Odell Beckham Jr. 

Jeshaun Jones spent the first three weeks of the season on the league’s suspended list. He joined the 53-man roster last week after his suspension ended and was released from the roster on Tuesday. Now, he’s back on the practice squad. 

Jeshaun Jones joining the practice squad wasn’t the move that received league-wide attention. That was the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad. At 33, and a few years removed from impacting games, Beckham still gets attention. I guess it’s an indication of the star that he once was and personality that he still is. The New York Giants selected Beckham 12th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He ripped up the league immediately with postseason honors each of his first three seasons. After five years in New York, Beckham bounced to Cleveland for 2.5 years. He joined the Los Angeles Rams during the 2021 season. There, he met and played for then Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell. Beckham quickly established a role with that stacked Rams team. It was a role that contributed to the team rolling to Super Bowl LVI. Just as it looked like Beckham was going to contend for MVP of the big game, he tore his ACL. It’s an injury that ended his Super Bowl and took away his 2022 season. It was the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and the Miami Dolphins in 2024. No team in 2025. He returned to the New York Giants for the 2026 season. The reunion lasted three games. The last time Beckham played near a Beckham-level with the Ravens in 2023. At 33, his days are behind him. Perhaps he can still flash the freaky talent that he once had. Perhaps playing with long-time Louisiana and LSU pal Justin Jefferson will rekindle some of the magic that he once had. Perhaps his familiarity with O’Connell will ease the transition to a new team. 

The Vikings signing Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad is no great commitment. It’s probably more like a prolonged job interview. His veteran presence can be a benefit. He’s a playful individual and his long-time friendship with Justin Jefferson could be fun. I think that he’s too far removed from his impact days for his sometimes problematic personality to be a problem. Some have speculated that Beckham’s signing might be an indication that Jefferson’s ankle injury is more serious than reported. Why does there always have to be a negative reason for a move? I believe that Beckham’s signing is more an opportunity to see if a player still has some magic left. The Vikings offense could use a boost. I think it’s far more likely that Jauan Jennings finally makes an impact as a third receiver than Beckham seeing the field as the fourth or fifth. While it’d be fun to see two Louisiana and LSU legends on the field together, I believe that signing Beckham to the practice squad is simply an opportunity to see if he has anything left. I believe that expectations have been set low. 

Vikings Roster Moves

A 4-0 start to the season doesn’t keep an NFL team from roster moves during the week. As they look toward Week 5, the Minnesota Vikings made several tweaks to the roster on Monday and Tuesday.

The Moves:

Placed G Donovan Jackson on Injured Reserve

Waived:

WR Jeshaun Jones

Released from Practice Squad:

P Johnny Hekker

RB Devin Neal

CB Natrone Brooks

Signed to Practice Squad:

OT Tristan Leigh

Waived from Injured Reserve:

CB Tyreek Chappell

Of course, the most significant of the roster moves is the loss of guard Donovan Jackson with a torn meniscus. He will have surgery and is expected to miss the season. Those that lean optimistic might hope to see him return for a long playoff run. While the Vikings offense has mostly struggled through the first four games, Jackson has been a solid and consistent presence on the offensive line. Paired with Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings have one of the best left sides in the league. Jackson’s loss is significant. Formerly undrafted and in his second season, Joe Huber is first up at left guard. He played well as a rookie least season against a talented Cleveland Browns defensive front. He held up when forced on the field Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Whether he can handle the job full-time for the rest of the season remains to be seen. He’s the top internal option. Perhaps, the Vikings will look around the league for an additional option.

As for the other roster moves, I was glad that Johnny Hekker was available when rookie punter Brett Thorson came out of the Week 2 game against the Chicago Bears with a hamstring injury. Hekker punted in Week 3 and Week 4. He started both games well but didn’t finish them well. It’ll be good to see Thorson back on the field. When Devin Neal was signed to the practice squad last week, I had some hope for him. I really like him coming out of Kansas when he was in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Jordan Mason on short-term injured reserve, the Vikings needed some running back depth. I thought that Neal could provide it. Apparently not. The Vikings signed offensive tackle Tristan Leigh as a priority undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft. Through offseason workouts and training camp and bringing several desirable tackle traits, he projected as a roster long-shot. He didn’t make the initial 53-man roster but was immediately signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad the next day. A month later, he’s back. Maybe he can play guard. 

The roster moves this week leave the Vikings with two open spots on the 53-man roster and two open spots on the practice squad. More roster moves are expected. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 4 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Miami Dolphins on Sunday 15-10. The defense and special teams were excellent. The offense finally got into a bit of a rhythm at the end of the game. Better late than never. Here are some of the players that helped secure the big win and keep the Vikings undefeated on the season.

Offensive Player of the Game

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray needed to get comfortable in the offense. It looked like he finally found some comfort when he started targeting T.J. Hockenson.

13 targets

13 catches

119 yards

Hockenson would’ve had an easy walk-in touchdown at the end of the game. It must have been tempting to get that touchdown seeing as the Vikings offense has had such difficulty scoring them. Instead, Hockenson wisely downed the play at the Dolphins two-yard line with two minutes to play. The first down secured the win as Murray only had to kneel down three times to drain the clock. 

Honorable Mention:

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

20 carries

94 yards

4 catches 

34 yards

128 total yards

Over the past three weeks, Jones has been the Vikings biggest offensive threat. Often, he’s been their only offensive threat.

Defensive Player of the Game

Dallas Turner, OLB

Once again, it’s difficult to pick a single player to be Defensive Player of the Week. Turner has been a regular contender. His two sacks, one forcing a fumble, of Malik Willis gets him the nod this week.

Special Teams Player of the Week

Will Reichard, K

Will Reichard is the best kicker in the league. Through four weeks, he’s probably the Vikings MVP. He scored all 15 points against the Dolphins. It’s just another game for Reichard. 

Honorable Mention:

Myles Price, Returner

Myles Price might’ve taken the honors this week if the offense had taken better advantage of his two big returns. He returned the opening kick 47 yards to midfield. The offense went three-and-out. He set the offense up nicely on their second possession with a 36-yard punt return to the Dolphins 38-yard line. The offense didn’t do much and had to settle for Reichard’s first field goal. 

Vikings - Dolphins

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Miami Dolphins 15-10. 

When I was a kid learning football in the 1970s, winning the game was all that mattered. It really didn’t matter how it looked or the margin. 10-7. 6-3. 15-10. Your team having more points than the other team at the end of the game was the only thing that mattered. Just win. Football in the 2000s is different. For many fans and most in the media, teams have to roll over teams for a win to really mean something. Points. There has to be a lot of points. It takes a lot of points for a team to be of value.

Because the Vikings managed five field goals, and more significantly no touchdowns, there are many unhappy fans. Fans being unhappy after a win feels weird. There were even grumbles when tight end T.J. Hockenson decided to secure the win rather than score a touchdown. That alone seemed to show that points are more important than a win. The Vikings are 4-0. Would the media and fans be happier if Kyler Murray was lighting up defenses but the team was 1-3? Who knows? 

It would’ve been nice if the Vikings had scored some touchdowns against one of the worst teams in the league but NFL games rarely follow a hoped-for script. The one objective every team schemes is having more points at the end of the game than their opponent.  

During the game, it was stressful that the Vikings wasted a 48-yard Myles Price kick return to open the game. Start around midfield and have to punt after three offensive plays? Very disappointing. Price set up the offense on their second possession at the Dolphins 38-yard line with a 36-yard punt return. While not quite as wasteful as the first “big” return, the Vikings could only move the ball nine yards and settled for a 47-yard Will Reichard field goal. It’s a good thing Reichard doesn’t miss because the Vikings offense is having serious difficulty putting the ball in the end zone. 

Myles Price is evolving into quite the special teams weapon. The Vikings have to take better advantage of the excellent field position he’s creating. 

The Vikings Defense. If the defense keeps playing like it’s playing, the Vikings will be in every game. 

The Vikings defense suffocated the Dolphins offense. The Dolphins could only manage eight first downs. Five of the nine possessions went three-and-out. Malik Willis passed for only 85 yards. The Dolphins managed only 198 yards of offense. If not for a couple Ollie Gordon II runs, that output would’ve been closer to 130 yards. 

The Dolphins had a drive at the end of the third quarter that was an outlier from their other eight possessions. That singular drive was only four plays for 55 yards. It was an outlier because each of the four plays gained yards in chunks.

17-yard pass to Malik Washington

9-yard run by Ollie Gordon II

17-yard pass to Malik Washington

12-yards touchdown run by Ollie Gordon II

It was shockingly quick and surgical. The drive was such an outlier that it felt like the Vikings defense simply took an ill-advised break. Ill-advised because it gave the Dolphins some momentum. That momentum didn’t last. 

Fortunately, the Vikings answered that shocking touchdown with their best offense of the season so far with Kyler Murray. It was just two possessions but the offense finally moved the ball. Perhaps, they moved the ball because Murray found a consistent target. T.J. Hockenson. It’s been a while since Hockenson has made an impact like he made yesterday. 

Hockenson’s day:

13 targets

13 catches

119 yards

He would’ve had an easy walk-in touchdown but wisely decided to down the play at the Dolphin’s two-yard line with two minutes to play. The wise play secured the win as three kneel-downs drained the clock. The Dolphins offense never held the ball again. That play crushed any hope they might’ve had. 

Murray on those final two possessions:

13/14 for 120 yards. 

Going in, this game against the Dolphins felt like it should be a get-right game for Kyler Murray. For most of the game he wasn’t getting right. The Dolphins hadn’t sacked a quarterback in the first three games. It took one play for them to get that first sack against the Vikings. Murray simply hasn’t looked comfortable in the offense. He finally looked a little comfortable on those last two drives. While Hockenson was often the target, he wasn’t always the target. Murray threw a nice 27-yarder to Jordan Addison on the second of the two drives. Hopefully, Murray can build on the end of this game. 

Getting Justin Jefferson back can only help in getting Murray right. 

The Vikings are 4-0 because of the outstanding play of the defense and special teams. The offense showed some spark at the end of this win over the Dolphins. It’s a start. Now, go to New Orleans and thrash the Saints next week. 

And, enough with the penalties. 11 penalties is too damn many penalties. 

Flea Flicker Week 4 Predictions

It’s already Week 4. Here are some guesses at the games. 

Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

Rematch of Super Bowl VIII goes to the Vikings. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Colts

The NFL’s ridiculous Europe games begin with this one. The travel and logistics of these international games often have a greater impact than the talent and scheme of the respective teams. It’s impossible to pick these stupid games. So, Colts.

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

These two teams were expected to battle for the AFC East title. Through three weeks, they are headed in different directions. The Bills look like the best team in the league. The Patriots have had a rough start to the season. 

New York Jets @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Bears

How is it that the Bears have played three of their first four games at home? The Jets continue their run through the NFC North. They gave the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions all they could handle the last two weeks. With three weeks without any travel, the Bears should be able to handle the Jets at home. 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

This could be a fun game. 

Arizona Cardinals @ New York Giants

Pick: Giants

The Cardinals throwing a scare into the San Francisco 49ers last week is the only that gives me pause in this game.

Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Rams

After seeing the Eagles flopping around against the Chicago Bears, it’s difficult seeing them beating the Rams.

Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Packers

Battle of the Bays. Even the Packers should be able to handle the Buccaneers without Baker Mayfield.

Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens roll.

Dallas Cowboys @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

It’s been a tough start for both teams. Just going with the home team.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs hand the Raiders their first loss.

Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

Rematch of Super Bowl XXIV. Same outcome.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

I want to pick the Chargers. They have too much talent to be 0-3. With the way they’ve played through three weeks, I can’t pick the Chargers.

Detroit Lions @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Panthers

Dan Campbell will find a way to lose this one. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Saints

20 years ago, Steve Gleason blocked a Falcons punt to wake up a Saints team and a city. The Saints can’t lose this game. 

Miami Dolphins All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Miami Dolphins tomorrow. Being in different conferences, the Vikings haven’t played the Dolphins too often over the years. They did have a significant meeting on January 13, 1974. Super Bowl VIII. That game didn’t go well for the Vikings. On the eve of the rematch of that Super Bowl, here are some of the best players in Dolphins franchise history. Several of the players on this team played in that Super Bowl. 

Offense

Quarterback 

Dan Marino

Running Back

Ricky Williams

Fullback

Larry Csonka

Wide Receivers

Paul Warfield

Mark Clayton

Tight End

Bruce Hardy

Tackles

Richmond Webb

Norm Evans

Guards

Bob Kuechenberg

Larry Little

Center

Dwight Stephenson

Defense

Defensive Ends

Jason Taylor 

Cameron Wake

Defensive Tackles

Manny Fernandez

Bob Baumhower

Linebackers

Zach Thomas

Nick Buoniconti 

John Offerdahl

Cornerbacks

Sam Madison

Patrick Surtain

Safeties

Dick Anderson

Jake Scott

Special Teams

Kicker

Garo Yepremian

Punter

Reggie Roby

Kick Returner

Jakeem Grant

Punt Returner

O.J. McDuffie

Flea Flicker Favorite Football Books

I bring this list of favorite football books back when I’m thinking about football books. I even brought it back earlier this year. I bring it back now because I have a new addition to it. There are several great football players that simply don’t have enough written about them. Former New York Giants safety Emlen Tunnell is one of those players. Sure, he’s mentioned in just about every book written on the 1950’s Giants and there are many of those. The only legitimate book focused on Tunnell is his autobiography, Footsteps of a Giant. Whenever I’ve searched for it, I’ve had a difficult time finding the book. Properly motivated a few weeks ago, I finally located one. It’s terrific and finds a place on this list. Here are 28 of my favorite football books. I really should trim that number down but I really don’t want to trim any of the books. 

Flea Flicker Favorite Football Books

28. Namath: a Biography, Mark Kriegel, 2005
If you're at all curious about the Joe Namath legend this is the book to read.

27. Friday Night Lights, H.G. Bissinger, 1990
A football classic. As much sociological study as football book.

26. Going Long: The Wild Ten Year Saga of the American Football League in the Words of Those Who Lived It, Jeff Miller, 2004
Perhaps the best book on the wildly entertaining American Football League.

25. The Mannings, Lars Anderson, 2016
Any book about the Mannings that's still talking about Archie's football career 150 pages in is an entertaining read. Not to take anything away from the Manning kids but their careers are so fresh in our football minds. Archie was a very good quarterback on a very bad team. He was also one of my favorite non-Minnesota Vikings players of his era. He's a better dad. This book is as much about raising a family and relationships as it is about football. A great book.

24. About Three Bricks Shy of a Load, Roy Blount Jr., 1974
This book is an excellent season-long, inside look at the Pittsburgh Steelers just before the team took over the NFL.

23. Chuck Noll: His Life's Work, Michael MacCambridge, 2016
Blount's book took a close look at one season before the Steelers' dynasty. MacCambridge's book looks at the life of the man behind that dynasty. It's hard to imagine the Steelers being a laughing-stock but they were for nearly all of their first 40 years in the league. When Dan Rooney hired Chuck Noll in 1969 the Steelers started to change. Quickly. MacCambrige tackles one of the game's great coaches and perhaps least known.

22. Giants and Heroes: A Daughter's Memories of Y. A. Tittle, Dianne Tittle De Laet, 1998
A look at a football star from the rare perspective of his daughter. This book is simply wonderful.

21. Native American Son: The Life and Sporting Legend of Jim Thorpe, Kate Buford, 2010
This is the best book on one of America's greatest athletes.

20. Kassulke, Karl Kassulke, 1981
The former Vikings safety delivers the wildly entertaining characters on the Minnesota Vikings of the 1960s. It's a must for Vikings fans.

19. Paper Lion, George Plimpton, 1966
George Plimpton's writing. George Plimpton's football talents. The 1963 Detroit Lions. Fun times.

18. PB: The Paul Brown Story, Paul Brown with Jack Clary, 1978
From stories of his days attending San Francisco 49ers games at Kezar Stadium in the 1940s, my father introduced me to the coaching legend of Paul Brown. As a result those Cleveland Browns teams and their coach will always have a fond place for me.

17. A Civil War, John Feinstein, 1997
A terrific, intimate look into the incredible Army-Navy rivalry.

16. Dutch Clark: The Life of an NFL Legend and the Birth of the Detroit Lions, Chris Willis, 2012

This book would probably make the list simply because of the subject. Dutch Clark is one of the best, and one of my favorite, players of the NFL’s early years. Like Emlen Tunnell, Dutch Clark’s life and great career is woefully covered. Chris Willis uncovered him. 

15. Finding the Winning Edge, Bill Walsh, 1997
This is the coach's manual on how to run a football team.

14. Instant Replay, Jerry Kramer and Dick Schaap, 1968
Jerry Kramer's diary of the Packers 1967 season. There are a few season-long, peak-behind-the-curtains books on this list. This book is one of the first to be written and still one of the best.

13. Halas by Halas, The Autobiography of George Halas, George Halas with Gwen Morgan and Arthur Veysey, 1979
George Halas' story is the story of the NFL.

12. The Pros: A Documentary of Professional Football in America, Robert Riger with commentary from Tex Maule, 1960
This is a unique coffee table-type book. It presents the NFL to the reader through the fantastic artwork and photography of Robert Riger and commentary of Tex Maule.

11. Total Football/Total Football II, Bob Carroll, David Neft, John Thorn, and Michael Greshman, 1997/1998
You want a pro football encyclopedia? Here's your pro football encyclopedia.

10. Run to Daylight, Vince Lombardi with W.C. Heinz, 1963
Perhaps the first "inside look" football books. Vince Lombardi takes the reader through a week of preparation for a game during the 1962 season.

9. The Game That Was, Myron Cope, 1970
Some of my favorite football books are the oral histories of the early days of the game. Myron Cope reached many of the game's best in this one. Dutch Clark, Johnny Blood, Marion Motley, Bill Willis, Bulldog Turner.

8. The Pro Football Chronicle: The Complete (Well Almost Record of the Best Players, the Greatest Photos, the Hardest Hits, the Biggest Scandals), Dan Daly and Bob O'Donnell, 1990
As the title suggests the book has a lot of everything.

7. Education of a Coach, David Halberstam, 2005
What could be better than a book written by a writer like David Halberstam about a coach like Bill Belichick?

6. What a Game They Played, Richard Whittingham, 1984
This is probably the best oral history book on football. Whittingham brings the reader the voices and experiences of many of the greats that made football great. Mel Hein, Don Hutson, Sid Luckman, Sammy Baugh, and so many others.

5. Footsteps of a Giant, Emlen Tunnell w/William Gleason, 1966

Perhaps it’s a recency thing that places this book in the Top 5. I didn’t know Emlen Tunnell but I really felt like I got to know him through this book. I hope that Gleason accurately captured Tunnell’s voice. I’ve always liked the player. Now, I really like the person. This is a great, fun book about a great, fun football player. 

4. Red Grange: The Life And Legacy of the NFL’s First Superstar, Chris Willis, 2019

This might be the most thoroughly researched and comprehensive book ever written on an individual football player. And it’s a fun read. 

3. A Thinking Man's Guide To Pro Football/The New Thinking Man's Guide To Pro Football, Paul Zimmerman, 1970 and 1984
This book is so great that it had to be done twice. I only wish that there were Newer... and Newest... editions as well. Zimmerman was probably the most knowledgeable football writer in the business. He could talk and write about the game like a coach.

2. When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, David Maraniss, 1999
The best football biography that I've read. There were a handful of years in which I had to re-read this book prior to the start of the NFL season. Just to get ready.

1. America's Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation, Michael MacCambridge, 2005
Michael MacCambridge tells the story of the NFL since World War II through a focus on the Browns, Chiefs, Colts, Cowboys, Raiders, and Rams. Well researched and very well written. If you want one book on the history of the NFL to read, this is it.

Vikings Roster Moves

Mostly due to an injury, a trade, and a the Minnesota Vikings made several roster moves over the past couple of days. 

Signed to 53-man Roster:

Kyle Van Noy, OLB

Max Brosmer, QB

Reverted to Active Roster from Suspended List:

Jeshaun Jones, WR

Placed on Injured/Reserve

Josh Oliver, TE

Terminated contract:

Johnny Hekker, P

Released from Practice Squad:

Jerome Ford, RB

Jaret Patterson, RB

Jonathan Harris, DL

Signed to the Practice Squad:

Kenny Dyson, OLB

Audric Estime, RB

Devin Neal, RB

Johnny Hekker, P

Keshawn Banks, OLB

Josh Priebe, G

It’s been a busy week. The work started with the trade of quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick. Plenty has already been said about the trade. Plenty will be said about the trade for the entirety of McCarthy’s career. The quarterback vacancy prompted Max Brosmer’s elevation from the practice squad. Speaking of practice squad elevations, the Vikings did so for each of the first three games with outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy. League rules allow only three such elevations so he was signed to the active roster on Tuesday. This was a move considered inevitable when he was initially signed to the practice squad on September 2. Josh Oliver’s unfortunate bicep injury forced a move to injured reserve. Hopefully, he’ll be back later in the season. Oliver is so critical to the Vikings offense, in general, and run game, in particular. 

As for the practice squad moves, the focus was on supplementing the running backs. Jerome Ford and Jaret Patterson did so for a week. Audric Estime and Devin Neal will do so moving forward. The addition of Neal is especially intriguing. He was terrific in college at Kansas. That got him selected in the sixth-round of a 2025 NFL draft that was loaded with talented running backs. The Vikings run game will require a delicate balance until Jordan Mason returns from thumb surgery. Aaron Jones Sr. is being forced to carry too much of the load right now. He’s still an effective runner at 31 but his carries can’t get out of hand over multiple weeks. Punter Johnny Hekker was signed to the active roster last week to replace injured Brett Thorson in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hekker and Thorson competed for the punter job through training camp. The rookie won the job and was punting well until he tweaked a hamstring in Week 2 on the soggy home field of the Chicago Bears. It was incredibly convenient that Hekker was available as he already had familiarity with the Vikings kicking battery of kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola. It seems holding for kicks has become as important as the actual punting for the modern punter. Maintaining Hekker’s presence on the roster was important as Thorson works to return to the lineup. Keshawn Banks and Josh Priebe will supplement the depth at their respective positions. 

Then we get to the almost comical case of Kenny Dyson. The Vikings initially brought him in at the latter stages of training camp. He impressed defensive coaches immediately and was a likely candidate for the initial practice squad. Whether a clerical oversight or just a procedural mistake by a new front office finding their way, the Vikings released Dyson with an injury settlement. He was then signed to the practice squad. Can’t do that. The practice squad contract was disallowed because of a league rule that says players waived with an injury settlement can’t be re-signed by that team until the length of that settlement, plus three weeks. It was a mistake/oversight that didn’t reflect well on the Vikings. The three weeks have now passed and Dyson was still available. Now, he’s on the Vikings practice squad. And it’s legal. So far. 

It’s been a busy week of roster-tweaking for the Minnesota Vikings.