The New England Patriots are looking to get their first win after an upset loss to the Miami Dolphins, and the Minnesota Vikings will adjust to life without running back Adrian Peterson.
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Dolphins upset Patriots 33-20
Vikings beat Rams 34-6
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a 34-6 stomping of the St. Louis Rams, but they will have to face an angry New England Patriots team without star running back Adrian Peterson since he was deactivated for being indicted on child abuse charges.
The Vikings are expected to start Matt Asiata at running back, but he should be able to take advantage of a weak Patriots defensive line, which allowed Knowshon Moreno to run over them in their 33-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel had a solid opener with two touchdowns, and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson showed off his explosive playmaking ability with a 67-yard touchdown run, totaling 102 rushing yards on three carries.
Wide receiver Greg Jennings showed that he is ready to be a key weapon by catching six passes for 58 yards with a touchdown pass.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is looking to prove he is not on the decline after struggling in the second half with 0-for-12 passing.
Julian Edelman continued to be a reliable target as he finished with six receptions and 95 yards. Tight end Rob Gronkowski played and finished with four receptions, 40 yards and a touchdown despite not being 100 percent healthy.
The Vikings had an easy time defending the Rams’ backup quarterbacks, but Brady will be a much bigger challenge, especially when he plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Prediction: Patriots 31, Vikings 17
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