Dolphins vs. Vikings preview: 0-3 Miami’s huge road test

Dustin Judge
Dolphins vs. Vikings preview: Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates a sack

In this Dolphins vs. Vikings preview, the winless Miami Dolphins (0-3) visit the undefeated Minnesota Vikings (3-0) on Sunday, Oct. 4, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Kickoff is 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX, according to the Dolphins.

Dolphins vs. Vikings preview: game information

Date: Sunday, Oct. 4. Time: 4:05 p.m. ET. Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis. TV: FOX. Minnesota was a 10½-point favorite, The Associated Press reported.

Flores faces his old team

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores faces the franchise he once coached. “It’s never about me. It’s always about our team, and so the preparation’s going to be the same,” he said, per the AP. His lawsuit against the NFL alleging racial discrimination in hiring is still pending, with a trial expected in 2027. Our report on the Flores-NFL subpoena saga has background.

Minnesota leads the league with 14 sacks through three games and had six in a 23-16 win at Tampa Bay on Sept. 27, per the Vikings.

Miami’s offense and injuries

The Dolphins vs. Vikings preview must start with Miami’s slide. Miami lost 27-13 at Las Vegas, 35-13 at San Francisco and 24-10 to Kansas City in its home opener. Running back De’Von Achane is out for the season with a torn ACL, and quarterback Malik Willis is making his 10th career start. The Dolphins average 291 yards per game and are the only team without a sack, the AP reported.

On the Dolphins’ report, receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) and edge rusher Rob Beal Jr. (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, while receiver Chris Bell (knee) and cornerback Storm Duck were limited, the Vikings’ report showed.

Vikings injuries and Justin Jefferson

Receiver Justin Jefferson sprained an ankle on the seventh play at Tampa Bay and did not practice Thursday. Coach Kevin O’Connell called him day-to-day. Punter Brett Thorson (hamstring) and cornerback Charles Demmings (hamstring) also did not practice, and linebacker Blake Cashman (elbow) was limited. Final designations come after Friday’s practice.

Kyler Murray was 15 of 29 for 168 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers. To see how Minnesota built its quarterback room, read our QB battle report and our J.J. McCarthy trade story.

What to watch

Miami has no sacks of its own, so protecting Willis against Flores’ defense is the biggest question. This Dolphins vs. Vikings preview points to a Minnesota edge, but the Vikings’ offense has not been dominant.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.