This week, the Minnesota Vikings are taking their talents to South Beach — and trying to extend their win streak.
The Vikings (4-1) have won three consecutive games, all requiring late offensive comebacks and last-second defensive stands. Minnesota will now hit the road to face the Dolphins (3-2), who will try to avoid their third consecutive loss.
Minnesota and Miami have met 13 times, with the Dolphins holding an 8-5 advantage in the all-time series. Miami won the lone postseason matchup between the two teams in Super Bowl VIII in January 1974.
The Vikings are 1-4 in games played in Miami, with the only victory coming in 1976.
Minnesota and Miami have split six meetings since the 2000 season, with the Vikings winning the previous matchup in 2018 (41-17).
Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game:
Vikings 24, Dolphins 23 — Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
Seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson will start at quarterback, with Tua Tagovailoa ruled out and Teddy Bridgewater also still in concussion protocol. The Dolphins' top cornerback, Xavien Howard, and offensive line Jenga piece Terron Armstead are uncertain for Sunday, too.
Thompson's arm strength isn't great, but I'm more worried about the other players' availability. The Dolphins are so thin at cornerback and tackle without their stars. If Howard and Armstead play, I'll flip this pick against a Vikings squad that doesn't overly impress even if it makes big drives when necessary.
Vikings 30, Dolphins 24 — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
The Vikings could be impacted by the heat. But I think this will come down to Minnesota's offense against a bad Miami defense. The Vikings win it behind Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson.
Vikings 34, Dolphins 21 — Staff, Bleacher Report
This matchup has some variables because of injuries within the Miami Dolphins offensive unit.
Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel said quarterback Tua Tagovailoa isn't ready for football activities. Backup signal-caller Teddy Bridgewater has to pass the updated concussion protocol even though he isn't exhibiting any symptoms of head trauma. Nonetheless, Miami plans to start rookie seventh-rounder Skylar Thompson with Bridgewater as the backup if he gets through tests.
Last week, Thompson took over for Bridgewater, who exited the game after one play. The first-year quarterback completed 19 out of his 33 pass attempts for 166 yards and an interception in a 40-17 loss to the New York Jets.
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill exited the team's previous outing with a foot injury and wore a walking boot after the game. On Monday, McDaniel said the All-Pro wideout "looked pretty good." Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are "optimistic" that Hill will play Sunday.
Vikings 24, Dolphins 20 — Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Vikings likely won't see their former first-rounder Teddy Bridgewater, and the Dolphins won't be able to win with a run-heavy offense with wide receivers Tyreek Hill (foot) and Jaylen Waddle (groin) banged up. Also, with Xavier Howard hampered should he play, there are no true Dolphins answers for Justin Jefferson. Dalvin Cook also will stay hot running in his return to his home state.
Dolphins 27, Vikings 23 — Bill Bender, Sporting News
The Vikings have played one true road game this season, and it was a disaster. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle get back on track, and the Dolphins avoid a three-game skid.
Vikings 21, Dolphins 20 — Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk
Top to bottom the Dolphins are the better team, but with rookie Skylar Thompson set to make the first start of his NFL career in Miami, I have to go with the Vikings.
Look back at photos over the course of time featuring games between the Vikings and the Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Brandon Doughty (7) throws a pass over Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Ifeadi Odenigbo (60) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Miami Dolphins players stand in the huddle during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke (6) drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
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Dolphins 24, Vikings 21 — Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
The Vikings keep doing just enough to win, thanks to plenty of good luck. Their luck runs out this week.
Pre-game win probabilities: Vikings 69% — FiveThirtyEight.com
3 of 6 experts (3 experts didn't pick) pick the Vikings, ESPN
5 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB
7 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, Bleacher Report
8 of 10 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic
