The Vikings have leaned on the durability of quarterback Kirk Cousins since he joined Minnesota in 2018.

The Washington Commanders, meanwhile, have had a carousel of quarterbacks, with 11 starting under center since Cousins' departure.

Taylor Heinicke — who spent parts of two seasons with the Vikings (2015-16) — is the current quarterback for Washington after starter Carson Wentz suffered a fractured finger during Week 6.

Heinicke has helped lead the Commanders to three consecutive victories while Cousins has guided the Vikings to a 6-1 start and five wins in a row.

Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports recently looked at the offenses for both teams ahead of Sunday's game.

For Minnesota, Pereles said this year's team is improved from 2021 in multiple areas.

One key difference for this year's offense is the early-down passing. Minnesota's passing rate on first and second down this year ranks 12th in the NFL. Last year it was 22nd. Kevin O'Connell has done a stellar job using Kirk Cousins' biggest strength — play-action passing — on these early downs (third-highest play-action rate), balancing aggressive and safe throws.

Pereles added Minnesota tends to turn toward play action in the red zone. Cousins ranks first in the NFL in play-action dropbacks in that area of the field with 19 and is second in red zone touchdowns on those throws with six, just behind Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes (seven).

Pereles noted the Vikings run game is gaining momentum behind an offensive line that possesses the fourth-best run blocking grade this season according to Pro Football Focus.

Minnesota is averaging a league-high 5.6 yards per carry against eight-man boxes, and that's not only due to blocking.

For Washington, Pereles said Heinicke's mobility will be a key for the Commanders. He wrote:

Given the Commanders offensive line struggles (36.6 pressure rate allowed, sixth-highest in NFL), mobility is exactly what they've needed behind center, and something Wentz couldn't provide.

Heinicke's ability to extend plays has provided a once-stagnant Commanders offense just a bit of life. It's still far from perfect or even "solved," but it's come up big in several crucial situations, including a must-have-it fourth-and-1 against the Colts last week.

Pereles added Heinicke's dual-threat capabilities can also be useful in play action.

The Commanders call play-action passes on over 19 percent of their plays this season, the sixth-highest rate in the NFL. Heinicke has been much better in those areas compared to Wentz.

Pereles noted the Vikings defense is tied for ninth in the NFL in interceptions (seven) and sacks (21) and is 12th in pressure rate.

Watch for a big game from Za'Darius Smith, whose 8.5 sacks are tied for the league lead. The Vikings line Smith up all over the place, and he has wreaked havoc on opponents from off the edge and up the middle.

Chad & Jenni Greenway host nearly 300 mothers at 11th annual TendHer Heart brunch

For the past decade, former Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway and his wife Jenni have provided a stage to support mothers of seriously ill and/or medically complex children through their Lead the Way Foundation.

Last Saturday, the Greenways hosted their 11th annual TendHer Heart brunch for close to 300 mothers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The goal of the brunch is to treat the mothers with a day off filled with brunch, pampering and entertainment and give them a chance to "take a minute" and be in each other's company.

The women all received a TendHer Heart woven beach bag comprised of jewelry, a TendHer Heart blanket and a coffee mug of treats. The moms also got to enjoy specialty drinks, hors d'oeuvres, photo booths, a Fall fashion show, guest speakers and an open mic session.

Several prizes were given out as well, including gift cards, Lead the Way apparel, dining experiences, Vikings tickets and VIP theater tickets.

The Lead the Way Foundation has impacted more than 2,000 mothers with the TendHer Heart program since 2011.

To learn more about the TendHer Heart brunch, click here or visit www.chadgreenway.org.