Unbeaten Vikings host winless Dolphins in NFL Week 4

Teams heading in opposite directions

In NFL Week 4, the Minnesota Vikings host the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota enters undefeated at 3-0, while Miami has yet to win a game this season. According to the New York Post, the Vikings are favored by 11.5 points — a notable spread given that Minnesota's offense ranks dead last in the league in success rate and 23rd in net yards per play.

Key injuries on both sides

The Vikings will be without top receiver Justin Jefferson, who sprained his ankle in Week 3 against Tampa Bay, missed every practice during the week, and was officially ruled out on Friday, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Jordan Addison is expected to step into the lead receiving role, with Aaron Jones taking on a bigger part of the offensive workload.

Miami's situation is even more difficult. Running back De'Von Achane tore his ACL in Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs and is out for the remainder of the season. To fill the void, the Dolphins promoted Carlos Washington Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday, where he joins Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon in the backfield. Wright is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play his full role. Additionally, rookie receiver Caleb Douglas will miss his second straight game after injuring his ankle in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. In total, Yahoo Sports reports the Dolphins have declared seven players inactive for the game.

Broader context

Per figures cited by the New York Post, the Vikings have gone 7-3 against the spread over their last 10 games, compared to just 3-7 for the Dolphins over the same stretch. Some analysts note that if Minnesota's offense can run the ball more effectively, it could ease the burden on the defense and special teams — a point made more relevant by Jefferson's absence.