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Dolphins (3-2) vs. Minnesota Vikings (4-1), Sunday, 1 p.m., FOX
Latest line: Vikings are favored by 3 1/2 points; over/under is 42.
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 3-2): Dolphins 24, Vikings 20
Yes, the Vikings are 4-1, but they’ve beaten up on a couple of NFC North patsies in Detroit and Chicago and their only opponents with a winning record is 3-2 Green Bay. Kirk Cousins is just good enough to make you concerned about their offense, but it averages 23 points a game — exactly like the Dolphins. But Cousins and star receiver Justin Jefferson, who already has 40 catches, could pose a big problem. Jefferson had a career-high 12 catches for 154 yards against the Bears last week and could have another big day against Miami’s struggling secondary.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 1-4): Vikings 27, Dolphins 24
This is largely based on the Dolphins’ injury situation. Their depth is being tested in many areas, but the biggest issue is the cornerback situation, which has a huge bearing on the entire defense. The Dolphins are ranked 28th against the pass and have given up numerous big plays. It’s also a major question how rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson will fare in his first NFL start.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 3-2): Vikings 30, Dolphins 20
Miami will remain with third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson against the Vikings as Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater remain in concussion protocol. The Dolphins are also trying to bring several star players back from injury in Xavien Howard, Terron Armstead and Tyreek Hill. The Vikings are off to a strong 4-1 start. Dalvin Cook could be in for a big game back in his hometown, and Justin Jefferson might feast on a banged-up Dolphins secondary.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 3-2): Vikings 34, Dolphins 20
The Dolphins seem to be in a downward spiral, and facing Minnesota isn’t going to help them pull out of it. The Vikings’ only loss has been to the undefeated Eagles, and they are clicking on many levels. The Dolphins’ dismal fourth quarter last week makes it hard to pick Miami, regardless of who starts at quarterback. Miami’s defense needs to get back on track.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 2-3): Vikings 27, Dolphins 17
While Tua Tagovailoa inched closer to returning, rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson will start against the Vikings as Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater remain in concussion protocol. If Bridgewater is cleared to return this week, he will back up Thompson against Minnesota. But a third-string QB making his first NFL start doesn’t bode well against the division-leading Vikings. Veteran Kirk Cousins and his standout receivers certainly get the nod in this matchup.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 2-3): Vikings 27, Dolphins 20
The Dolphins are getting buried by injuries, and the Vikings while not having looked impressive doing it, are 4-1 and leading the NFC North. If the Dolphins’ top two cornerbacks to cover Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are Nik Needham and Kader Kohou, the Dolphins may need at least a half-dozen sacks to survive. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, though, has been sacked more than three times only once in his past two-dozen games.
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