Vikings Face QB Crisis After Historic Offensive Collapse Against Bills

Summary:

• The Vikings lost 23-6 to Buffalo, their second consecutive defeat after opening the season 6-0.
• Carson Wentz recorded a season-low 2.3 QBR, completing just 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions.
• With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Minnesota must decide whether to acquire another quarterback or stick with its current options.

The Minnesota Vikings are not having an easy time right now, amid the growing uncertainty regarding the future of their quarterback position after a dismal 23-6 defeat to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

In the context of the NFL trade deadline approaching, the team now needs to decide whether to pursue another quarterback or hold on to its current options for the remainder of the season.

No Touchdown Again

Minnesota started the campaign with six consecutive victories but has now lost two games in a row, raising concerns about an offense that has struggled to produce points. Monday’s defeat marked the third time this season the Vikings have failed to score a touchdown.

Carson Wentz endured a particularly difficult night, completing just 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and throwing two interceptions, with a third interception dropped by Buffalo’s defense.

His 2.3 QBR was the lowest recorded by any NFL quarterback this season. It was also the worst performance by a Vikings quarterback since Tarvaris Jackson posted a 1.8 QBR in 2006, and the lowest in a Monday Night Football game since Sam Darnold’s infamous 1.1 QBR performance for the New York Jets in 2019.

Wentz acknowledged the poor showing afterward, admitting it was one of his least enjoyable starts.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell also accepted responsibility for some of the offensive decisions, saying he should have relied more heavily on the running game. Vikings running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason combined for just 11 carries across the team’s 46 offensive plays.

Asked whether calling offensive plays had ever felt as challenging as it does now, O’Connell answered simply: “No“.

Problems Beyond the Quarterback Position

Minnesota’s offense has scored just 11 touchdowns this season, matching the total of the winless Los Angeles Chargers. The team also managed only 17 minutes and 28 seconds of possession against Buffalo.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson suggested the offense needs a simpler approach, arguing that players should be able to execute plays without overthinking the system.

The Vikings now face a decision involving their quarterback options, which include Wentz, Kyler Murray and Max Brosmer. O’Connell left questions about potential roster moves to general manager Nolan Teasley, saying the organization would evaluate its options ahead of the trade deadline.

With their early-season momentum gone, Minnesota has little time to find answers if it hopes to keep its 2026 NFL season on track.