The Minnesota Vikings have a chance to do something Sunday they've never done before in franchise history: sweep the entire AFC East division in the same season.
Minnesota (9-2) has defeated Miami, Buffalo and most recently New England, leaving the New York Jets (7-4) as the last team standing in Minnesota's way. The NFL created eight four-team divisions in 2002. This marks just the second time (2000 was the other season) Minnesota has defeated Miami, Buffalo and New England in a single season (the Vikings did not play the Jets in 2000).
The Vikings will host the Jets at noon (CT) on CBS in the final game of a three-game homestand for Minnesota and the fourth consecutive Vikings contest against an opponent with a winning record.
The Vikings and the Jets have met 11 times, with New York holding an 8-3 advantage in the series. Minnesota has won consecutive games in the series (30-24 in overtime in 2014) and 37-17 in 2018).
Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game:
Jets 24, Vikings 20 — Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
It's frustrating to watch how soft the Vikings play defensively in an attempt to prevent big plays, even though they don't prevent big plays. As Jets coach Robert Saleh said about Mike White, the quarterback can make the easy throws look easy. There are a lot of easy throws against this Minnesota defense, and I don't expect the Vikings offensive line to hold up against this Jets pass rush, especially if Christian Darrisaw is out.
Vikings 23, Jets 17 — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
This game is intriguing because of the battle between the Vikings offense and the Jets defense, two really strong units. I think the Vikings will get the best of that. So what does Mike White do for the Jets offense? I don't think he will play as well as last week. Vikings win it.
Vikings 27, Jets 23 — Staff, Bleacher Report
Last week, the New York Jets opted to bench second-year quarterback Zach Wilson for 2018 fifth-round pick Mike White, which paid immediate dividends.
Gang Green's offense shifted into high gear with White under center, racking up a season-high 466 total yards. White threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns with a 78.6-percent completion rate. More importantly, he elevated the presence of wideouts Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, who finished with seven catches for 159 yards and three touchdowns combined.
Without running back Breece Hall (torn ACL), the Jets need to find success through the air. White gives them the best chance to exploit matchups on the perimeter with their young receiving duo. The Jets Week 13 opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, have surrendered the most passing yards of any team this year.
Vikings 24, Jets 17 — Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Vikings figured out the Patriots defense well last week with a heavy dose of Justin Jefferson and their key passing principals. They simply have more firepower around Kirk Cousins than the Jets do around Mike White. Dalvin Cook also can be a bigger factor rushing and receiving. White cools off as Cousins stays hot playing off the run.
Vikings 24, Jets 20 — Bill Bender, Sporting News
The Jets got back on track with Mike White at quarterback, and they are 5-4 ATS as an underdog. The Vikings also recalibrated with a Thanksgiving victory against New England. The matchup between Justin Jefferson and Sauce Gardner is worth the price of admission, but Minnesota has other options at home.
Look back at photos over the course of time featuring games between the Vikings and the Jets.
New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) tries to break a tackle by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) fumbles a punt in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Minneapolis. The Jets recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, left, breaks up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Jets 20, Vikings 17 — Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk
I'm a Mike White believer. He'll show that he's been the Jets best quarterback all along and deliver a win in Minnesota.
Vikings 24, Jets 20 — Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
To beat the Vikings, you've got to blow them out. The Jets won't be able to do that, and the Vikings will once again find a way, somehow.
Pre-game win probabilities: Vikings 71% — FiveThirtyEight.com
3 of 5 experts (4 didn't pick) pick the Vikings, ESPN
3 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB
4 of 6 experts pick the Vikings, Bleacher Report
9 of 10 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic
