Bills vs. Vikings: Josh Allen faces Minnesota defense as Carson Wentz starts
Vikings Defense Prepares to Corral Josh Allen
“It’s not even how they blitz. It’s how productive they are when they do blitz,” former NFL MVP Josh Allen said regarding the Minnesota defense, tri-cityherald.com reported on November 7, 2026. The Buffalo Bills (6-1) face the Minnesota Vikings (6-1) on Monday night in Minneapolis, and Allen is relying on extensive film study to decode a unit that ranks near the top of several major statistical categories.
Allen noted that the Vikings attack from multiple angles. They bring pressure from both sides, overload the middle, and disguise their coverages by dropping defenders into zones after initially showing rush intent.
Minnesota Turns to Carson Wentz Against Buffalo’s Pass Rush
While the Minnesota defense locks down opponents, the offense faces a difficult challenge. The team ranks 29th in total offense at 279.4 yards per game and has scored just 12 touchdowns, the second-fewest in the league ahead of only the winless Los Angeles Chargers. The Vikings will turn to backup quarterback Carson Wentz for the Monday night matchup. Kyler Murray has been ruled out with a strained hamstring and carries a week-to-week status.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell expressed confidence in the veteran signal-caller. “Carson’s going to throw a lot of completions,” O’Connell said, according to [your]NEWS. “He’s going to put the ball in play. He’s got such a high, high understanding of not only the offense, but what he’s looking at on the other side.” Wentz has completed passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in limited action this year.
High-Tempo Bills Attack Met by Disruptive Minnesota Pass Rush
Keeping pace with Buffalo requires facing a potent offense. Allen has completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 1,793 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions this season while adding 270 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. Running back James Cook III averages 5.1 yards per carry with seven rushing touchdowns, and Dalton Kincaid leads the receiving corps with 401 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, the Bills feature Greg Rousseau, who leads the pass rush with seven sacks and three forced fumbles. Minnesota counters with Andrew Van Ginkel, who paces the team with 6.5 sacks, closely followed by Dallas Turner with six. In the secondary, Byron Murphy Jr. has intercepted three passes, while James Pierre has two.
Injury Reports Impact Both Rosters Heading Into Monday Night
Both teams managed significant injuries during practice sessions leading up to the prime-time kickoff. The Bills ruled out wide receiver Joshua Palmer due to a hamstring injury sustained in last week’s win over Baltimore. Offensive linemen Dion Dawkins with a rib injury and Alec Anderson with an ankle injury were listed as questionable, alongside defensive lineman Greg Gaines, defensive back Jordan Hancock, and wide receiver Tyrell Shavers.
The Vikings ruled out wide receiver Jauan Jennings and running back Demond Claiborne due to calf and knee injuries, respectively. Safeties Theo Jackson and Jay Ward also appeared on the injury report as questionable with quad and knee issues.