Vikings at Titans Game Preview

Vikings vs. Titans Game Preview

            This matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings is proving to be one of the more intriguing matchups in the NFL this weekend, as the Titans seem to have a legit shot in a fairly weak AFC South and the Vikings look to start off on a strong note despite losing their QB for the season. Let’s take a look at some of the key matchups that could play a huge role in determining the outcome of this game.

Tajae Sharpe vs. Terence Newman

            The Titans’ receiving corps seems to be vastly improved from a season ago, largely due to the team’s 5^th round steal in Tajae Sharpe. Sharpe is a speed demon and an excellent route runner out of UMass, and many are projecting him to be the NFL’s most productive rookie receiver and Mariota’s favorite target. Should Sharpe stay healthy this year, you can expect 1000+ yards out of the UMass product.

Sharpe will be challenged, though, as he goes up against 14-year veteran CB Terence Newman. Newman has accumulated 40 interceptions over the course of his career, including three last season, in his first year with the Vikings. This defense was vastly improved against the passing game in 2015, and Newman has a whole lot to do with that.

Newman vs. Sharpe should be an exciting matchup on Sunday as Sharpe looks to start his rookie campaign on a high note against one of the top veteran corners in the league.

Brian Orakpo vs. Matt Kalil

Titans fans are hoping to see a rejuvenated Brian Orakpo in his second year with Tennessee. In 2015, the former 3-time Pro Bowler only managed 7 sacks, the lowest total of his career when he has played in at least 15 games. Orakpo has been very vocal in the offseason and hopes to get back on track against the Vikings on Sunday

            This may be a difficult feat, however, if the Vikings’ left tackle Matt Kalil is able to return to the field after a leg injury. Kalil has also been a Pro-Bowl-type player ever since the Vikings drafted him 4^th overall in the 2012 NFL draft. Kalil has struggled at times with technique, especially in the run game, but he is poised to have the best season of his career so far in 2016.

Titans’ o-line vs. Vikings’ front seven

            The Titans offensive line is one of the most improved units on the roster, perhaps behind only the running back position. The addition of Ben Jones at center will not only be an improvement from a physical standpoint, but also an intangible one. Jones has stepped up as the leader of this unit, and, despite this being just his 6^th season in the league, is the longest tenured veteran on o-line. Jack Conklin, the first-round rookie out of Michigan State, has also been impressive in camp.

            The Titans’ o-line will likely not be extremely challenged by the Vikings’ defensive line, as the most notable name on the list is Sharrif Floyd, the former first round pick out of Florida who honestly hasn’t done much since he was drafted in 2012. The Vikings’ linebackers, however, may pose a legitimate challenge to Tennessee’s running game. They have three guys who have the tackling skill set to be the starting middle linebacker for most teams in this league. Chad Greenway has been one of the best players on Minnesota’s defense for the last decade, and he is aided by two promising young UCLA products in Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr.

Game Prediction

Overall, the Titans new-look “exotic smashmouth” offense may be a bit too much for the Vikes to overcome, especially with an unproven QB under center. Titans will win this one, 31-17.

Michael Chapman, Senior Titans Analyst, Titans Fans Everywhere