Vikings Bring an 8-2 Record and Several Key Names to Foxborough for Thanksgiving Showdown

Fresh off a dramatic win over the rival New York Jets on Sunday, the Patriots are about to open a run of back-to-back Thursday night games. The first comes on Thanksgiving against the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota is 8-2, yet how strong the team really is remains an open question. Every one of its wins but one has come by eight points or fewer, and last week the Vikings were beaten 40-3 by the Cowboys. Even so, they are a talented group that has shown a knack for winning tight games, and their record is the best of any opponent New England has faced this season.

One of the biggest storylines is along the offensive line. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is expected to miss a second straight game after sitting out Tuesday's practice with a concussion. Darrisaw has had a breakout year and ranks among the highest-graded linemen in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Without him, Minnesota must handle a Patriots pass rush led by linebacker Matthew Judon, the NFL's sack leader. Backup Blake Brandel surrendered two sacks last week after Darrisaw left the game.

In the backfield, running back Dalvin Cook sits in the league's top 10 in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowler can break off long gains, as he did with an 81-yard touchdown against the Bills, and he is averaging 5.1 yards per carry thanks to his ability to shake off tacklers and make defenders miss.

Linebacker Jordan Hicks leads the Vikings in tackles. His production has swung widely, with two games of 14 tackles and two others of just three. Minnesota is 2-2 in games where he has recorded six tackles or fewer.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson will test the Patriots secondary. His leaping, one-handed grab in the final two minutes of Minnesota's comeback win over Buffalo ranks among the more memorable catches in recent years. Beyond that highlight, he has already passed 1,000 receiving yards and is on pace for 1,858 by season's end. He is tied for the league lead in catches of more than 40 yards and is second in catches of more than 20 yards.

Safety Harrison Smith offers a notable side plot. The two active players with the most career interceptions will be on opposite sidelines: New England's Devin McCourty and Smith are tied at 33. McCourty nearly added to his total last week when Jets quarterback Zach Wilson threw a pass directly to him, but he dropped it. Which of the two picks off a pass first could be an entertaining thing to watch on Thursday night.