Fansided
Fansided

2016 NFL Season: Picking The Week One Winners

By Erik Lambert

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 16
Next
Sep 3, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) after a reception during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) after a reception during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans

It’s amazing how different this game has looked over the past week. It went from a clear mismatch in the Vikings’ favor to one in the Titans’ favor after Teddy Bridgewater dislocated his knee. Now the trade for Sam Bradford has thrown yet another new wrinkle into this game. The though is the belief that he likely won’t play due to lacking knowledge of the playbook. This could present an opportunity for Tennessee to take advantage, but Minnesota is still formidable with that solid defense and Adrian Peterson at running back.

Notable Injuries:

Jerick McKinnon (MIN) – Peterson remains the focal point of the Vikings rushing attack but expectations are for McKinnon to have a big role in the offense this year. So his missing a preseason game with an undisclosed injury is news worth noting. There doesn’t seem to be any panic about the problem but it’s something to monitor.

Jace Amaro (TEN) – Ironically the only injury worth mentioning at this point for the Titans is their latest addition to the roster in Jace Amaro, who was just claimed off waivers. The young tight end is dealing with a groin injury that may have played a part in why he was cut by the Jets. Odds are he won’t be playing in the opener, which isn’t a huge deal due to the presence of Delanie Walker.

Key Matchup:

Titans OL vs. Vikings DL

The bane of existence for Tennessee over the past few years has been their lackluster offensive line. It was a big reason Mariota wasn’t able to finish the season with injuries. That’s why they drafted tackle Jack Conklin in the 1st round. They’ll have their hands full against a young and aggressive Minnesota front four led by Everson Griffen. In order to unleash their new power running tandem of Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry, that Titans front will have to show up.

Prediction:  Titans win 20-17

Next: CLE @ PHI

Home/NFL Hot Takes