NEXT OPPONENT: CAROLINA (3-7-1)
A playoff team last season, the Panthers have struggled, losing their past five games. Still, they're only 1½ games behind in the NFC South.
OPPONENT WEEK 11
Falcons 19, Panthers 17
Carolina had a bye on Sunday, and a week ago dropped a home game to Atlanta in the NFL's worst division. Cam Newton had two interceptions, but threw two fourth quarter touchdown passes.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Cam Newton, quarterback
Newton had ankle surgery during the offseason, and it has clearly affected his once dynamic rushing ability. He also has 10 interceptions (go to with 12 touchdown passes) in an offense that has lost a lot of panache.
OUTLOOK
The Vikings should be able to handle the Carolina offense. Will the Vikes offense improve? Outlook: Horns up.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Twins
Twins pitcher Paddack punishes himself for poor performance
Chris Paddack walked into the Target Field bullpen two weeks ago and laid 10 one-dollar bills on the pitcher's mound. The time had come to bet on himself, he decided.
Sports
Wisconsin tries to regain supremacy in the trenches under its 4th O-line coach in as many years
Wisconsin's offensive linemen understand what's expected at a program that prides itself on controlling the trenches.
Sports
Soccer jersey dispute between Algeria and Morocco clubs over Western Sahara goes to sports court
A soccer politics dispute between Algeria and Morocco over a map of disputed Western Sahara territory on a team jersey will go to a full appeal hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Vikings
Got a Vikings question? Send it to us.
Submit your big questions about the Vikings, and check back for the answers from our Star Tribune experts in a future mailbag.
Randball
10-game winning streak for Twins, but big questions loom
Host Michael Rand gave kudos to the Twins for turning a 7-13 start into a 17-13 record. But questions about opponent quality, Byron Buxton's health and the team's TV situation are lurking.