Unique Opportunity Awaits in Quick Return

1. Quick turn to Step 2 of plan

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell’s decision to request a delayed bye has been analyzed so far and will continue to be looked at this week.

The health and performance staff, players and coaches handled Minnesota’s decisions to depart Thursday night in Minnesota and arrive in London on Friday morning. The Vikings executed that part of the plan and appeared ready to start — and finish — well against the Saints.

One goal was to try to prevent players’ body clocks from adjusting to the six-hour time difference.

The Vikings landed at MSP at 12:47 a.m. Monday, which was better than a couple of weeks earlier when getting back from Philadelphia at almost 5 a.m.

“It’s a process. I think we’re getting there. I think we’re close,” QB Kirk Cousins said when asked if the team was recovered from any jetlag effects. “Just keep taking it one day at a time and trying to do what we’re coached to do to help with that process and be ready to go and recovered for Sunday.”

2. Chance to hold serve at home

For the first time since 2006, the Vikings will close out their home schedule within the NFC North before visiting at least one divisional foe.

So far, Minnesota was highly effective against Green Bay in Week 1, but stumbled early before overcoming two double-digit deficits against Detroit in Week 3.

The opportunity to bank another division and conference win is important, with division roadies looming in December (Detroit) and January (Green Bay and Chicago).