1. Kendricks will be key Sunday
The Vikings faced a Redskins team that thrives on passes to its running backs, and they got burned on one in Sunday's first quarter, when Kirk Cousins found Chris Thompson for 27 yards on a wheel route. Coach Mike Zimmer said the Vikings were lined up improperly on the play, and Eric Kendricks slipped as he chased Thompson out of the backfield. Given how much the Rams like to throw to Todd Gurley, the Vikings will need Kendricks' typical lateral quickness to help them corral the Los Angeles running back this Sunday.
2. Thielen putting together a Pro Bowl bid
Adam Thielen is tied for sixth in the league in catches (56). He's third in the NFL in receiving yards (793), and in addition to catching eight passes for 166 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, he set up Jarius Wright's score with a key block on a screen. He's become one of the best receivers in the league, and though up-and-coming players sometimes go through a year of Pro Bowl snubs before they build up enough name recognition, Thielen's numbers certainly suggest he should be on the team.
3. Alexander comes up big
Second-year cornerback Mackensie Alexander played 37 snaps Sunday, and made a couple of big plays in the Vikings' victory. He came down with his first interception since high school in the second quarter, setting up a Vikings touchdown before halftime, and broke up a pass late in the game. The Vikings still made Terence Newman their first nickel cornerback Sunday, but Alexander might earn more opportunities if he keeps making plays.
Ben Goessling