Eagles @ Vikings

Who will WIN this matchup?

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)

@ Minnesota Vikings (3-2)

Current odds:

Philadelphia Eagles: (+160)

Minnesota Vikings: (-180)

• The line for this game is Vikings by 3.5 points.

• The Minnesota Vikings quieted the noise of off-week distraction by turning up the volume on their offense to continue their trend of alternating wins and losses through the first five games of the season. The Vikings bid for their first two-game winning streak on Sunday when they host the Philadelphia Eagles. Adam Thielen received an apology from Kirk Cousins for several missed throws in Minnesota’s 16-6 loss at Chicago on Sept. 29 before reeling in season highs in catches (seven), receiving yards (130) and touchdowns (two) in a 28-10 victory over the New York Giants last Sunday. Thielen had taken issue with what had become a one-dimensional offense for the Vikings, who have leaned heavily on Dalvin Cook and their third-ranked rushing attack this season.

• Philadelphia, which has allowed a league-low 63.0 yards per game on the ground this season, became the first team in NFL history to record 10 sacks and score two defensive touchdowns in its decisive 31-6 romp over the injury-riddled New York Jets. While the defense stepped up versus the Jets and the running game has emerged in the last two games, Carson Wentz has thrown for just 349 yards over the last two contests while completing fewer than 60 percent of his passes in four straight outings.

• Two members of the once-crowded backfield appear to have more defined roles as Jordan Howard has four total touchdowns and averaged 5.3 yards per carry over the last two games to distance himself from rookie Miles Sanders, who is more effective in the passing game. “As we go, Jordan has been kind of the lead back the last couple games for sure, but Miles is learning and coming (along) and I’m really happy with both of them,” coach Doug Pederson said. Tight end Zach Ertz, who found the end zone for the first time this season versus the Jets, had 10 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia’s 23-21 loss to Minnesota last October. Wideout Alshon Jeffery was limited to two catches for 39 yards in that contest after tormenting the Vikings with nine touchdown receptions in his previous 10 career games, postseason included.

• While Thielen was a focal point of the offense last week, fellow wideout Stefon Diggs was limited to three catches for 44 yards to mark the fourth time in five games this season that he has been held under four receptions and 50 yards. Diggs’ 16 catches for 253 yards and one touchdown in 2019 have him well off the pace of his career year in 2018, when he erupted for 102 receptions for 1,021 yards and nine scores. Diggs had 10 catches for 91 yards and Thielen added seven for 116 and a touchdown in Minnesota’s victory over Philadelphia last year. Defensive end Danielle Hunter, who had a sack in that contest against the Eagles, leads the team with five this season.

• Philadelphia WR DeSean Jackson is expected to miss his fourth straight game with an abdominal strain, multiple media outlets reported.

• Minnesota K Dan Bailey was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after making four field goals and two extra points against the Giants.

• Eagles DE Brandon Graham registered a career-high three sacks last week after recording four in his previous 20 games.