The Minnesota Vikings host the Buffalo Bills on Monday night with both teams at 6-1, four years after a 33-30 overtime classic, in the franchises' first Monday Night Football meeting. This time, Minnesota needs to prove it can win a heavyweight matchup without waiting for another miracle.
In November 2022, Kirk Cousins found Justin Jefferson for 32 yards on fourth-and-18, the centerpiece of Jefferson's extraordinary performance in Buffalo. Jefferson was facing former Viking Stefon Diggs, whose trade to Buffalo helped Minnesota draft him. The Vikings still needed Eric Kendricks to recover Josh Allen's botched goal-line snap for a touchdown and Patrick Peterson to intercept Allen in overtime.
That comeback helped establish Kevin O'Connell's first Vikings team as a contender. Minnesota finished 13-4 and won the NFC North, only to lose its playoff opener to the Giants.
Justin Jefferson, Carson Wentz carry the pressure to revive Minnesota Vikings' offense
The 2026 Vikings are powered by Brian Flores' defense rather than an explosive passing attack. Minnesota allows 13.3 points per game, while Buffalo scores a league-leading 33.3. Flores has piled up 25 sacks through seven games by constantly changing the pressure picture.
Allen and first-year Bills head coach Joe Brady are a tougher combination to fool than most. Allen can identify the blitz, beat an unblocked defender, and extend a play long enough to expose vacated coverage. Minnesota's pass rush can't afford to get overly aggressive and give Allen room to escape.
Kyler Murray is out with a hamstring strain, leaving Carson Wentz to start. Jefferson, who gained 193 yards in Buffalo four years ago, has just 335 receiving yards through six appearances this season. O'Connell's offense is averaging only 20 points per game.
Wentz has at least shown a willingness to throw Jefferson open, something reflected in his recent connection with Jefferson. The All-Pro does his best work when his quarterback trusts him to create separation and delivers the ball on time. But Wentz has also absorbed six sacks in limited action this season. Protection can't be an afterthought unless they want to see Max Brosmer.
Buffalo's defense is hardly airtight, surrendering 25.9 points per game. If Wentz can find Jefferson early and force Buffalo to adjust its coverage, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson should have room to contribute. There's a path to scoring here, even without another circus catch.
11/13/2022: In honor of @JJettas2 birthday…
— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) June 16, 2026
Justin Jefferson makes one of the greatest catches of all time to convert a must have 4th and 18 against the Bills in Buffalo. The Vikings would go on to upset Buffalo 33-30. pic.twitter.com/zloNEDjmrx
Minnesota's greater defensive concern is on the ground. Detroit rushed for 230 yards in last week's 19-15 loss, underscoring the Vikings' growing run-defense problem. James Cook can stress the interior, while Allen punishes pursuit angles that open a running lane.
Monday also starts a demanding two-game stretch. Minnesota visits Green Bay next Sunday, meaning an inability to sustain drives against Buffalo would leave O'Connell little time to fix his passing game before another NFC North showdown.
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