One man's prediction: I already had decided to pick the Patriots before the disturbing news involving running back Adrian Peterson broke. Tom Brady and the Patriots are coming to TCF for the home opener, which was already a tough enough test for Mike Zimmer's defense. But now the Vikings must beat the visitors without Minnesota's best player. If I'm wrong, and the Vikings win, count on their bandwagon becoming very crowded. Patriots 24, Vikings 19
Three keys
PETERSON SAGA CASTS A SHADOW
Peterson was deactivated by the Vikings on Friday after an arrest warrant was issued for him following his indictment for reckless or negligent injury to a child in Texas. Of course, football should be secondary at this point when it comes to Peterson. But this is a game-day preview, so I must mention that Matt Asiata likely will replace him in the lineup for a potentially distracted Vikings team.
What will Patterson do next?
Cordarrelle Patterson, a human highlight film, has scored in six consecutive games dating to 2013. The Rams kept him in check as a receiver, but he broke the game open with a 67-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Patriots know that whenever Patterson gets the ball — whether it's as a receiver, runner or returner — they will have to rally to the ball and then hang on for dear life.
PATS TOUGH TO BEAT AFTER LOSSES
The Patriots are coming off a frustrating season-opening loss to the Dolphins. Recent history says that's bad news for the Vikings. Head coach Bill Belichick and Co. have lost back-to-back games only four times in the past 11 seasons. Of all the stats that show how good these Patriots have been, that one might top the list. The good news is Zimmer isn't the type to be blinded by the Patriots' mystique.
