Vikings vs Dolphins Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Week 4 on 10/4/2026

The Miami Dolphins will take on the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 4 regular season game at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 4:05 PM, and will be broadcast on FOX. This matchup sees the Dolphins seeking their first win, while the Vikings aim to maintain their winning streak.

The Dolphins, led by head coach Jeff Hafley, have struggled to find success this season. They are currently 0-3, with losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders. Miami's offense, coordinated by Bobby Slowik, and defense, led by Sean Duggan, will need to step up against a strong Vikings team.

On the other hand, the Vikings, under head coach Kevin O'Connell, are off to a perfect start with a 3-0 record. They have secured victories against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers. The Vikings have demonstrated solid performance both at home and on the road, with their home record standing at 1-0.

In terms of odds, the Vikings are heavily favored with a moneyline of -623, compared to the Dolphins' +460. The spread has the Vikings favored by 10.5 points, indicating the expectations for a strong home performance. The total over/under for the game is set at 38.5 points, reflecting the potential defensive battle between these teams.

Vikings vs Dolphins At a Glance (Week 4)

• The Minnesota Vikings are undefeated this season with a 3-0 record.
• The Miami Dolphins are struggling with a 0-3 record so far this season.
• The game will be held at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.
• The Vikings have a strong moneyline favorite at -623 compared to the Dolphins' +460.
• This Week 4 game is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 4:05 PM.
• The game is available to watch on FOX.

Vikings' Voyage: A Deep Dive into Minnesota's 2026 Season Start

Offensive Overview

The Minnesota Vikings are off to a strong start in the 2026 regular season with a 3-0 record. Currently, they are ranked 12th in scoring, averaging 23.7 points per game. However, their overall offensive yardage ranks 32nd, with an average of 238.3 yards per game.

Despite the low yardage, the Vikings have been effective in their rushing attack, ranking 16th with 101.3 rushing yards per game. Key offensive players like Aaron Jones Sr. have contributed significantly, accumulating 203 rushing yards over the first three games.

Defensive Dominance

The Vikings' defense has been a standout aspect, ranking 2nd in opponent scoring, allowing only 13.7 points per game. They excel in stopping the run, ranking 4th by allowing just 85.7 rushing yards per game. This strong defensive performance has resulted in 14 sacks, the highest in the league.

Additionally, Minnesota leads the league with four interceptions, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. This defensive prowess has been key to their unbeaten start.

Recent Performances

In their latest game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Vikings secured a 23-16 victory on the road. Jordan Addison was a standout performer with 90 receiving yards and a touchdown. The defense held Tampa Bay to just 57 rushing yards, demonstrating their ability to control the ground game.

In Week 2, Minnesota edged out the Chicago Bears 9-3, with Aaron Jones Sr. rushing for 105 yards. The defense was again crucial, limiting the Bears to just three points.

Injury Impact

The Vikings have been hit by injuries, with several key players on the injured reserve list. Justin Jefferson is questionable for Week 4 with an ankle injury, which could impact their offensive capabilities. The absence of players like Jamal Adams and Tyler Batty for the entire season adds pressure on the depth chart.

Team Betting Trends

• Minnesota is 8-0 straight up in their last 8 regular season games.
• They are 8-0 against the spread in their last 8 regular season games.
• In their last 7 games after a win, they are 7-0 straight up.
• As favorites, they are 5-0 straight up and against the spread in their last 5 games.
• They have won their last 4 home games straight up and against the spread.
• As underdogs, they are 3-0 straight up and against the spread in their last 3 games.

Miami Dolphins Seek Redemption in Minnesota Showdown

Current Season Overview

The Miami Dolphins are heading into Week 4 with a challenging start to the 2026 season, currently holding a 0-3 record. Their offensive struggles are evident as they rank 26th in scoring with an average of 12 points per game. Defensively, they have allowed an average of 28.7 points per game, ranking them 23rd in opponent scoring.

Offensively, the Dolphins have managed 290.7 yards per game, placing them 26th in the league. Their passing game ranks 21st, averaging 192.3 yards per game, while their rushing attack is 19th with 98.3 yards per game. The team's ability to convert on third downs is slightly better, standing 11th in the league with a 41.5% conversion rate.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Malik Willis is leading the Dolphins' offense with 627 passing yards over three games, ranking 17th in the league. He has thrown for one touchdown and two interceptions, showcasing the need for more consistency in his play.

On the ground, Ollie Gordon II has contributed with 48 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. In the receiving department, Malik Washington has been a bright spot with 152 receiving yards on 12 catches, ranking him 38th in the league.

Injury Concerns

The Dolphins are dealing with several injuries, including running back De'Von Achane, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. Caleb Douglas, a key wide receiver, is listed as questionable with an ankle injury.

Defensively, the absence of linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr. due to a hamstring injury is a concern, as he is on injured reserve. The Dolphins will need to rely on their depth to fill these gaps against the Vikings.

Recent Performance

The Dolphins' recent outings have not been favorable, with losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders. In their latest game, a 24-10 loss to the Chiefs, the Dolphins managed only 210 passing yards and 119 rushing yards.

Turnovers have also been an issue, as the Dolphins committed one interception and one fumble in their last game. These mistakes have been costly, and addressing them will be crucial for a turnaround.

Team Betting Trends

• The Dolphins are 0-3 straight up in their last three games as underdogs.
• In their last six road games, the Dolphins have a 2-4 record against the spread.
• Miami's total has gone over in four of their last seven away games.
• In games where the total is 42 points or less, they have gone 2-2.

Vikings vs Dolphins Prediction: Over 38.5

The Minnesota Vikings are entering this game with a strong 3-0 record, demonstrating a solid offensive performance by averaging 23.7 points per game. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins have struggled, sitting at 0-3, but they have managed to average 12 points per game. Considering the Vikings' offense and the Dolphins' ability to score, the potential for a higher-scoring game is present.

Defensively, the Dolphins have allowed an average of 28.7 points per game, which could provide the Vikings plenty of opportunities to score. On the other hand, the Vikings have been formidable defensively but may still allow enough points to push the total over. The combination of these factors points towards a game that exceeds the consensus total of 38.5 points.

Given the scoring trends and the defenses in play, the over 38.5 is an attractive pick. The Vikings' balanced approach and the Dolphins' quest to secure their first win might create a competitive and high-scoring environment. Expect a game that could well exceed the projections.

Predicting a final score, the Vikings could capitalize on their home advantage at U.S. Bank Stadium, coming out on top with a scoreline that reflects both teams reaching the over. A projected score would be the Vikings winning 30-20.

• Vikings vs Dolphins Prediction: Over 38.5
• Vikings vs Dolphins Score: Vikings 30 - Dolphins 20

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.