Explosive plays

Methodical, time-consuming drives have their place. But nothing gives an offense momentum like moving down the field in chunks. The Vikings generated gains of 20+ yards on only two plays last week in Chicago, a product of Chicago's stifling defense as well as some self-inflicted wounds. Finding a way to move down the field quickly will help the Vikings win the field position battle and score points to alleviate pressure from the defense.

Get the running game back on track

Dalvin Cook entered last week's game in Chicago as the NFL's leading rusher. He lost that status after running for only 35 yards on 14 carries. The Vikings playbook expands greatly when the ground game is productive because it opens up play action, bootlegs and much more. Plus, Cook's production alone can lead to points.

Make the rookie QB look like a rookie QB

Head coach Mike Zimmer says he's impressed with what he sees so far from Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones. Winning your first two career starts is nothing to sneeze at, and the first-year player has looked good doing it by using both his arms and his legs to make plays. Those wins came over Tampa Bay and Washington, though, and this week's opponent boasts a superior defense to those two teams. The Vikings will look to do what they do on defense – stop the run and rush the passer.

Start fast

In their two wins this season, the Vikings jumped out to 21-0 leads and never looked back. In their two losses this season, the Vikings fell behind by scores of 21-0 and 16-0. It's not a tricky formulate to figure out. Executing to be on the right side of the formula…well, that's easier said than done. The Vikings must do it, though, if they want to be in the optimal position on the road.