Vikings vs Commanders predictions and start time for Week 14

The Minnesota Vikings host the Washington Commanders at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET on FOX. The Vikings vs Commanders matchup brings together two struggling teams, and our projection leans toward a narrow Minnesota win, with a predicted final score of Vikings 23, Commanders 20.

Both teams enter Week 14 well below .500, but each still has motivation to evaluate key young players and stabilize their seasons. With Washington turning back to Jayden Daniels at quarterback and Minnesota relying on home field and its pass rush, this game shapes up as a tight contest that should stay within one score most of the way.

Commanders vs Vikings Week 14 start time, TV details and key numbers

The Commanders vs Vikings game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. CT) on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX, with streaming options available through the FOX Sports platforms and other live TV services that carry FOX.

Minnesota comes in at 4-8, while Washington sits at 3-9. Both teams have spent much of the season on extended losing streaks and are trying to avoid sinking further down the standings in December.

Statistically, Washington’s offense has been slightly more productive over the full season. The Commanders are averaging 21.8 points per game and 337.6 yards per game, ranking near the middle of the league in total offense. Minnesota, by contrast, is averaging 18.7 points per game and 272.6 yards per game, placing closer to the bottom in both scoring and yardage.

On defense, Minnesota has been the better pass-rushing team, recording 31 sacks compared with Washington’s 26. However, the Vikings have struggled to generate takeaways, with only three interceptions so far, while Washington has managed six. Those numbers hint at a game where the Vikings can pressure the quarterback but may still give up yardage if they fail to finish drives with turnovers.

Washington’s pass defense has also been vulnerable, allowing an NFL-worst 8.2 yards per pass attempt and more than 250 passing yards per game. That weakness gives Minnesota an opportunity to get its passing attack moving, especially with star receiver Justin Jefferson in position to take advantage of a secondary that has been giving up explosive plays all season.

How the Vikings and Commanders match up in our Week 14 prediction

The storyline for Washington centers on Jayden Daniels’ return to the starting lineup. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Daniels will start after missing a month with a dislocated left elbow, and the second-year quarterback has fully participated in practice this week. In six games this season, Daniels has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,184 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions, while also bringing a dynamic rushing threat that can stress defenses.

Daniels’ dual-threat ability should help offset Minnesota’s pass rush, but the Commanders’ offensive line will still be tested by a Vikings front that ranks in the top half of the league in sacks. If Washington falls behind the sticks and is forced into predictable passing situations, Minnesota’s pressure could tilt key third downs in the home team’s favor.

For the Vikings, the offensive question is whether they can rediscover rhythm through the air. Minnesota has dealt with quarterback instability, and its scoring output has reflected that inconsistency. However, facing a Washington defense that allows big plays downfield, this is a legitimate opportunity for the Vikings to reconnect with Justin Jefferson and generate chunk gains, especially off play action and intermediate routes that attack soft spots in zone coverage.

On the ground, neither team has consistently dominated this season, which increases the importance of situational football. Red-zone execution, third-down efficiency, and turnover margin are likely to decide a game between two closely matched, struggling rosters. With both teams averaging under 23 points per game, expecting a contest in the low-to-mid 20s is reasonable.

Some computer models project a 24-21 Vikings victory, reflecting a narrow Minnesota edge. Taking into account Minnesota’s home-field advantage, a stronger pass rush, Washington’s recent losing streak, and Daniels’ first game back from injury, our projection trims the scoring slightly and lands on Vikings 23, Commanders 20. That score reflects Washington’s ability to move the ball with Daniels but also acknowledges Minnesota’s defensive front and the likelihood of a few stalled drives or red-zone field goals instead of touchdowns.

In summary, our Vikings vs Commanders prediction calls for a competitive Week 14 matchup that stays close into the fourth quarter, with Minnesota edging out a 23-20 win at home. The combination of a vulnerable Washington secondary, Minnesota’s pass rush, and Daniels returning from injury shapes a game script in which the Vikings do just enough to protect their home field while the Commanders again fall just short in a one-score game.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does the Vikings vs Commanders Week 14 game start?

The Vikings vs Commanders game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Local time in Minneapolis is 12 p.m. CT, with coverage airing on FOX.

Q2: Where is the Vikings vs Commanders game being played?

The game will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is an indoor venue, so weather will not be a factor for either team.

Q3: Who is starting at quarterback for the Commanders against the Vikings?

Jayden Daniels is set to start at quarterback for Washington after returning from a dislocated left elbow. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed he is back in the lineup following a full week of practice.

Q4: How have the Vikings and Commanders performed so far this season?

The Vikings enter Week 14 with a 4-8 record, while the Commanders are 3-9. Both teams have endured multi-game losing streaks and are looking to build momentum late in the season. {index=13}

Q5: What is the final score prediction for Vikings vs Commanders in Week 14?

Our prediction is a narrow Vikings win by a score of 23-20. That projection differs slightly from some computer models that have the game at 24-21, reflecting expectations for a close contest with modest scoring.