gameday predictions
PLAYER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad vs. Bears CB Charles Tillman
Former Bears teammates meet for the first time since Muhammad said Chicago "is where receivers go to die." Of course, a Bears defender might actually agree with that assessment. Both teams are early surprises. Muhammad caught six passes for 56 yards in last week's victory at San Diego. Tillman forced a fumble that was returned for a TD in the victory at Indianapolis. (MC)
COACHING MATCHUP
OF THE WEEK
Colts off. coordinator Tom Moore vs. Vikings def. coordinator Leslie Frazier.
One of the reasons Peyton Manning is so sharp is he's had one offensive coordinator -- Tom Moore -- in 11 seasons. Frazier comes from the Tony Dungy coaching tree and knows the inner secrets of the Colts offense after spending two years (2005-06) as Indy's defensive backs coach. (MC)
HERO OF THE WEEK
Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots
Moss seems more determined than anyone to keep the Patriots on top of the AFC East without Tom Brady. If the Jets put second-year CB Darrelle Revis on Moss one-on-one, look for Moss to have a big day. (MC)
FANTASY PICKS
Speed round! We're not buying the "somebody's gotta catch it" theory -- bench your Seahawks. Smells like a shootout Sunday at the Metrodome -- green light Sidney Rice and Antonio Gonzalez. Start your Browns, Steelers and we'll give the Cardinals a second chance, too. And why were you excited about Fred Taylor again? Benched. (CC)
![Vikings guard Dalton Risner, right, runs through drills with Doug Nester (72) during practice at TCO Performance Center in Eagan on Friday.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RYZVIHV57NFAXCWPKOIV2PAWY4.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a master of meditation
With Hockenson out, Vikings keeping close eye on his backups
![Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) takes to the field for practice at the TCO Performance Center on Wednesday.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/F4KO5IQGLJCGXHC2FJSG7JV5PY.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
With contract settled, Vikings' Darrisaw sets new benchmarks
![Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) intercepts a pass intended for Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stad](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/MWZ4T44UKUKRN7BJVGQUWGNYLY.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings lose cornerback Blackmon to knee injury in first practice
![About two weeks after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, Jordan Addison said Wednesday's training camp practice was “probably t](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ROOVCVRX2RHERPWWZ7T77OYCR4.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)