Revenge Game Angle Might Ring True for Vikings after All
The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday afternoon, and after weeks of peering ahead, the fans who spitballed a “revenge game” for Carson Wentz against his old team may be vindicated.
On Sunday, the Vikings will host the Eagles, and those who forecasted a revenge game for Minnesota’s quarterback might be correct when it’s all said and done.
The Eagles drafted Wentz with the second overall pick in 2016, later giving up on him after the 2020 NFL Draft when Philadelphia onboarded Jalen Hurts.
At least for a day, Wentz might have the chance to get some payback.
Vikings Could Start Carson Wentz for His “Revenge Game”
Wentz has guided Minnesota to victory twice in the last three games.
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Nudges Door Open for Carson Wentz to Start Again
O’Connell said about Wentz this week, who is recovering from a left shoulder injury, “He was sore coming out of the game. He’s gotten to a good place where he can participate and take part in the preparation. The biggest thing for him is it’s a non-throwing shoulder, so it’s a matter of working through that soreness as it comes to him.”
The coach also declined to name a starting quarterback on Monday, discussing J.J. McCarthy’s injury recovery and stating that he would assess the health of both passers near the end of the week.
McCarthy’s is the team’s QB1, so for O’Connell not to announce him as the starter tends to hint at another start for Wentz, albeit tentatively.
The History in Philadelphia
Once upon a time — without exaggeration — Wentz was the next big thing in Philadelphia and the NFL. He certifiably had stake in the 2017 MVP race before a season-ending knee injury ruined everything. And while Wentz would regain his starting job the following season — after the Eagles won the Super Bowl without him, defeating Minnesota in the 2017 NFC Championship along the way — he never returned to that peak 2017 form.
The Eagles’ brass evidently noticed, and within three years of the injury, it shockingly picked Jalen Hurts on draft night 2020, signaling the beginning of the end for Wentz in Philadelphia.
Of course, general manager Howie Roseman was vindicated last year, as the Eagles won the chip with Hurts. Wentz has remained a backup passer in the last couple of seasons with this resume to boot:
- Philadelphia Eagles (2016–2020)
- Indianapolis Colts (2021)
- Washington Commanders (2022)
- Los Angeles Rams (2023)
- Kansas City Chiefs (2024)
- Minnesota Vikings (2025–present)
Wentz even reached his only Pro Bowl in 2017. He earned a Super Bowl ring, though he didn’t play in that game against the dynastic New England Patriots. Nick Foles did the deed.
Wentz Has Already Lost Once to PHI
For curious minds, this isn’t the first time Wentz has faced the Eagles as a member of the other team. It’s the second chapter in the revenge story.
On September 25, 2022, as the QB1 of the Washington Commanders, Wentz started under center at home against Philadelphia, and his team lost 24-8. He went 25 for 43 with 211 passing yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. Wentz was also notably sacked 9 times — yes, 9 — so he will hope that the second revenge act is markedly different from the first.
The Eagles later reached the Super Bowl that year, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in a squeaker by a score of 38-35. Wentz would depart Washington a few months later.
A Friday Verdict?
To clarify: J.J. McCarthy starting this weekend remains a genuine option. His practice sessions this week must be somewhat spotless, his ankle mostly healed. One might put the odds of McCarthy starting over Wentz around 40%, based on clues from Monday and Tuesday.
If not, Wentz will fulfill the revenge assignment, and in any event, O’Connell should announce or insinuate a starter by Friday, October 17th.
Keep an eye on this week’s injury reports and practice dealings in the meantime.
The Athletic on Wentz, McCarthy
Alec Lewis of The Athletic waded into the quarterback mystery this week and opined, “The bye week allowed O’Connell hands-on time with McCarthy to review many of the core teaching points. O’Connell described it as ‘building that foundation back up.'”
“But even if the Vikings can fine-tune McCarthy on the practice field, what is the guarantee that the foundation will remain solid in live game action with pass rushers closing in on him, the crowd roaring and defensive backs disguising their coverage? Furthermore, if the Vikings decide that McCarthy needs more time, can Wentz stay healthy enough to make it work? Wentz is still managing a serious left shoulder injury.”
The Eagles are a 1.5-point favorite to take down the Vikings, a spread that has narrowed by two points in the last two days.
“When asked Monday how Wentz has progressed since the win over the Browns in London, O’Connell noted that it’d be incumbent upon Wentz — if he is the one who plays — to get rid of the ball quickly enough to avoid taking more hits. The only other layer of insurance is undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who has thrown just four regular-season passes. In the grander scheme of things, these are less pressing matters,” Lewis continued.
“McCarthy has now missed 20 of his first 22 NFL games due to injury, and the 2025 season was supposed to establish a sense of optimism for the future. The sooner he plays, the more time he’ll have to make that happen.”
Minnesota hasn’t beaten Philadelphia in six years.
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