The Minnesota Vikings are set to kick off on Thursday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. For information on how to tune in, click here. 

The Vikings will be looking to rebound after a disappointing Week One defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Eagles took care of business in Week One, defeating the New England Patriots 25-20. 

Let's identify what the Vikings need to do to come out of Philly with a victory on Thursday night. 

Can the offensive line perform without one (possibly two) starters?

Starting center Garrett Bradbury has already been ruled out for this game, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw is questionable. Austin Schlottmann will be the starting center after filling in for Bradbury last week. Oli Udoh will likely start at tackle if Darrisaw can’t go. 

The Eagles are not the team you want to be playing with an injured line. Schlottmann will have his hands full and Ed Ingram could continue to struggle. If the Vikes somehow manage to control the line of scrimmage, this could be an entirely different game than many think. 

I also will be curious to see how Ingram handles a tough opponent. You've got to think a move could be made during the long week if Ingram struggles again.

Can Danielle Hunter get some pass-rushing help?

The veteran Hunter was the only Viking to collect a sack in Week One. This simply cannot be the case again if the Vikes have any hopes of an upset. 

Marcus Davenport missed the opener and could miss this game as well. If Davenport misses again, DJ Wonnum has to step up and provide something. Other than Hunter, the Vikings got zero pressure against Baker Mayfield. The Eagles have a better line than the Bucs, so the team will have to figure out creative ways to generate pressure. 

I would feel much better if Davenport were playing, but we just don't know yet. 

Will Alexander Mattison have a bounce-back performance?

The Vikings have to be better on the ground. A successful running game sets up a successful play-action game and takes pressure off the QB and receivers. Right now, there’s no reason why anyone would fear the Minnesota ground game. 

Mattison collected just 34 yards on 11 carries in Week One. His numbers even look a little better than they should due to his receiving touchdown. As a whole, Minnesota essentially didn't have a run game against Tampa Bay. If that happens again on Thursday, this offense could struggle to move the ball at all.

How to watch and stream Vikings-Eagles on Thursday

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Featured image via © Jeffrey Becker | 2023 Sep 10