Vikings vs Bengals preseason week 1: 5 things to watch for

January 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28) is tackled by Team Irvin lineman Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals (97) during the first quarter of the 2016 Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28) is tackled by Team Irvin lineman Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals (97) during the first quarter of the 2016 Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (11) catches a pass at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (11) catches a pass at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Watch for Laquon Treadwell

The number one thing most fans will be tuning in to watch on Friday will be rookie wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.

More from The Viking Age

As the Minnesota Vikings first round draft selection this year, expectations are already sky-high for the young pass catcher, but watching him work against the Bengals defense should be a lot of fun.

While some folks will be watching to see if he can catch passes or score touchdowns, the real thing to keep an eye on for Treadwell is how well he does the little things. Blocking during the run plays, how tightly he runs his routes, and how the chemistry is between him and Teddy Bridgewater will be the number one thing to watch.

The Minnesota Vikings offense is built around the run game and Adrian Peterson, but Treadwell could be the key to finally unleashing the passing offense and making the team more balanced. And it all starts on Friday.

Next: Vikings game-by-game 2016 season preview

Don’t miss the Minnesota Vikings when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, August 12, 2016. With so many things at stake for these young players, positions up for grabs, and camp storylines developing, there is no reason not to watch. Then again, this is the first televised Vikings game of the year, and even though it is preseason, it should be must-watch for fans.