Reichard’s late field goal keeps Vikings unbeaten

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Miami Dolphins 15-10 on Sunday, October 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium, as Will Reichard’s fourth-quarter field goal restored the cushion Miami had erased.

Kyler Murray completed 27 of 37 passes for 247 yards, repeatedly leaning on T.J. Hockenson, whose 13 catches produced 119 yards. But the turning point was Minnesota’s response after Ollie Gordon II ran in from 12 yards out to pull Miami within 12-10: the Vikings took the next possession and did not give the ball back until Reichard made it 15-10.

Minnesota’s answer held up

Minnesota moved to 4-0 after seeing a nine-point lead shrink to two late in the third quarter. Miami, still seeking its first win at 0-4, had found life through Gordon, who carried nine times for 100 yards and the touchdown after a 53-yard run set up the Dolphins’ opening points of the second half.

The Vikings’ answer was a 15-play, 60-yard drive that consumed 8:24 across the third and fourth quarters before Reichard’s 29-yard field goal with 6:41 left. Miami then managed two yards on its final possession before punting, leaving Murray and Minnesota to protect the five-point edge.

The Dolphins had kept the game within reach despite a scoreless first half. After a second-quarter fumble stalled one opportunity, Miami opened the third with a field goal and later struck on a four-play, 55-yard touchdown drive, with Gordon finishing it at 0:11 of the quarter.

The numbers behind the control

Minnesota’s offense was not explosive all afternoon, but it was steadier: its 46% success rate meant nearly half of its plays added expected points. EPA measures expected points added on each play, and the Vikings’ minus-0.05 EPA per play was far more manageable than Miami’s minus-0.27, a gap reflected in Minnesota running 72 plays to Miami’s 36.

Murray’s 27-yard completion to Jordan Addison with 4:22 left was the game’s biggest win-probability swing, moving Minnesota from 87% to 94%. Hockenson’s work underneath sustained Murray’s day, while Dallas Turner’s two sacks helped limit Malik Willis to 85 passing yards on 9-of-17 passing.

The Vikings next visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 11, carrying a 4-0 record. The Dolphins return home to face the Cincinnati Bengals that Sunday, October 11, at 0-4.