Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings: Preview and Where to Watch

Sep 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith (22) and linebacker Chad Greenway (52) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

The surprising Minnesota Vikings go for their third win in a row Sunday against the struggling Tennessee Titans at Metrodome. The Vikings have ridden an improving defense, a rugged running game and a conservative-but-effective passing attack to a 3-1 start. Tennessee meanwhile has limped to a 1-3 start, thanks to a porous defense and an inconsistent offense.

Tennessee lost starting QB Jake Locker to an injury last week, and will have to go with veteran signal-caller Matt Hasselbeck. The Vikings should figure to get a heavy dose of Chris Johnson who got his season on-track last week against Houston. Defensively, the Titans have been very poor, surrendering a league-worst 37.8 points per game.

The Vikings are riding high now coming off consecutive victories. Their defense has risen to 8th in the league statistically after holding the normally potent Lions to just 341 total yards. Harrison Smith has emerged as a defensive star after his big game against Detroit. Chad Greenway and Antoine Winfield are also having excellent seasons. The defense will get another little boost with the return of Erin Henderson, who missed the last two games with a concussion. Improving Jasper Brinkley is expected to play in nickel instead of Henderson.

Offensively, the Vikings will try to get Percy Harvin more involved after the Lions were able to shut him down. Jerome Simpson showed his downfield skills against Detroit and figures to see more action as the weeks progress. Adrian Peterson appears to be back to full strength after posting his first 100-yard game of the season against Detroit. The Vikings’ special teams have been stellar this year as well, thanks to kick returner Harvin, punt returner Marcus Sherels and rookie kicker Blair Walsh.

Kick-off is 3:25 PM CT

The game will be televised in the Twin Cities on CBS WCCO-4 and on DirecTV channel 712.

The game will be broadcast on radio on KFAN 100.3 and across the Vikings radio network. Full list.

The game will be available on Sirius radio channel 138.

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