The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2026 season rolling, jumping out to a 6-0 lead before a loss to the Detroit Lions put them in danger of slipping in the NFC North race. And now, with the offense sputtering, Week 9 could bring a major change under center.
Kyler Murray’s status is suddenly in question for Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, and Adam Schefter said on ESPN’s Get Up that Carson Wentz is trending toward the start.
“It sounds like it is trending towards Carson Wentz starting Monday night.”
That opens the door for Wentz to make a real case for the job. If Murray is unavailable, Wentz would get a prime chance to show Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings that he deserves to keep the starting role, especially with Buffalo’s defense described as one of the worst in the NFL.
Minnesota has already seen what Wentz can do in this offense. After Murray was hurt in the season-opener, Wentz stepped in and went 12 of 19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns. The following week against the Chicago Bears in a rainy game, he completed 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards.
Murray’s own numbers have left plenty to be desired. Through six starts, including the Week 1 game he left early because of injury, he has thrown for 1,022 yards with five passing touchdowns and three interceptions.
That kind of production has fueled speculation around the Vikings’ quarterback situation, and Murray’s play has not done much to quiet it. If Wentz comes in and plays well on Monday night, the conversation could get a lot louder.
A strong outing against Buffalo - especially if it helps Minnesota beat the 6-1 Bills and features Wentz getting the ball to Justin Jefferson - would put real pressure on the Vikings to stay with him. At that point, benching Murray again would be a much tougher call.
In Other News...
Bills Suddenly Have A Shot At A Defensive Star Arizona Hates To Lose
The NFL trade deadline always has a way of turning a quiet week into a guessing game, and this one has put a familiar name back into the conversation. Budda Baker is reportedly being viewed as a potential trade candidate by the Cardinals, with the Bills among the teams that could be interested if Arizona decides to listen. For Buffalo, it is the kind of defensive opportunity that can change the feel of a roster in a hurry, especially when a proven playmaker suddenly becomes available.
The situation is still fluid, and there is plenty of moving parts around Arizona beyond Baker, including other players who could factor into deadline discussions. Contract situations and the Cardinals broader transition make any deal harder to map out cleanly, which is why nothing is close to settled yet. Still, the fact that Buffalo has been mentioned in the mix is enough to keep this one on the radar as the deadline approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Bills Face One Big Trade Deadline Question At Wide Receiver
The Bills are heading toward the NFL trade deadline with a familiar question hanging over their receiver room: whether to add another target for Josh Allen before the market closes. One name that keeps surfacing is Josh Downs, the fourth-year Colts wideout whose route-running and separation skills could mesh well with Buffalos offense. Indianapolis appears to be in a rebuilding phase after moving on from key players, which is why Downs has become a logical candidate for teams looking for a receiver upgrade without paying top-tier prices.
For Buffalo, the appeal is obvious. Downs has shown enough production and versatility to draw interest, and his contract situation makes him the kind of player a contender can at least explore without blowing up its long-term plans. The question now is whether the Bills decide the fit is strong enough to justify the projected trade cost, or whether they stand pat and trust the current group to carry them through the stretch run. [Read more 🡒]
Dolphins Could Face A Tough Trade Deadline Decision On Key Veterans
With the trade deadline approaching, the AFC East is already sorting itself into clear camps, and the Dolphins may be the most intriguing one to watch. While the Bills have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Cardinals safety Budda Baker if Arizona decides to deal him, Miami appears far less likely to add than to listen, with the possibility of fielding strong offers for veterans such as Zach Sieler and Austin Jackson.
For Buffalo, that matters because any movement in the division can reshape the market around the deadline, even if the Bills are not directly involved in Miamis decisions. The Jets are reportedly planning to keep notable pieces like Breece Hall and Will McDonald IV to stay competitive, while the Patriots are expected to look for smaller upgrades, leaving the Dolphins as the team most likely to create a real ripple if the right offer comes along. [Read more 🡒]