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GAMEDAY: Vikings vs Browns — Week 5 full preview (time, TV, key tactical battles)

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Quick Facts

  • Matchup: Minnesota Vikings (2–2) vs Cleveland Browns (1–3)

  • Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, UK)

  • Kickoff: 9:30 AM ET / 8:30 AM CT, Sunday, Oct 5, 2025

  • TV: NFL Network · Minnesota local: FOX 9 · Browns Radio: ESPN 850 / 92.3 The Fan / 98.5 WNCX

  • How to Watch/Listen

    • TV: NFL Network

  • Minnesota local: FOX 9

  • Streaming: NFL+ (Game Center)


  • Context & storylines

    • This is part of the NFL International Series in London. The Vikings arrive after a loss to the Steelers in Dublin; the Browns seek a spark after a quarterback change.

  • QB Carson Wentz remains the starter for Minnesota while J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is out. For Cleveland, rookie Dillon Gabriel gets his first start after the team benched Joe Flacco—reportedly making him the first QB to debut as a starter in an international game.

  • Personnel / injuries

    • Vikings (final report): Six players OUTQB J.J. McCarthy (ankle), OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck), G Donovan Jackson (wrist), C Ryan Kelly (concussion), C Michael Jurgens (hamstring), T Brian O’Neill (knee); TE Ben Yurosek, OLB Tyler Batty, FB C.J. Ham are questionable.

  • Browns: DT Mike Hall Jr. out (knee); CB Greg Newsome II (hamstring) and OT Jack Conklin (elbow) questionable; the team elevated two CBs from the practice squad for depth.


  • Tactical hotspots

    1) Protecting Carson Wentz vs Myles Garrett

    With three key OL pieces ruled out, Minnesota must keep the pocket clean to unlock intermediate/deep concepts for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Blake Brandel may be forced into duty at center amid the injuries.

    2) Rookie Dillon Gabriel vs Brian Flores’ pressure packages

    In his first start, Gabriel faces DC Brian Flores’ multilayered blitz menu. Cleveland needs run-game rhythm and play-action to slow the rush and simplify reads for the rookie.

    3) Outside matchups: Jefferson/Addison vs a thinned Browns secondary

    If Greg Newsome II can’t go, Cleveland will lean on recently elevated corners. That creates opportunities for Minnesota to dial up shot plays outside the numbers, especially with Wentz surpassing 500 passing yards over his last two outings.

    4) Field, elements, and special teams

    Tottenham can produce shifting low-level winds; field position and punt/kick quality could be decisive in what projects as a lower-scoring game.


    Keys to victory

    • Vikings: (i) Limit direct pressure on Wentz (≤2 sacks); (ii) exploit one-on-ones for Jefferson/Addison; (iii) keep turnovers ≤1.

  • Browns: (i) Support Gabriel with 110+ rush yards plus play-action; (ii) Myles Garrett generates 5+ pressures; (iii) red-zone TD rate ≥50%.


  • Line & prediction

    • Current line: Vikings -3.5, O/U ~36–36.5 (varies by book).

  • Projection: Vikings 20, Browns 17. Ball security plus one explosive from Justin Jefferson is enough for Minnesota to edge Cleveland in London.

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    Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
    The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.