Josh Allen Faces a Stronger Brian Flores Defense in Minnesota

Allen went 6-0 against Flores’ Miami Dolphins teams from 2019 through 2021, with Buffalo winning by an average of about 18 points. Across those six matchups, Allen completed 64.4% of his passes for 1,525 yards, 16 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 200 yards and two scores. The numbers include a 2020 game in which he sat out the second half.

Minnesota’s defense presents a tougher challenge than those Miami units, with the Vikings ranking first in both defensive EPA per play and pressure rate. Outside linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner each have at least six sacks and rank among the NFL’s top 10 in that category. Linebacker Blake Cashman leads the team with 64 tackles, while Vikings cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers, Byron Murphy and James Pierre together account for six of their eight interceptions.

The Vikings blitz on 72.8% of defensive plays, roughly 30 percentage points more than any other team, and lead the league with an 11% sack rate. Allen has performed well against pressure: his 0.11 EPA per play against blitzes ranks 10th among quarterbacks, while his minus-0.03 EPA per play against pressure ranks third. Minnesota’s opponents have struggled, combining for minus-2.72 EPA per play against pressure.

Buffalo could also use running back James Cook to slow the pass rush. In Sunday’s matchup with Minnesota, Jahmyr Gibbs gained 153 rushing yards and scored once on 23 attempts. Cook’s ability to produce on the ground could help the Bills keep the Vikings’ defense from focusing solely on Allen.