The Minnesota Vikings are the most confusing team in the NFL. When Kirk Cousins was signed, he was believed to be the missing link to a Super Bowl ready team. They missed the playoffs last season and Cousins is off to a bad start in 2019.

Dalvin Cook has been most of the offense for the Vikings. He is averaging 5.9 yards per carry and is looking like one of the best running backs in the league. Minnesota will play their second straight NFC East opponent. This one will be a little more difficult.

Here are two major X-Factors as the Vikings get set to face the Philadelphia Eagles.

2. Xavier Rhodes

Carson Wentz has been one of the highest-rated quarterbacks this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The Eagles have weapons offensively in Alshon Jeffrey, Zach Ertz, and Nelson Agholor. Not to mention their duo at running back.

The Vikings need Xavier Rhodes to look like the shutdown corner that he has been at times. Rhodes suffered a hit against the Giants which forced him to leave the game, but he did return. Rhodes will need to shadow Jeffrey and make him a non-factor in this game. The Vikings will pin their ears back and rush Wentz, but they must feel comfortable that the secondary can cover the Eagles. That begins with Rhodes.

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1. Entire Passing Game

Cousins finished 22-for-27 for 302 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants. Even though the Eagles are a better team than the Giants, the secondary in Philadelphia has been hit with injuries. There will be opportunities for big plays, but Cousins must take care of the ball.

Adam Thielen was vocal about his displeasure surrounding the Vikings' offensive plan after their ugly 16-6 loss to the Chicago Bears. Thielen and Stefon Diggs are arguably the best duo of wide receivers in the league. There are weapons on this Vikings' team and they need to be featured.

The Vikings took strides in improving their offensive line so Cousins can have more time to throw.

When they take on the Eagles and their banged up secondary, the passing game is the biggest X-Factor. If Cousins can get in a groove early finding his receivers, it will be a long day for the Eagles.