Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR) - The Buffalo Bills will look to improve to 7-1 when they take on the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings also enter Monday's contest with a 6-1 record.
In order to do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
Detroit, Mich. - Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Andrew van Ginkel sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff during the first quarter of a game at Ford Field on Nov. 1, 2026. Mike Mulholland - Getty Images
1.) Don’t let the blitz beat you
The Vikings blitz an incredibly high 69% rate (via Pro Football Reference). The next closest team blitzes at a 36.6% rate.
The Vikings also lead the NFL with 12.32% sacks per-attempt, far and away tops in the league.
The Bills absolutely have to protect Josh Allen when he drops back, and make sure they avoid negative plays.
Detroit, Mich. - Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Nov. 1, 2026. Mike Mulholland - Getty Images
2.) Contain Justin Jefferson
Jefferson is one of the top wideouts in the NFL, but has just 77 yards total over the last two games and hasn't cracked 100 yards receiving yet this season. Many believe that’s because of his quarterback’s play.
However, Kyler Murray is out for this game, and Carson Wentz will be in for Minnesota. Wentz will almost certainly look for Jefferson as often as possible.
The Bills, who have struggled in their secondary but played much better last week (against a Ravens offense on their emergency third-string quarterback) need to be aware of where Jefferson is at all times, and make sure he doesn’t dominate the game.
Orchard Park, N.Y. - Buffalo Bills running back James Cook carries the ball into the end zone against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter of a game at Highmark Stadium on Nov. 1, 2026. Bryan M. Bennett - Getty Images
3.) Control the game on the ground
One of the ways the Bills can mitigate the Vikings blitzing and pass rush is to run the ball well.
The Detroit Lions did that against Minnesota last week, running for 230 yards and 5.9 yards a carry. The Bills are fourth in the NFL, averaging 4.79 yards per-run.
Controlling the game with James Cook on the ground, and keeping the Bills offense in shorter-yardage situations will go a long way towards getting them a win.
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