There seems to be a reunion of sorts each week in the NFL.

When the Dolphins (0-3) visit U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday for the first time since 2018, they won't just be facing an unbeaten Vikings team (3-0) — they'll face a Minnesota defense coordinated by former Miami Head Coach Brian Flores. Outside linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Kyle Van Noy are also former "Fins."

Flores coached the Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, guiding Miami to consecutive winning seasons in 2020 (10-6) and 2021 (9-8). The 10-win season was Miami's first winning campaign since 2016, and the 2021 campaign included a seven-game winning streak, as well as a 1-7 start.

Van Ginkel, whose five-year evolution from a fifth-round pick to a defensive cornerstone in Miami (2019-23) now fuels Minnesota's relentless front. Since his arrival in Minnesota in 2024, Gink' has recorded four interceptions — his first two as a Viking were pick-sixes — to go along with two forced fumbles (three recoveries), 21.5 sacks and 39 quarterback hits.

Van Noy has played against Miami five times since his lone season (2020) with the Dolphins (twice with New England in 2021; with Baltimore in 2023 and 2025; and with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022). Van Noy had a strong season in aqua and orange, recording two forced fumbles (both recovered), 6.0 sacks, 10 TFLs and 10 QB hits in 14 games played.

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Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game:

Vikings 27, Dolphins 10 – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

This is a challenging road game as the Dolphins face that tough Minnesota defense. The Miami offense will be without star runner De'Von Achane, which will make it even more challenging. Look for that Vikings defense to get some takeaways to lead to points. Vikings big.

Vikings 26, Dolphins 14 – Bill Bender, Sporting News

How bad are the Dolphins? They have averaged 12 points per game through three weeks. The defense is improving around linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (28 tackles), but Malik Willis will be under pressure from Dallas Turner, who leads the NFL with 24 pressures in Brian Flores' defense.

Vikings 23, Dolphins 14 – Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

The Dolphins have lost [running back] De'Von Achane, putting more pressure on Malik Willis to lead the offense with his arm and legs. His running will keep Miami in the game for a while, but the Vikings can counter the same way with Kyler Murray. Minnesota just a needs a few big plays to make the difference.

5 of 5 experts pick the Vikings, NFL.com

Analysis from NFL.com's Bobby Kownack: Generally, a good rule of thumb is to go with the 3-0 team over the 0-3 one. Minnesota would be the correct pick regardless of records, though. The Vikings offense, which currently sits last in the league in yards, should be in line for a reprieve against a porous Miami squad. The Fins rank 28th in points allowed through three weeks, and their +0.15 expected points added per play allowed is tied with the Colts for worst in the league, per NFL Pro. There might be some concerns moving forward if Kyler Murray and the offense don't fully wake up against Miami, but it shouldn't affect this particular result. Miami has yet to score over 13 points this season, while the Vikings are allowing an average of 13.7. Brian Flores will ensure the Dolphins don't have an easy time trying to buck that trend. The most daring defensive coordinator in the league boasts a blitz rate of 68.1%, 24.2 higher than the second-most blitz-happy team (Editor's note: blitz rate numbers have had some variance). Malik Willis enters Week 4 tied for the fourth-worst completion percentage (50%) against blitzes, and now he must face the Purple Porpoise Eaters. (I know Dolphins aren't porpoises — allow me the alliteration.)

6 of 7 experts pick the Vikings (against the spread), Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report analysis Moe Moton: The Dolphins aren't competitive. They've lost all three of their games by at least 14 points, and their best offensive skill player, De'Von Achane, is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Even if Justin Jefferson sits out or plays at less than 100 percent, Minnesota's second-ranked scoring defense may allow no more than a touchdown and a couple of field goals. Kyler Murray will have his best game as a Viking in an 11-plus-point blowout win.

8 of 8 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB

11 of 11 experts pick the Vikings, ESPN

7 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic

Series Notes

Minnesota and Miami have met 14 times in their history, with the Dolphins possessing a slim 8-6 advantage in the series. The Vikings have won the past two matchups (41-17 in 2018 and 24-16 in 2022) to snap a three-game losing skid to Miami dating back to 2006.

Prior to Minnesota's win in 2022, the Vikings lone victory at Miami occurred in Week 14 of the 1976 season (a 29-7 victory).

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