WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-5)	WK 9	MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-5)
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For the first time in a few weeks, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves at home, as they will host the Washington Redskins. Both of these teams are currently at 3-5, both are coming off of big overtime victories, and both of them would love to go into their bye week with a victory.

So, how can the Minnesota Vikings ensure that happens?

1) Protect Teddy Bridgewater - I told you this was going to be the top thing on the list until the Vikings showed that they could do it consistently. They only allowed Bridgewater to be sacked one time last week in Tampa, and that trend needs to continue today for the Vikings to be successful. The Redskins have been very good against the pass so far (7th in the NFL) and have done a good job of getting after the quarterback. They also blitz more frequently than just about any team in the league, so it will be imperative for the offensive line to give Bridgewater time this afternoon.

2) Continue getting off the field on third down - After looking like a complete disaster on third downs for a few weeks, the Vikings have improved a lot over the past few games. They are allowing just 36% of third downs to be converted this season, and have allowed just 12 of 49 third down conversions (24%) over the past four games. The Redskins offense is among the NFL's worst on third down, converting on just 33% of their attempts, including 3/12 (25%) in Robert Griffin III's lone complete game of the season. The Vikings need to keep both of those trends in place to help their chances today.

3) Be smart on the rush - We all know that Redskins' quarterback Robert Griffin III. . .making his return today after injuring his ankle in Week 2. . .is at his most dangerous when he breaks contain and can move around to make plays. He may not be 100% at this point, but the Vikings still need to make sure that they remain disciplined in their pass rush and don't give him the ability to improvise. If they can keep Griffin contained, it will go a long way towards victory this afternoon. I have a feeling that Everson Griffen, Sharrif Floyd, and the rest of the Vikings' defensive front will be up to the task.

We're about an hour away from kickoff in Minneapolis, ladies and gentlemen. Here's hoping for another Minnesota Vikings victory to give them something to build on going into the bye week.

SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!