After a mini-bye weekend and some time to heal and rejuvenate, the Eagles are back at it on Sunday in Minnesota against the Vikings. They know what to expect: a high-powered, explosive offense, a pressure-oriented defense, a special teams that covers all the bases, and a hostile environment at U.S. Bank Stadium.

In other words, the Eagles need to be at their best to end a two-game losing streak and win an important conference game. Here are some storylines to consider for Sunday's 1 p.m. kickoff (FOX, Eagles Radio Network) …

1. Eagles striving for consistency on offense

This is something the Eagles have talked a lot about all season. At times, the offense looks devastating with a fluid passing game, a strong ground attack and an NFL-best touchdown efficiency in the red zone. But there haven't been enough of those times for the offense, so how can the Eagles put it all together here?

That's what they have been working on all week. Minnesota's defense is excellent, ranking sixth in the NFL allowing just 290 yards per game. They've allowed only 19.4 points per game and are second in the NFL in third-down defense. They are tied for fourth in red zone defense.

Minnesota blitzes 38 percent of the time, among the most in the NFL. To counter that, the Eagles are looking for more production on first and second down to give them options on third downs. Communication in the noisy environment will be critical. Play sound, assignment-solid football is so important. Key statistic to watch: Minnesota has held each of its first five opponents to 200 passing yards or less. Let's see what the Eagles come up with as they attack the Vikings.

2. Minnesota's offense is led by QB Carson Wentz

Sure, seeing the former Eagle at quarterback is a story, but it is something the Eagles have already faced back when Wentz played with Washington. That he has resurrected his career is admirable, and he is playing good football for Minnesota, leading the Vikings to a 2-1 record with a 99.5 passer rating in his three starts. Wentz gets the ball out quickly, can move in and out of the pocket and has the big arm. He also has great targets in the passing game in wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor, as well as tight end T.J. Hockenson.

The Vikings are balanced enough offensively, with a running game led by Jordan Mason, who averages 4.7 yards per carry and has gained 20 first downs among his 69 carries.

This is a tough task for the Eagles. What does coordinator Vic Fangio try to take away from an attack that has shown a lot of quick-drop-and-throw offense in the passing game? Tackling at a high level is an absolute must here as the Eagles look to minimize the 'X' plays.

3. How will injuries factor into the equation?

Significantly, for sure. The Eagles listed left guard Landon Dickerson (ankle) as questionable after he practiced on a limited basis all week. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter (heel) is questionable as well after being limited on Thursday and Friday. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, so important to the back end defensively, is a full go after suffering a hamstring injury in the Week 6 game against the Giants.

All of these players are high-end talents who need to be very good for the Eagles to be at their best.

4. The running game and how it impacts the Eagles offense

This is part of the offensive big picture, of course, but the Eagles are going against a Minnesota defense that allows 132.2 rushing yards per game. Running back Saquon Barkley is the best of the best and has shown signs of breaking out, but the Eagles haven't been able to get the football to him in the run game in high numbers. How can they establish the running game here? Winning in the trenches means so much and staying ahead the sticks is vital. Winning in the trenches is where it's at.

5. Jumping out early is something the Eagles look to do

Obviously, right? But it means even more in a tough environment against a team that likes to blitz as much as Minnesota does. An early lead changes everything for the Eagles in this game. Turnovers and field position and penalties and all of that early are signs of intensity as the Eagles look to get that taste of the loss to the Giants out of their mouths.

6. Pass-rush push: Eagles need to pressure the pocket

Who steps up and fills the void after edge veteran Za'Darius Smith retired? There are plenty of candidates as Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, and Patrick Johnson lead the way. Will Fangio move some of his pieces around in the defense? Where does Nakobe Dean factor into the equation on defense? Is he ready for a role after playing six snaps on special teams against New York?

Minnesota quarterbacks (J.J. McCarthy and Wentz) have been sacked 21 times, ranking 30th in the NFL. There are going to be some opportunities. Pressuring Wentz is hugely important given the big-play power Minnesota has among its pass catchers.