Minnesota returns from its Bye sporting a 6-2 record with an elite defense, a solid running game and an offense overall that avoids turnovers.  Washington is off an upset win at Seattle in which they were outgained 437-244 but made enough key plays to maintain a lead for much of the game and then coming from behind with a late TD after surrendering the lead with 94 seconds remaining.  Minnesota has allowed more than 17 points just twice – in their first two games.  In the six games since the Vikes are 5-1 and allowing an average of 15.0 points per game.  The competition has not been all that tough but the Vikes did defeat New Orleans to open the season.  Washington had not fared well when stepping up in class this season, losing twice to Philadelphia in addition to a road loss at Kansas City.  The Redskins did win at the Rams in Week 2 and that loss does look very good in retrospect considering how the Rams have fared since.  Minnesota has held its last 5 foes to under 162 net passing yards while also playing strong defense against the run.  Washington has struggled to run the football over the past month.  After averaging 130 rushing yards in their first 4 games the Redskins have averaged 67 ypg in their last 4, failing to reach 100 yards in any of them.  Both teams face 6-2 Division leaders next week so there is no scheduling edge here.

11/12/2017 12:42 AM