Bills vs Vikings Week 9 NFL prediction, Digi Mart USA News: Week 9 of Monday Night Football is set to feature two of the NFL’s hottest teams in 2026. The 6-1 Buffalo Bills are visiting the 6-1 Minnesota Vikings at U.S.
Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in front of a national audience.
The Bills boast a top-ranked scoring offense at 33.3 points per game, led by quarterback Josh Allen. However, their defense ranks among the worst in the NFL at keeping opponents out of the end zone.
Buffalo is a slight 3-point favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Vikings, with the top-ranked scoring defense at 13.3 points per game, present the toughest test yet for Allen and the Bills. Carson Wentz is set to start in place of Kyler Murray, who is listed as week-to-week with a hamstring injury.
The Vikings’ offense has found more success this season with Wentz at quarterback, and receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could be key if Buffalo’s defensive backs lapse.
The first key is the running game and screen passes. Running back Ty Johnson has been effective as a receiver out of the backfield, with 15 catches on 15 targets for 174 yards in five games.
Wide receiver Khalil Shakir has 27 catches on 37 targets for 354 yards and one touchdown. The author expects Johnson’s workload to increase and Allen to target Shakir early and often.
James Cook III, with 12 catches on 18 targets for 109 yards in seven games, is also expected to see more passes.
The second key is pressure on Wentz. Minnesota’s offense works best from a clean pocket, so disguised blitzes could disrupt his rhythm.
Edge rusher Greg Rousseau has seven sacks, nine tackles for loss, seven pass defenses, three forced fumbles and a blocked field goal in his first season as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Defensive tackle Deone Walker has also been effective, and Ed Oliver has returned.
Safety Cole Bishop, who has been used as a blitzer, could also play a role.
The third key is kicking. Tyler Bass is 16-of-16 on field goals this season, including 4-of-4 from 40 to 49 yards and 2-of-2 from 50 yards and beyond.
Given Buffalo’s struggles keeping opponents out of the end zone, a reliable kicker in crunch time is critical.
The outcome may depend on whether Buffalo’s offense can exploit Minnesota’s blitz-heavy scheme or whether the Vikings’ offense can move the ball against Buffalo’s defense. Either way, the game is expected to be decided by a small margin.
