NFL Week 3: 5 best games on Sunday
2. Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers
If Minnesota can win this game, it would be one of the great coaching jobs in recent memory. The Vikings are without both running back Adrian Peterson and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, leaving Sam Bradford, Jerick McKinnon and Ronnie Hillman instead. At 2-0, Minnesota is trying to keep rolling, but it will be tough against a stout Panthers squad.
Carolina has not lost at home since 2014 and pounced on the San Francisco 49ers last week, winning with 46 points. The Panthers will be challenged this Sunday to score half that, against one of the best defenses in the league. Minnesota plays a 4-3 defense and can bring some serious heat from the front with Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr and others coming from all angles.
Cam Newton needs to make some plays with both his arm and legs. If he can break contain and get out of the pocket, the Vikings will be hard-pressed to win this game. Minnesota needs to keep this game under 20 points on both sides, while causing a few turnovers and capitalizing on btoh special teams and defense.