Vikings QB Kyler Murray returned Sunday from the Week 1 concussion that cost him Week 2, and his first full Minnesota outing did not go well. Murray completed just 15 of his 29 passes (51.7%) for 168 yards (5.8 yards per attempt), 1 TD, and 1 INT in the win over the Bucs. He added 17 yards on two rushes. To be fair, Murray did have to deal with WR Justin Jefferson leaving early because of an ankle injury.
What They're Saying
Murray: "A lot of our offense goes through [Jefferson]. When he goes down, we've got to make adjustments on the fly. ... That was my first game, realistically. ... I think we're going to get better each week. I think that's what our plan is."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Murray finished the first half a decent 6-of-10 passing for 112 yards, boosted by Jordan Addison's 41-yard TD. But then he followed with just a 9-of-19 second half for 56 more yards.
You'd think the team would be better equipped to deal with missing Jefferson later in the game rather than just after his departure. But Minnesota struggled to get receivers open and allowed too much interior pressure, according to The Athletic's Alec Lewis.
Overall, though, Murray saw just the 19th-highest pressure rate among Week 3 starters. He also tied for a solid 11th in adjusted completion rate when pressured. So it's tough to blame that aspect for his lackluster production.
His performance also came against a Bucs D that allowed Deshaun Watson a QB11 finish in Week 2.
Fortunately, the Vikings get an even-worse Dolphins defense in Week 4. That should give Murray upside into the top 12, but it's tough to like him in that range after last week.
If Murray continues to fare similarly to his Week 3 performance, Carson Wentz could get a shot to help this team stay in playoff contention. Keep Wentz in mind as a handcuff-type stash in superflex and 2-QB leagues.
