Minnesota Vikings open season Sunday at New York Giants: games to watch

MINNEAPOLIS — The new-look Minnesota Vikings make their long-awaited debut on Sunday against the New York Giants.

On the offensive side, all eyes will be on the new starting quarterback Sam DarnoldSurrounded by an arsenal of talented players, can the former first-round pick revive his career in Minnesota?

The defensive side meanwhile has a litany of new names at every level. How will the defensive coordinator Brian Flores deploy all his new weapons?

Below are some of the key games to keep an eye on when the Vikings’ season begins.

Dallas Turner vs. Andrew Thomas

While Flores will likely move the Vikings first round pass rusher round, he’ll likely go up against stud Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas on a handful of plays. Turner made some splashy plays in the preseason, but facing one of the NFL’s elite blindside protectors will be a real test. If Turner can give Thomas a handful, it’ll be an encouraging sign for the Vikings defense.

Malik Nabers vs. Vikings defense

The Vikings’ rebuilt secondary gets a look at one of its most exciting offensive rookies in Week 1. Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick, had 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final season at LSU. His speed and physicality will be a challenge for whoever he faces — free agent additions Shaq Griffin And Stephon Gilmore will likely be the outside corners for the Vikings, with Byron Murphy Jr. occupying the slot. Even outside of Nabers, the Giants have plenty of speed in the receiver room, though not much refinement. Minnesota’s older secondary will have its hands full, and Nabers is the biggest threat.

Interior Offensive Line vs. Dexter Lawrence

The Giants’ game-wrecking defensive tackle is a nightmare for the Vikings’ weak interior offensive line. Center Garrett Bradbury and guards Blake Brandel and Ed Ingram will need all the help they can get to stop Lawrence — not to mention the Giants’ other rushers like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Lawrence was second-team All-Pro last year with 4.5 sacks, 25 pressures and seven tackles for loss. Brandel is a new starter on the line, and neither Bradbury nor Ingram has a solid lock at their starting positions. If the interior struggles against Lawrence and the Giants, could the Vikings’ coaching staff look to reshuffle the line?

Darnold vs. the Giants pass rush

The Giants’ aforementioned formidable pass rush could give Darnold a long day in his first game as a Viking. He’s historically struggled under pressure, and New York will provide plenty of that. If the Vikings’ offensive line holds up, he’ll have no shortage of elite receiving options — Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addisonof course, and Aaron Joneswho should help the offense as both a pass catcher and pass protector. But what if the line folds? It will be up to Darnold to create with his legs and head coach Kevin O’Connell to find creative options to avoid pressure. This will be a good litmus test to see if Darnold has developed as a passer at all since he last saw extended action.

Will Reichard vs. the kicker curse

Could be the rookie kicker from Alabama The chosen one for the Vikings? History shows that “Vikings kicker” is one of the most stressful jobs in the world, but Reichard was perfect in the preseason. He even hit a game-winner against the Las Vegas Raiders and a 57-yarder against the Philadelphia Eagles. The last kicker the Vikings drafted was Daniel Carlson, who was cut after a disastrous performance against the Green Bay Packers and later became an All-Pro with the Raiders. Let’s hope Reichard has a more lasting legacy with the Vikings.