WEEK 13: Noon VS. CAROLINA • ch. 9 (100.3-FM, 1130-AM)

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VIKINGS

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Panthers

One man's prediction: One of this week's "it's a crazy league" moments involves the Vikings, who at 4-7 have a better record than the 3-7-1 Panthers. Yet the Vikings are all but eliminated from playoff contention and the Panthers are a half-game out of first place in their division. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says he isn't looking ahead to 2015. He is desperate for a win this week, and I think his players will get it for him.

Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Mike Harris (79) and center Joe Berger (61) play during the third quarter of their game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. (Carlos Gonzalez/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT) ORG XMIT: 1158870

Three keys

Frigid first quarters?

In last weekend's 24-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings could not overcome another slow start, with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater missing open receivers and the running game stumbling. They have scored only 37 first-quarter points this season. Bridgewater has shown a knack for settling down in the second half, and he has three comeback wins to prove it. But the Vikings need that Teddy in the first half, too.

BANYARD BONANZA?

Rookie running back Jerick McKinnon won't play today because of a back injury, leading to an even more uncertain situation at running back. Matt Asiata is back from his concussion. Ben Tate has more of the playbook down. And Joe Banyard did enough with limited touches a week ago to warrant a larger workload. We could see all three today, but it would be wise for the Vikings to take a longer look at Banyard to see what they have.

Slowing Superman

Zimmer's defense will be in for a different kind of challenge on Sunday in Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, one of the rare dual threats who is capable of throwing for 300 yards or running for 100 against you. The Vikings have only played a couple of mobile quarterbacks this season. They kept Robert Griffin III under wraps in his return from injury, but Aaron Rodgers hurt them with his legs in key spots last week.

Player to watch

MIKE

HARRIS, VIKINGS

Little-known Mike Harris is expected to make his first start of the season at offensive tackle — and no, it's not for struggling left tackle Matt Kalil. Harris will fill in for Phil Loadholt after the massive right tackle was lost for the season last weekend with a torn pectoral muscle. Harris, who has starting experience from his two years with the Chargers, draws a tough assignment today in Panthers pass rusher Charles Johnson.