The Minnesota Vikings will look to start the season 8-2 if they can defeat the Tennessee Titans in Week 11. The Jaguars' game was one of the toughest for the Vikings this season, a game in which they themselves scored no touchdowns.
Luckily the defense was able to step up and will have to do so again on Sunday.
The return of Blake Cashman had a big impact on this team and allowed others around him to make plays. This week they face either Will Levis or Mason Rudolph, meaning they have a chance to dominate that side of the ball again. However, the Titans offensive line will make things interesting.
After discussing both sides of the ball, here are five players we expect to make a difference on Sunday.
Garrett Bradbury
Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) protects his quarterback during a play against the Detroit Lions defense at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, January 7, 2024. David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK
Garrett Bradbury will have a lot of work ahead of him and I'm excited to see how he gets on. After having a tough time against Grover Stewart in Week 9 with the Colts, he now faces Jeffrey Simmons in Week 11. How he deals with Simmons will be very telling as to how this matchup goes for Sam Darnold and company.
Harrison Phillips
Oct. 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle TJ Smith (50) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) tackle Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Titans' rushing attack has been the only consistent part of their offense in 2024. Containing Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears will be crucial in stopping drives and causing problems for whoever is at quarterback. If they can contain the running game, Brian Flores and his defensive backs can focus on coverage schemes and forcing turnovers.
Harrison Smith
Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs the ball while Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) defends in the first quarter at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Harrison Smith has made a ton of plays this year, but he has been hot and cold in terms of his consistent play. I think he has a chance to change the game on Sunday and then further cement his Hall of Fame career.
Jonathan Greenard
September 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sacks New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Titans have two young tackles on the edge in Peter Skoronski and JC Latham. Jonathan Greenard has a chance to give them some welcome moments in the NFL and be a key factor in the backfield on Sunday. Look for him to add more pressure, stop the run game, and score some points in the box.
Sam Darnold
November 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
When it comes to Sam Darnold, we have to keep things simple. He needs to limit turnovers like he did at the beginning of the season. At this point, he has more turnovers than touchdowns, and that trend must be reversed or the Vikings' season will fail.
