The Minnesota Vikings are rolling at 3-0, but if you’re sleeping on the Miami Dolphins this Week 4, you’re gonna regret it. This matchup has “trap game” written all over it, according to The Real Forno Show, and it’s looking way messier than a simple 7-point spread.
Miami’s ‘Rebuild’ is No Walkover
Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano sat down with Dolphins guy Kevin Fielder for the preview, and trust me, Miami isn’t just tanking. Under Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, it’s an evaluation year. Fielder flat out said, “This is not going to be a rebuild in the sense that we’re gonna tear this down.” They brought in Malik Willis to reunite him with two coaches who knew him from Green Bay, but the early returns are mixed. Fielder was honest, “I think we’ll be talking about the Miami Dolphins needing a quarterback at some point in the next few years.” Ouch.
Their run game got hit hard when De’Von Achane tore his ACL in Week 3, forcing Bobby Slowik to rebuild it around Ollie Gordon and Jaylen Wright. But don’t let that fool you. This is the NFL’s youngest roster, yet they’ve been “oddly competitive,” pushing powerhouses like the Chiefs, 49ers, and Raiders. Brian Flores’ defense is going to test that Miami line, though Fielder likes the interior, saying Kadyn Proctor at left guard, Jonah Savaiinaea at right guard, and Aaron Brewer at center “has played incredibly well.” Donovan Jackson at left guard has been a revelation too, with Fielder admitting, “That guy is a baller. I was wrong.” Still, their defense ranks 30th in EPA per play and 32nd in EPA per dropback, even if they’re 9th against the run. And Fielder complains that Flores’ “blitz” numbers are inflated because his base is five rushers.
Vikings Have Their Own Headaches
It’s not all sunshine and roses for the undefeated Vikings either. Kyler Murray has only one full game in purple under his belt, and the initial read isn’t perfect. Tyler watched that debut and thought Murray “saw too much flash of color and decided not to” throw into those windows. Fielder pushed back, saying Murray’s “just missing things down the field… there were explosive plays to be had,” missing things he “should be taking.” That’s a red flag, right?
To make things tougher, Justin Jefferson hadn’t practiced all week when the preview was recorded. If he sits, Jordan Addison and Tai Felton are gonna have to step up big time. Plus, the Vikings’ run game is still a work in progress with Josh Oliver out for the year and Aaron Jones always “nicked up.” The spread might say comfortable, but the tape is screaming: DO NOT overlook Miami.
What’s at Stake in Week 4
This isn’t just another game for either team. For the Vikings, it’s about proving that 3-0 isn’t a fluke and that their new quarterback can find his rhythm against a scrappy opponent. For the Dolphins, it’s a chance to show that their “evaluation year” is already yielding surprising results and that they can hang with the league’s best. You know what they say about those trap games, especially when a young, hungry team is waiting to spring it. Get ready for a fight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Daily Norseman.
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