The 2026 season for the Minnesota Vikings got off to a great start, as they were able to get out to a 6-0 lead. However, after a loss to the Detroit Lions, the Vikings seem to be in danger of falling out of first place in the NFC North race.
While the Vikings’ defense and special teams should keep them in games, the struggles of the offense, especially from Kyler Murray, are a worrying issue for this team. But how can the Vikings improve their offense this season?
For Week 9, when the Vikings take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, there is a real chance that they are going to be without Murray. Adam Schefter on ESPN’s Get Up revealed Carson Wentz is trending towards starting, which presents a huge opportunity for Wentz to cement his status as QB1 on this Vikings roster.
Kyler Murray trending towards being out for Week 9, Carson Wentz could become QB1
“It sounds like it is trending towards Carson Wentz starting on Monday night,” Schefter said on ESPN’s Get Up.
“It sounds like it is trending towards Carson Wentz starting Monday night.”
—@AdamSchefter on how Kyler Murray’s injury could affect Bills-Vikings 🤔 https://t.co/Lcu9lZHFZ6
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 5, 2026
Based on this report from Schefter, it seems very possible that Murray will be out for Week 9, and Wentz will get a chance to suit up for Minnesota.
This is a very intriguing opportunity for Wentz if it does come to fruition. The Bills’ defense is one of the worst in the NFL, and Wentz could put up some elite numbers on Monday night if he gets a chance to start.
If Wentz plays great, potentially leading the Vikings to a win over the 6-1 Bills, could the Vikings really bench Wentz for Murray a second time, considering how Murray has been very mediocre this season?
Murray missed time earlier this season as he got hurt in the season-opener. Wentz took over, going 12 of 19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns. The next week against the Chicago Bears in a rainy matchup, he went 11 of 20 for 143 yards.
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Murray has five passing touchdowns and three interceptions with 1,022 passing yards in his six starts (Week 1 cut short due to injury).
He hasn’t done enough to justify the Vikings sticking with him. There have even been some trade rumors and speculation linking quarterbacks to the Vikings with Murray’s subpar play.
However, if Wentz can thrive against the Bills, leading the Vikings to a huge win in primetime while also getting the ball to Justin Jefferson, then the pressure to stick with Wentz will be strong, maybe strong enough to fully bench Murray.
With Wentz trending towards being the Week 9 starter, he has a prime opportunity to convince Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings that he should be the starter against a bad defense.
