Minnesota Vikings sign and reveal starting quarterback against Cleveland Browns in Week 5

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Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings: London Showdown Preview

The Cleveland Browns face the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday in London, England, with a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff. The Vikings will again be without starting quarterback JJ McCarthy, their 2024 10th overall draft pick, who missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus requiring surgery. A high ankle sprain sustained in a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons has sidelined McCarthy for this game, marking his third consecutive absence.

Minnesota Vikings reveal starting quarterback against Cleveland Browns in Week 5

Carson Wentz, the 2016 second overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, will start in McCarthy’s place. Wentz, who stepped into MVP conversations in 2017 before a season-ending injury, has thrown for 523 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions over his last two starts. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had hoped McCarthy could return to practice this week, stating on Tuesday, “I’m hoping as we get into Thursday and Friday, we can at least get him out there taking drops and getting back into a normal practice rhythm.” However, McCarthy has not practiced, leaving Wentz to lead the offense.

Minnesota’s game plan will likely lean on Wentz’s quick passing, as seen in his Week 3 start against the Bengals, where 60% of his passes were quick throws, completing 9 of 12 for 101 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 4 against the Steelers, Wentz excelled outside the hashes, going 25-for-30 for 296 yards and two scores, per Next Gen Stats. Facing the Browns’ elite run defense, the Vikings are expected to rely on short, rapid passes to counter Cleveland’s pressure.

The Browns’ pass rush, led by Myles Garrett, who can dominate from the right side, and interior linemen Maliek Collins and Mason Graham, could exploit Minnesota’s potentially depleted offensive line. Right tackle Brian O’Neill, guard Donovan Jackson, and center Ryan Kelly are questionable, creating opportunities for Cleveland to disrupt Wentz’s rhythm and force turnovers. In four career games against the Browns, Wentz is 2-2, with 676 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Cleveland aims to capitalize on Minnesota’s vulnerabilities, with their defense focused on pressuring Wentz early to disrupt the Vikings’ quick-pass strategy. Expect a chess match as Minnesota tries to protect Wentz with rapid releases while the Browns hunt for mistakes in the passing game.

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