MINNEAPOLIS— The Minnesota Vikings got back into the win column in Week 9, adjacent to the Indianapolis Colts to keep up with the busy NFC North. Next up: a second straight AFC South game, this time against the reeling Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7), who have gone 3-12 since last December. What can fans expect on Sunday and in the future? Here’s the latest from CBS Sports NFL writer and Vikings insider Cody Benjamin.
News pieces
The Vikings will debut a brand new kicking operation against Jacksonville thanks to recent injuries to both kickers Will Reichard (quad) and All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola (hand). Both players will miss at least four games after being moved to injured reserve, and their absences should not be taken lightly; rookie Reichard had made 14 straight field goals before botching two kicks on a bad leg on Sunday, and DePaola has been a mainstay since arriving in 2020. Former XFL standout and summer reserve John Parker Romo will take over for Reichard, but expect coach Kevin O ‘Connell will also consider more two-point attempts in the coming weeks.
Insider buzz
O’Connell hinted at this by highlighting Cam Robinson in his postgame speech after the win over Indianapolis, but the Vikings are overwhelmingly pleased with their new left tackle, who held up quite well against a solid Colts front just days later. come through trade. Robinson also has plenty of motivation to return to Jacksonville, where he was benched just before his move to Minnesota. Expect tight ends TJ Hockenson and Josh Oliver to take turns assisting Robinson as he faces off against Jaguars pass rusher Travon Walker, who has emerged of late.
The big picture
If the Vikings’ two games after their surprisingly seamless 5-0 start brought Minnesota back down to earth, then this current stretch against AFC South opponents should revive playoff hopes. Minnesota has more than enough to beat the Jaguars on Sunday, and if the Vikings do, they’ll be staring at a potential – and very feasible – 8-2 start, with the ailing Tennessee Titans following suit. That kind of lead in the NFC wild card race guarantees they’ll stay relevant this holiday season.
Around the North
The Detroit Lions (7-1) head to Houston for a matchup with the Texans, who have struggled to click offensively of late but enter Week 10 having enjoyed extra rest. The Green Bay Packers (6-3) will visit their rival Chicago Bears (4-4), who have endured back-to-back duds from Caleb Williams and the offense. Jordan Love is coming off a clunker of his own, but could give the Pack a two-game lead over the Bears with a win on Sunday.
