NFL3 hours ago1 minute read

Carson Wentz Starts for Vikings as Kyler Murray Sits Out

Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for Minnesota against Buffalo after Kyler Murray suffered a hamstring injury.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Wentz Steps In Against Buffalo

The Minnesota Vikings are making a change under center for their upcoming matchup. Carson Wentz will start Monday night's game against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced the news on Thursday, confirming that starter Kyler Murray has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

O'Connell clarified the team's plans for Murray moving forward. The quarterback is considered week-to-week with the hamstring issue. However, O'Connell noted that putting Murray on injured reserve is "not under consideration at all."

Previous Start and Quarterback Stats

This Monday night contest will mark the second start of the season for Wentz. His first action came earlier in the year during Week 2, when Murray was forced to miss time with a concussion. Wentz filled in successfully during that game, leading the Vikings to a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Murray has had a mixed campaign statistically so far. Through his first six starts with Minnesota, Murray ranks No. 26 among 30 qualified quarterbacks in QBR.

Defense Keeps Minnesota Winning

Despite the lower rating for Murray, Minnesota has put together an impressive run to start the year. The Vikings currently hold a 6-1 record and sit right at the top of the NFC North standings.

A major reason for that success has been the team's performance on the other side of the ball. Minnesota has relied on a stout defense to keep winning games even when the passing offense has struggled. Now, Wentz gets another chance to keep the winning record going while Murray recovers.

What it means for the next game

Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings (NFL, Tue, 10 Nov): Minnesota Vikings win 38%, Buffalo Bills win 62%; projected score Minnesota Vikings 21, Buffalo Bills 23. Our safest pick: Vikings +10.5.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Green Bay Packers win 54%, Minnesota Vikings win 46%; projected score Green Bay Packers 22, Minnesota Vikings 18. Our safest pick: Under 47.5 points.