Vikings Favored Over Steelers in NFL Week 4 Dublin Clash: Prediction, Odds, and Picks
The Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers will face off in a unique NFL Week 4 matchup taking place at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Both teams come into this international game with identical 2-1 records, but the Vikings are favored to win by 2.5 points according to current betting odds.
This matchup is particularly notable as it marks another step in the NFL’s efforts to expand its international reach, bringing live American football to European fans. The game is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast nationally on the NFL Network.
Team Form and Key Players
The Vikings enter the game fresh off a dominant victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, a contest marked by Carson Wentz’s first start of the season replacing the injured J.J. McCarthy. Wentz’s performance has been promising, and he will start again in this Dublin game. Minnesota’s defense remains imposing, having demonstrated the ability to pressure quarterbacks effectively and disrupt offenses.
The Steelers, meanwhile, have capitalized on turnovers in recent games, including a pivotal win against the New England Patriots where they forced multiple turnovers. However, challenges persist, particularly in defending tight ends—a weakness that Minnesota is expected to exploit through T.J. Hockenson, who has been playing at peak form following recovery from a torn ACL.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Oddsmakers currently give the Vikings a slight edge with a spread of -2.5 points and set the over/under total points at 41.5. Analysts from Sports Illustrated and FOX Sports predict a competitive game, with a final score forecast of Vikings 24, Steelers 20 according to FOX Sports while other models project a more decisive Vikings victory.
Expert picks include betting on the Steelers with the points (+2.5) underdog spread and several player props such as Jordan Mason to score a touchdown and Jaylen Warren hitting over 22.5 receiving yards. Carson Wentz is expected to attempt fewer than 30.5 passes, reflecting a game plan potentially focused on balanced or run-heavy attack strategies.
Game Dynamics and Strategic Factors
One key to the Steelers’ potential loss could be the dominance of the Vikings’ defense, which showed versatility and creativity last season and earlier this year. Pittsburgh’s struggle to defend against tight ends remains a significant vulnerability, as Minnesota’s offensive scheme frequently isolates the tight end in formations designed to exploit such mismatches.
Coaching approaches will also be scrutinized. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is praised for his innovative play-calling and ability to develop quarterbacks, contrasting with the Steelers’ simpler but faster tempo approach. This strategic edge may play a crucial role at Croke Park.
Viewing Information
- Date and Time: Sunday, September 28, 2025, 9:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
- Broadcast: NFL Network
Fans can also follow live stats and scoring updates through FOX Sports’ live boxscore service.
Conclusion
This Vikings vs. Steelers game promises to be a compelling contest with both teams evenly matched in the standings but offering contrasting strengths and weaknesses. Minnesota’s favored status and home-field advantage in an international setting make them the slight favorite, but the Steelers’ opportunistic defense and key offensive contributors make this an engaging and uncertain battle.