Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns Picks and Prediction for Sunday, October 5, 2025
Use Code WWWC The Minnesota Vikings (2-2, T-3rd NFC North) play the Cleveland Browns (1-3, T-3rd AFC North) on Sunday in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in an NFL showdown. The Vikings lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday, 24-21 in Dublin. Minnesota has lost two of its last three. Cleveland lost to the Detroit Lions 34-10 last Sunday. The Browns have lost three of the first four games. Minnesota has nine players on IR, two questionable and one doubtful. Starting QB J.J. McCarthy is doubtful. Cleveland has 14 players out or on IR, as well as four who are questionable. Make sure to read this in-depth Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns prediction. Stay sharp this week with expert NFL picks for the Minnesota Vikings at the Cleveland Browns prediction and crush the lines.
Minnesota needs to improve its offense, while the defense is solid
The Minnesota Vikings are 10th in scoring at 25.5 points per game, while ninth in points allowed at 20.0 points per game. They did put up 48 points in their last win against the Bengals (48-10) on September 21. They also forced five turnovers and five fumbles (three lost) in that contest.
The Vikings average 294 yards per game of total offense, which is 23rd in the league. The Vikings average 109.3 yards rushing and 184.8 yards passing per game. Minnesota is seventh in yards allowed at 281.8 yards per game. The Vikings give up 130.3 yards rushing and 151.5 yards passing per game.
Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is doubtful with a high ankle sprain. Backup Carson Wentz has performed well the last two weeks with 523 yards passing, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Rookie running back Jordan Mason is leading the ground game with 271 yards rushing and two TDs. Justin Jefferson leads the Vikings in receiving with 326 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Will Reichard is 8-for-8 in extra points and field goals. Ivan Pace Jr. is the leading tackler with 33. The Minnesota defense has made 11 sacks and intercepted two passes.
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The Vikings are also decimated on the offensive line with starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion), rookie left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) and right tackle Brian O'Nell (MCL sprain) out.
Cleveland hands the reins over to rookie Dillon Gabriel
Cleveland is 31st or next to last in scoring, averaging 14.0 points per game, while 24th in points allowed at 25.5 points per game. Cleveland is 27th in total offense, averaging 279.8 yards per game. The Browns average 84.8 yards rushing and 195.3 yards passing per game. Cleveland is first in yards allowed at 222.5 yards per game. The Browns allow an average of 70.3 yards rushing and 152.3 yards passing per game.
Cleveland’s coaching staff benched veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and handed the starting job to rookie Dillon Gabriel, who has completed 3 of 4 passes for 19 yards in very limited action the first four weeks. They hope he can jump-start an atrocious offense. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins leads Cleveland in rushing with 237 yards and two touchdowns. The leading receiver for the Browns is Jerry Jeudy with 182 yards. Kicker Andre Szmyt is five for six in extra points and five for seven in field goals. Carson Schwesinger is the leading tackler with 32. The Browns' defense has made 11 sacks and intercepted two passes.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns Pick
Spread Pick for Vikings vs. Browns
- Cleveland Browns +3.5 ( units)
The Cleveland Browns begin the Dillon Gabriel era as their starting quarterback, and this is likely to give the stagnant Browns’ offense some spark. The Browns need the spark, as Cleveland is scoring just 14 points per game, which is next to last in the league. Cleveland’s defense is the league’s best in yards allowed, at 222.5 yards per game. Minnesota is likely to play without starting QB JJ McCarty. Minnesota has covered the spread in just two of its last four games. Cleveland will face a below-average Minnesota attack that is coming off a loss to Pittsburgh, when the Vikings' offensive line gave up six sacks. The Browns will likely sack Wentz as many times if not more since the Vikings' offensive line will be playing many subs due to injuries. Minnesota had a strong game in its blowout win over Cincinnati, but other than that it has struggled and given up too many sacks. Vikings’ quarterbacks have been sacked 18 times in four games.
Over/Under Pick for Vikings vs. Browns
- Under 36 (5 units)
Minnesota is allowing just 20.0 points per game and Cleveland is allowing 25.5 per game but has played the Ravens and Lions, while Minnesota is much less productive with the ball. Cleveland is scoring just 14 points per game, which is next to last. The total has finished under in three of Cleveland’s first four games this season. With rookie QB Dillon Gabriel at the helm, the Brown’s offense is likely to be a bit more conservative in its play calling.
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