A weekly look at what the Vikings must fix:

As much focus as has been put on the Vikings' struggles to protect quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, one of their offensive issues could hurt them even more this weekend in Buffalo: their inability to develop a consistent running game.

The Vikings' running backs -- Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata -- gained just 35 yards on 13 carries last week against the Detroit Lions. The Vikings' biggest play of the day came on a reverse to Jarius Wright, and Bridgewater gained 11 yards on three scrambles, but one of the league's best defensive fronts repeatedly pushed Vikings linemen into the backfield, recording four tackles for loss and putting the Vikings in untenable third-down situations all day. The Vikings went just 3-for-14 on third downs and needed to cover at least 6 yards on 10 of those plays. According to ESPN Stats & Information, 10 teams had at least 10 third-down attempts of 6 yards or more Sunday; only three won their game.

Coach Mike Zimmer said he liked some of the things McKinnon did Sunday, and McKinnon could get the majority of the carries against Buffalo. He seems to fit better than Asiata running out of the shotgun sets the Vikings mostly use with Bridgewater as the quarterback, and the Vikings also might be able to give their running game some juice with a few read-option plays (they ran four Sunday for 19 yards, according to ESPN Stats & Info).

But nothing will replace the ability of the Vikings' line to open holes against defensive fronts, and especially without injured right guard Brandon Fusco, the group could have a tough task again this week in Buffalo. The Bills have allowed a league-low 2.79 yards per carry this season.