Wentz Trending to Start for Minnesota in Week 9

Carson Wentz is expected to take over at quarterback against Buffalo after Kyler Murray's Week 8 hamstring injury.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football

Wentz Trending to Start for Minnesota in Week 9

Carson Wentz is trending toward starting for Minnesota in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills, with the game set for November 9, 2026. The move follows a hamstring injury to Kyler Murray in Week 8.

Why it matters

Wentz's earlier start this season, while Murray was out with a concussion, gives the team a recent reference point for how the offense may operate. Fantasy managers are watching how the change could affect targets for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Wentz threw for 133 yards on 19 attempts and three touchdowns in his earlier start this season. Murray has not thrown three touchdown passes in a game since the end of the 2024 season, but the status of his hamstring recovery remains unclear.

The players

Carson Wentz

Former NFL quarterback who has played for several teams and is currently trending toward starting for Minnesota.

Kyler Murray

Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings who is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 8.

Minnesota Vikings

NFL franchise based in Minneapolis that is competing in the 2026 season.

The details

Murray suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8, and Wentz is trending toward starting in Week 9 against the Bills. Wentz's gunslinging style is projected to benefit fantasy managers hoping to get more out of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Week 8: Murray suffers a hamstring injury.
Earlier in the season: Wentz makes one start while Murray is sidelined with a concussion.
Week 9 (November 9, 2026): Wentz is trending toward starting against Buffalo.

Season Trajectory

Wentz's earlier start this season while Murray was out with a concussion set a precedent for this week's potential change. Minnesota's offense now depends on whether Wentz can replicate the three-touchdown performance he delivered before.

Fantasy managers relying on Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should watch whether Wentz's aggressive passing style increases their targets. Wentz's earlier start produced 133 yards and three touchdowns, which may signal the offense's direction if he takes over again.

The takeaway

Quarterback changes in a season often reshape fantasy and team outlooks quickly, so tracking injury reports before kickoff remains essential. Readers following Minnesota should watch for official starter confirmation ahead of the Buffalo game.