Despite a 3-0 start, Minnesota’s anemic offense faces harsh scrutiny as analysts predict the winless Dolphins' defense will exploit the Vikings' injury-riddled roster and embarrassing statistical slump.
The Minnesota Vikings offense is being called out for its performance to date this season. The criticisms are fair.
The Vikings' 238 yards per game total is a microcosm of just how poor the offense has looked in the 2026 season. Still, the offense has evaded criticism due to the team's 3-0 start to the year.
Injuries to starting quarterback Kyler Murray, star receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end Josh Oliver at various points of the year make the lackluster offensive showings more palatable, but separate from the wins, the offensive output has been downright embarrassing. One opposing analyst thinks the offense could be a get right game for the winless Dolphins and their defense on Sunday.
Tyler DeSena of Miami Dolphins on SI discussed the Vikings' poor offensive output through three games. Here's what DeSena wrote on how the Dolphins could build confidence against the struggling Minnesota offense.
"The battle between the Vikings’ offense and the Dolphins’ defense is one between a stoppable force and a moveable object. Minnesota’s -0.19 EPA per play is tied for the fourth-worst mark in football through three weeks, while Miami’s 0.15 EPA per play allowed is dead last among defenses.
However, this matchup may be more favorable to Miami than meets the eye. The Dolphins’ defensive front played their best game of the season in week three, and are facing off against a bottom-five unit in terms of yards per carry. If Zach Sieler and Jordan Phillips can continue their ascension and lead a strong run-defense unit, it would free up their second-level defenders to get to their zone landmarks quicker.
Minnesota’s passing game is already fluttering and now will be without star wide receiver Justin Jefferson because of an ankle injury. Recent trends are favoring Jeff Hafley’s defense to hunker down, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it happens."
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Keionte Scott (22) tackles Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesThere are positives in the Vikings' mediocre offensive start. Among them, Minnesota has more room to improve than room to go backward. We continue to maintain that if the team can go 3-0 with this little offensive output, the ceiling will only grow as the offense puts it together. Until then, they are not going to be given the benefit of the doubt.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell is known for his offensive genius. Here's his chance to prove it and fix the offense after three tough showings.
The Vikings will look to have a get right game of their own when they face the Vikings this weekend.
