Washington @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2017 ) Minnesota 38, Washington 30

In the midst of a dreadful season featuring a revolving door at quarterback, the Washington Redskins will receive a stark reminder of what might have been when they visit the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. The resurgent Vikings have won three in a row behind Kirk Cousins, who left the Redskins to sign with Minnesota as a free agent following the 2017 season.

Cousins had a disappointing first season with the Vikings, who missed the playoffs in 2018 and stumbled to a 2-2 start this year, but he has been brilliant during the three-game winning streak in which his team averaged 36 points. "He’s playing the best I’ve seen him play since he’s been here, obviously," Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer said. "It’s a credit to him, it’s a credit to the offensive coaches, what they’re doing and I feel like we’re playing to his strength." While the main plot features Cousins versus his former team, it will mark a homecoming for Redskins running back Adrian Peterson, who won three NFL rushing titles during nine-plus seasons with Minnesota. "I should (be) ready to go," Peterson told the NFL Network on Tuesday, adding that his ankle injury sustained in Sunday's 9-0 home loss to unbeaten San Francisco felt "night and day (improved) from yesterday."

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Vikings -15.5. O/U: 42

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (1-6): Washington's only victory came over winless Miami two weeks ago but it was limited to a mere 154 yards of offense in sloppy conditions Sunday -- the third time in four weeks the Redskins were held to seven points or fewer. Case Keenum, who went 11-3 as a starter for the Vikings the season before Cousins arrived, threw for just 77 yards in the heavy rain but interim coach Bill Callahan suggested he is likely to stick with the veteran for at least two more starts. Peterson is dealing with a mild high ankle sprain and low ankle sprain, adding to the backfield woes with backup Chris Thompson (turf toe) also sitting out practice Tuesday after missing Sunday's loss.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (5-2): Since apologizing to wide receiver Adam Thielen for his poor play following a 16-6 loss at Chicago, Cousins has been on a tear, becoming the first quarterback in history to throw for at least 300 yards and register a passer rating of at least 135.0 in three consecutive games. Cousins threw four scoring passes for the second straight week despite Thielen exiting with a hamstring injury, connecting with Stefon Diggs seven times for 142 yards -- the wideout's third 100-yard day in four games. Dalvin Cook went over 100 yards for the fifth time this season and scored twice to boost his total to eight rushing TDs, while Minnesota's defense is yielding 90.0 yards on the ground.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cousins, who has an NFL-leading 114.3 passer rating, has 12 touchdowns versus two interceptions in his last six at home.

2. Redskins WR Terry McLaurin leads all rookies in receptions (24) and touchdown catches (5).

3. Cook tops the league in rushing (725 yards) and yards from scrimmage (945).

PREDICTION: Vikings 30, Redskins 13