What to know when the Vikings travel to play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon:
- Vikings at Titans
- When: 12 p.m. Sunday
- Where: Nissan Stadium
- TV: CBS
- Radio: KFAN
- Line: Vikings -6.5
- Over/Under: 39.5
Keys for the Vikings
— The only thing that can keep this game close is if the Vikings turn the ball over. Though it’s always a point of emphasis for the Vikings, it has been an even bigger talking point this week with quarterback Sam Darnold fresh off his worst performance of this season. He threw a trio of interception last weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game the Vikings won 12-7 without scoring a single touchdown. He can’t do the same thing this weekend against the Titans.
— There should be opportunities for the Vikings to take the ball away going up against maligned quarterback Will Levis. He has struggled with ball security since entering the NFL out of the University of Kentucky and that likely won’t change this weekend. If defensive coordinator Brian Flores can dial up the pressure, Levis might throw the ball into Vikings hands a couple of times.
Keys for the Titans
— If the Titans can find a way to rattle Darnold in the early stages, they’re going to give themselves a chance. The pressure star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons can generate could be an equalizer for the Titans in that aspect. He’s a beast in the middle, and the Vikings might not have an answer for him on the interior of the offensive line.
— The best offensive weapon the Titans have at their disposal is star receiver Calvin Ridley. He has emerged even more since veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins got traded last month. If the Titans can hold up in protection, Levis will have an opportunity to push the ball to Ridley downfield.