We are just a few short days away from Minnesota Vikings football being back on our televisions. Minnesota has divisional rival Green Bay on the docket in week one at U.S. Bank Stadium, with kickoff at 4:25 pm EST. As we look forward to this NFC North tilt, here are three key matchups to focus on during week one.
Matchup #1: Dallas Turner vs. Jordan Morgan / Zach Bako-Bewele
One of the biggest matchups this week is going to be between Dallas Turner and the Packers pair of tackles, Jordan Morgan and Zach Bako-Bewele. Turner is now the top pass rusher on this defense, lines up on both sides of the line, and will likely face added support from the guards. Turner has to create pressure early and often on Jordan Love to make life uncomfortable in the pocket.
Matchup #2: Javon Hargrave vs. Donovan Jackson
Revenge games always bring out the most in a player,
and that is what is happening here with Javon Hargrave. Hargrave was cut by the Vikings this offseason in an effort to get under the salary cap and left for a division rival. In his return to face his former team, expect there to be a little more juice in his game, and Donovan Jackson is going to need to be up to the task to protect Kyler Murray.
Matchup #3: Vikings safeties vs. Tucker Kraft
It will likely need to be a collective effort going against the returning Tucker Kraft, but with Harrison Smith already listed as a starter for the Vikings, he should see some rotation with Jay Ward or if one of the rookies can play. Kraft is coming off a torn ACL, but was playing at an extremely high level before the injury. Love is going to want to get him involved early, and it will fall on the safeties to support the middle of the field to not let Kraft get free.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 3 Matchups to watch between the Vikings and Packers in Week 1
