2022 NFL Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills This coming Sunday will mark the biggest game of the season to date for the Minnesota Vikings as they head to western New York to take on one of the Super Bowl favorites in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills. The Vikings haven’t beaten the Bills since Buffalo visited the Metrodome in 2010 in what turned out to be the last start of Brett Favre’s iron man streak. The two games since then were a last-second loss in Buffalo in 2014 and a particularly embarrassing defeat at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2018, where the Vikings came into the game as a 17-point favorite and got humiliated by then-rookie quarterback Josh Allen and company by a score of 27-6. This will mark the first meeting between these two teams since the 2020 trade that sent wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Bills in exchange for draft picks. One of those draft picks, as we know, turned into star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has quickly become one of the NFL’s best in his own right. They’ll both play critical roles for their respective teams in this inter-conference matchup. Minnesota comes into this one riding a six-game winning streak, having come back from a ten-point deficit to take down the Washington Commanders in Week 9 action by a score of 20-17. On the other hand, the Bills are coming off a 20-17 loss to their division rivals, the New York Jets, a shocker to say the least. Our friends at the DraftKings Sportsbook have installed the Bills as a big favorite in this one early, tabbing them as a 7.5-point home favorite over the Vikings. The over/under for this one is currently set at 48.5. Kickoff for this one is slated for noon on Sunday afternoon, with television coverage being provided by the FOX family of networks. DAILY NORSEMAN
With the Minnesota Vikings making preparations to take on the Buffalo Bills’ high-powered offense in Week 10, it sounds like the team is going to have to do so without one of their top cornerbacks. In a press conference today, Kevin O’Connell said that Dantzler was a “long shot” to play against Buffalo on Sunday. Dantzler sat out the second half of the Vikings’ 20-17 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday with an ankle injury. He had been listed as “questionable” going into the game, but that was with a neck injury, so the ankle issue is something new. It would be a significant blow to the Minnesota defense if Dantzler were unable to play on Sunday, given that he’s having a very good season to this point after a couple of up-and-down years in his first two NFL seasons. If there’s an upside to this, it’s that Dantzler was replaced by rookie Akayleb Evans after he was declared out of Sunday’s game, and Evans acquitted himself quite well, including making a huge pass break-up against Terry McLaurin on a 4th-and-1 play to stop a Washington drive. If Dantzler is unable to go, it might be Evans that gets pushed into duty ahead of his fellow rookie, second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. This is obviously something to monitor as we get closer to game time, but getting a declaration like this one this early in the week doesn’t bode well for Dantzler’s chances of being ready for Sunday. DAILY NORSEMAN
Unless my memory is failing me. . .and that’s a distinct possibility. . .it’s been a while since the Minnesota Vikings had to deal with any real weather issues during one of their games. The last one that I can recall is the snow game in Baltimore back in 2013 with the absolutely bonkers ending, but I don’t recall one between now and then. However, after taking a look at the early forecast for Orchard Park, New York for Sunday, the elements could be a factor when the purple head out there to take on the Buffalo Bills next Sunday afternoon. The forecast from Weather Underground currently shows a kickoff temperature in the mid-30s with a rain/snow mixture forecast to be falling for most of the day and winds out of the west at between 10 and 20 miles an hour. This isn’t going to be one of those games where we see highlights of the goalposts being bent because of the winds or six inches of snow on the ground or anything like that, but for a team that doesn’t have to deal with the elements a whole lot, it does provide a potential added dimension to things for the Vikings. I don’t know if it will affect them that much, but it’s something to keep an eye on for the rest of the week. DAILY NORSEMAN
Jordan Hicks, Vikings approaching trip to Buffalo as chance to 'prove to the world' they are for real The Minnesota Vikings take their 7-1 record to Buffalo this weekend to face the 6-2 Bills in the only matchup of Week 10 between two clubs with winning records. For Vikings players, the matchup against the AFC East leaders is a chance to prove their hot start to the season isn't a mirage. "It's a great opportunity for us," Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks said this week, via the Pioneer Press. "They're obviously a really good team. ... It's exciting. That's what you play this game for, to prove to yourself and to prove to the world that you're for real." While the Vikings own the second-best record in the NFL, behind the 8-0 Eagles, Minnesota has only one victory over a team currently with a winning record -- Week 6's 24-16 win over Miami, in which quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did not play. The Vikes' .387 strength of victory (combined win percentage of all teams defeated) in 2022 is the third-lowest among clubs with a winning record. After getting shellacked in prime time against the Eagles in Week 2, the Vikings have earned six consecutive victories. But they haven't been pretty, with an average margin of victory of 5.5 points during that span and no win by more than eight. The Vikings have found a way to win each game, including Sunday's 10-point fourth-quarter comeback against the Washington Commanders. Regardless of Bills quarterback Josh Allen's elbow injury status, the Vikings know they need a 60-minute performance to knock off Buffalo on the road. "I think it's important to play the best and play well against the best," Vikings receiver Adam Thielen said Monday. "We're also not going to treat this as the Super Bowl. It's not win or go home, but at the same time, each game in this league each week is a big game. "Long story short: We're not going to treat this like the Super Bowl, but it is a big game for us." A win would cement the Vikings' status as one of the best in the NFC. Conversely, a loss could underscore that they've beaten up bad teams thus far. NFL.com
Dalvin Cook looks forward to playing his brother for the first time Vikings running back Dalvin Cook usually roots for his younger brother, but not this week. For the first time, Cook will face James, a rookie running back for the Bills. “Yeah, it’s different,” Dalvin Cook said, via Sam Thiel of the team website. “I never had the opportunity to be in this predicament, but one of the best to be in. It’s a fun time for my family. But it’s something that I will remember forever. Just taking it all in. A lot of emotions Sunday.” Dalvin Cook, a second-round selection in 2017, has 150 touches for 727 yards and six touchdowns this season. James Cook, a second-round pick this year, has 35 touches for 243 yards and a touchdown. Dalvin is providing advice to his younger brother . . . while also trash talking. “Every day. Every day. Every day,” Dalvin said. “I’ll talk to him. Just call him and mess with him and see where his head is at.” A few weeks ago, Cook played in his hometown of Miami for the first time as a pro. Now, he will play his brother for the first time. “It’s definitely going to be fun,” Dalvin said. “It’s just funny how things work out. We made it to the stages of our career that we aimed for when were younger. So, we’ve just got to take advantage of it.” PFT
The Buffalo Bills (6-2) will host the Minnesota Vikings (7-1) in their upcoming Week 10 game. Even if it’s a cross-conference meeting, it will still be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference. Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Vikings clash: CB Dane Jackson vs. WR Justin Jefferson Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports Tre’Davious White began practicing in mid-October. The cornerback has been working out with his teammates, but he has yet to suit up in a game since his knee injury. Considering how cautious the Bills are being with him, even when/if he does play he’ll probably start on a pitch count. Whether it’s White on a snap count or him rotating in, Jackson has to step up in a big way against Jefferson. Jefferson (867) is only one of two receivers to have more yards than Stefon Diggs (851) this season. DE AJ Epenesa vs. OL Brian O'Neill Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa (57) Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports Greg Rousseau starts across from Von Miller. After being labeled “week-to-week” with an ankle injury on Monday, he’s unlikely to play against the Vikings. That means AJ Epenesa is the next-man up. He’ll see plenty of lining up across from right tackle Brian O’Neill. He has graded as Pro Football Focus‘ 15th best tackle in the NFL this season. A big challenge. OL Dion Dawkins vs. LB Za'Darius Smith Vikings linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Smith has had an excellent year in Minnesota. He leads the Vikings with 8.5 sacks, which is tied for second-most in the NFL. In his own right, Dawkins has had a strong first half of 2022. He grades as PFF’s 21st-best tackle and his 73.8 mark is the highest amongst all Bills offensive linemen. Story originally appeared on Bills Wire
I think the Vikings have real shot at winning this game the Bill's are in a bad way Case can he get the job done? Josh Allen was a big part Buffalo Bill's offense if he's out the Vikings have a chance to me it's the Bill's defense they got to beat
Josh Allen missed practice today too. Bills say they are taking it an hour at a time. I kinda want Allen to play... to be the best, you gotta beat the best. Bills will be formidable no matter who is under center and its will be huge if the Vikings can win this one.
This could be true it's a get right game for the Buffalo Bill after losing to the JETS can they afford to lose 2 in a row Josh Allen or not this will be a tough game cause the Bill's defense is no joke
Bills are a bit banged up on defense as well... Safety Jordan Poyer and defensive end Greg Rousseau were ruled out on Friday. Rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam was listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, and starting middle linebacker Tremain Edmunds was questionable with a groin injury. So, who knows? Thats why they play the games.
Good Luck have a good game and don't hurt your elbow,this is a big RISK this is a prove it to me game are they really the Big Dog of the NFL and for the Vikings are they really Contenders or Pretenders
I should be used to this disrespect the sportswriters and media have toward the Vikings yeah there 7-1 but there's always this damn but
Nfl,com's power rankings even have the 4-4 49'ers listed higher than the Vikings. I personally dont care, its what happens when all is said and done that matters.
