Carson Wentz is starting for the Minnesota Vikings because the team's primary quarterback J.J. McCarthy injured his ankle and is expected to be sidelined for 2-4 weeks. Wentz, who recently joined the Vikings as a backup, has shown readiness and familiarity with the team's offense, earning the trust of head coach Kevin O'Connell. This is a meaningful start for Wentz as it is for the team he supported as a child, and he has helped the Vikings achieve a significant victory in his first start with them. The Vikings are likely to keep Wentz starting while McCarthy recovers, given the strong performance he has displayed so far.