Week 5 is underway and the Minnesota Vikings face the interesting task of taking on the New York Jets from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in England. A part of the London Games Series, the purple and gold will play host to Aaron Rodgers and company on Sunday.
England is known for its weather. At an open stadium like the one used by Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in London, the elements can force a team to adjust its game plan or abandon it altogether if conditions make it tough.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is banged up for the Jets. The Vikings would likely love to use various blitzing attacks to keep him uncomfortable in the pocket, but there is a chance the weather might not let that happen.
London weather forecast could ruin Vikings plans for Aaron Rodgers
The forecast for the game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets doesn't look great. In fact the weather could be a problem for Brian Flores and the purple and gold defense if the playing surface causes issues.
NFL Weather has an expected temperature of 57 °F to 61 °F for the game with 9 MPH winds, 82 percent humidity, and 97 percent cloud cover. Those factors aren't too bad, but the 65 percent chance of rain could be a major factor on the field.
Wet field conditions usually favor the offense and could impact how the Vikings' defense attempts to attack Aaron Rodgers and the passing attack of the New York Jets as rain falls throughout the game on Sunday.
The wet conditions could also keep the Minnesota passing offense from being as dynamic as it has been this season. Passing numbers usually decrease in rainy conditions in favor of rushing attempts. The rain could force the Vikings offense to lean a bit more on running back Aaron Jones and less on the arm of Sam Darnold.
Last week, the New York Jets failed to score a touchdown at home in a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos and will be looking to rebound against a surprising undefeated Minnesota Vikings team.
With their bye week coming up after this game, a victory for the purple and gold could mean they stay undefeated entering their Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions, when tight end T.J. Hockenson might make his return to the field, making this London game against the Jets even more important.