Buccaneers At Vikings: Game Time, Preview, Point Spread, Where To Watch

Oct 21, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) celebrates the win over the Arizona Cardinals late in the fourth quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

Where: Mall of America Field

When: Thursday, October 25th at 7:20 PM CT

Preview

The Vikings put their undefeated home record on the line against Tampa Bay. QB Christian Ponder seeks to turn his fortunes around after a poor performance in last week’s win over Arizona. The key for Ponder will be avoiding turnovers. Running back Adrian Peterson is coming off his best game of the year, but has been running on a gimpy ankle. Can the Vikings get the ball to their best playmaker Percy Harvin even with Tampa’s defense likely focusing on shutting him down? The Vikings’ defense got its groove back against Arizona after being torn up by Robert Griffin III. They will be tested by Tampa’s receivers, including big play threat Vincent Jackson, and a rushing attack led by the emerging Doug Martin.

Tampa’s hopes rest on the talented shoulders of QB Josh Freeman. But can their weak offensive line keep the Vikings’ pass rush off the young QB? Tampa’s pass defense has been wretched all season but the Vikings themselves have struggled to generate much heat in the passing game. Tampa’s third-ranked rush defense will be tested by Adrian Peterson.

Injury Report:

Vikings – OUT: Mistral Raymond (ankle), John Carlson (head) PROBABLE: Jared Allen (groin), Matt Asiata (knee), Robert Blanton (hamstring), Jasper Brinkley (non-injury), Fred Evans (knee), Matt Kalil (back), Marvin Mitchell (calf), Adrian Peterson (ankle), Christian Ponder (knee), Jerome Simpson (back), Harrison Smith (calf), Antoine Winfield (knee)

Buccaneers – QUESTIONABLE: Brandon McDonald (ankle) PROBABLE: Adam Hayward (ankle), Vincent Jackson (calf), Carl Nicks (foot), Jeremy Zuttah (quad)

Point Spread:  VIKINGS minus 6 1/2

Where to Watch/Listen:

Broadcast TV: NFL Network

Terrestrial Radio: KFAN 100.3 and Network

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Radio Network

Satellite Radio: Sirius 93

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