The Browns swap to Dylan Gabriel in London, hoping mobility and tempo spark an injury-plagued offense. Joe Flacco is benched as Cleveland eyes a spark, while Minnesota counters with an injury-riddled O-line and a receiving corps led by Jefferson, Addison, and Naylor. The game hinges on pressure, turnover luck, and field-position battles, with Miles Garrett and a relentless Browns front taking center stage against a Vikings line hit by multiple injuries.

Key matchups frame the show: Browns’ revamped quarterback room vs. Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense; Vikings’ edge-blockers vs. Cleveland’s stifling front; and the battle to protect Carson Wentz or Dylan Gabriel while trying to get the ball to Jefferson and friends. London adds a weird time-shift wrinkle, but the core drama remains: which unit can impose its will first and avoid costly mistakes?

Vikings fall 24-21 in Dublin after a brutal start, then rally late but fall short as Carson Wentz struggles to see open targets and the offensive line collapses at times. Jaylen Redmond provides a bright defensive moment with two sacks, while Jordan Addison and TJ Hawkinson flash big-play ability that’s hampered by miscommunications and timing issues. A looming London date with Cleveland tests the Vikings’ rotation, McCarthy’s status, and O’Connell’s play-calling as special teams’ Isaiah Rogers delivers a key block that kept Minnesota in reach.

Offensively, the unit never truly syncs during the game, leaving questions about Wentz’s future, JJ McCarthy’s ETA, and how much the coaching staff can extract from a decimated line. The next two weeks will be pivotal for personnel decisions, with looming injuries and disorganization concerns overshadowing the late-game comeback. Focus shifts to London and a defense that, despite flaws, showed enough to stay competitive.

Vikings leverage Carson Wentz’s calm efficiency, a backfield fueled by Jordan Mason, and the return of Darasaw to forge a run‑and‑short‑pass attack that keeps Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison primed for clean looks. Xavier Scott injects youth and speed as the depth chart opens up, while Minnesota’s defense pressures the Steelers and plays keep‑away with timely stops. A Dublin showdown highlights a shift away from big shots toward ball control and field position.

Vikings QB drama dominates fantasy chatter as Carson Wentz and JJ McCarthy compete for snaps. Wentz could start vs Pittsburgh and Cleveland, offering a steady floor if he stays within the system, while McCarthy’s upside hinges on off-season reps and protection. O’Connell’s trust in his QB room will shape early-season depth charts and weekly projections.

Mason steps into a bellcow role with Addison and Darasaw back, boosting the offense’s ceiling. Okuda, a healthier secondary and a formidable front, anchor a defense that should trend toward top-10 production. Special teams add value with Wright’s punting and Price’s return ability, creating favorable game-script for Vikings plays and DFS exposure.