The Minnesota Vikings (6-1) will start veteran quarterback Carson Wentz against the Buffalo Bills (6-1) on Monday Night Football in Week 9 after coach Kevin O'Connell announced Thursday that Kyler Murray is dealing with a hamstring strain. Murray is considered week-to-week, but the team opted not to risk turning the injury into a more significant issue.
Wentz will make his second start of the season, with Max Brosmer serving as the backup. O'Connell expressed strong confidence in the 33-year-old journeyman, noting his major role in two victories earlier this year when he filled in for Murray after a Week 1 concussion against the Green Bay Packers.
Wentz's Previous Performances
In the season opener, Wentz came off the bench to throw for 133 yards and three touchdowns on 12-of-19 passing in a 39-22 win. In Week 2, he started at the Chicago Bears and completed 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards in a 9-3 rain-soaked victory at Soldier Field. For the season, Wentz has a 59.0% completion rate, 276 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and 7.08 yards per attempt.
Murray has struggled to fit into O'Connell's offensive scheme this season, posting a -0.11 expected points added (EPA) per dropback, the fifth-worst mark in the NFL. The Vikings' offense has scored only 12 touchdowns in seven games, the fewest by a team with a 6-1 record or better through seven games since Washington in 1982. Only the winless Los Angeles Chargers (nine touchdowns) have fewer scores in 2026.
Wentz draws a favorable matchup against a Bills defense that enters the week allowing the third-most passing yards per game in the NFL (254.7).
