Mullens will make his first start since the 2021 season on Saturday, taking over for Joshua Dobbs as the Vikings attempt to cling on and make the playoffs. Mullens provided adequate fourth-quarter relief (9 of 13, 83 yards) in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over the Raiders. On Saturday, he will face another. The Vikings have become accustomed to life without Kirk Cousins, but Mullens (minus-3 career rushing yards) must win in a different manner than Dobbs.

The Vikings have rushed for 125 yards or more in four of their last five games, and Dobbs has been a huge part of that. Alexander Mattison has averaged 5.2 yards per game over the last three games, while Ty Chandler has flashed flashes, but both must step up. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson stated earlier this week that he will play, which is extremely helpful. In his comeback last week, he lasted only 13 plays before suffering a chest issue that led him to the hospital for precautionary reasons.

Dobbs targeted Jefferson on three of his first four passes against the Raiders, and it would be surprising if Mullens didn’t go for him frequently. The Bengals defense has been chastised, but their performance against the Colts on Sunday was possibly their finest since before their Week 7 bye.

Browning has filled in admirably for the injured Joe Burrow, running practically the same offense (except the shotgun formation) that Burrow ran this season. Browning has completed 79.3% of his passes in three starts, averaging 9.8 yards per attempt. His two interceptions have been costly, as both have resulted in opponent touchdowns. However, his scrambling (12-78-2 rushing) has been a plus, and Browning’s pocket feel has improved since taking over. He appears to trust two elite receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in tight-window situations, but the Bengals can also employ their backs as screen targets, which was a significant development in last week’s win against Indianapolis.

Since a Week 5 loss to the Chiefs, the Vikings defense has been playing at a near-elite level. Brian Flores is in charge of a stunning comeback from a year ago, blitzing everyone from everywhere and restricting seven of the last eight opponents to 21 points or less. Will Browning and the Bengals’ offensive line be able to hold up? He has six sacks in three starts, five of which have come against tackles Orlando Brown and Jonah Williams. Both must keep Danielle Hunter in mind, who leads Minnesota with 13.5 sacks, 57 QB pressures, and four caused fumbles.

Kenny Pickett (ankle) is still out, and Mike Tomlin confirmed this week that he’ll stay with Trubisky for the time being. Mason Rudolph, who might take over, is waiting in the wings. But Trubisky will try to keep him on the sideline, which will likely necessitate a speedier start than he had last Thursday against New England, when he threw for more yards in the fourth quarter (96) than the first three combined (94). Trubisky’s early interception deep in his own end gave up a Patriots touchdown and drew boos, but he won’t have to worry about that on the road.

Trubisky has been less prone to interceptions away from Pittsburgh over the last two seasons, albeit with less passing power. He must do well or Tomlin may make a change. It doesn’t help that Steelers wideouts George Pickens and Diontae Johnson have been a source of distraction at times this season, most recently Pickens on Thursday. Tight end Pat Freiermuth can assist provide a consistent option in the middle if the receivers aren’t open, and Indianapolis may be able to get CB Julius Brents back from injury. Pittsburgh will also rely on running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren against a Colts defense that has failed to handle talented backs this season, though the return of DT Grover Stewart last week will help.