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Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here this afternoon to (presumably) watch the Minnesota Vikings take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in some hot preseason NFL action. Whether you’re watching on the NFL Network or one of your local stations, or even just listening on the radio, we’re happy that you’re hanging out here with us as well.
We’ll do this the same way that we did last week, with an Open Thread for each half rather than each quarter. So, keep your eyes open for the second half thread to come your way at some point during halftime.
Here is everything you need to know for today’s game:
Time: Saturday, 18 August, 12:00 PM Central time
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Television coverage: KMSP-9 in the Twin Cities, other channels that you can find here, and the NFL Network
Radio coverage: KFAN-FM 100.3 (along with other fine Vikings Radio Network affiliates), Sirius & XM Channel 88
Line: Minnesota -4, over/under 40.5, and there’s no way you’re betting on this, is there?
Prediction: DONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN’T CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARE!
Three keys
1) No significant injuries - Again, there are really very few other things about these preseason games that matter. This is the most important thing of all.
2) Can the offense do it again? - Even without star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Jaguars’ defense represents a significant step up from what the Vikings saw last week in Denver. Kirk Cousins and company looked outstanding in their limited action last week, and it’s a safe assumption that they’re going to be playing more than one series, and it will be interesting to see how they fare. The offensive line will be a particular focus this afternoon.
3) Who wants to be an NFL player? Last week, we saw Roc Thomas jump up from out of nowhere to take the lead for the RB3 spot on the depth chart. With Training Camp officially over with, the countdown to final cuts is on, and the time for players to step up and make an impression on Rick Spielman, Mike Zimmer, and everyone else that matters is growing short. Who wants to be at U.S. Bank Stadium when the Vikings take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1?
Know the Foe: Big Cat Country
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