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3 Key Vikings on Offense vs. Packers

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The Minnesota Vikings start the 2026 season with a home game against their division rival Green Bay Packers. A mix of familiar and new faces will take the field in purple on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

3 Key Vikings on Offense vs. Packers

I am picking three Vikings on offense who I think can play a particularly key role in the Vikings winning this game. Of course, anyone on the roster could have a big day and be the difference (while you would expect Justin Jefferson always to be key). However, these are three guys on offense who I think will be important to how this game plays out.

Kyler Murray

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Minnesota’s 2025 season was completely derailed by substandard quarterback play from multiple QBs. The Vikings’ answer for that problem was to sign Kyler Murray in free agency. He’s a QB who should bring accurate passing as well as the athleticism to go off structure and make plays with both his arms and legs. Murray will be the center of attention on Sunday as onlookers will look to make a snap judgment as to whether he is the man who can make this Vikings team a contender – or at least playoff hopefuls. 

He can lead his team to a win if he can throw for 300+ yards, multiple passing touchdowns, and showcase some of that athleticism he is known for. If so, the excitement will start early. Conversely, if he has a quiet or bad game the knives will be out for a player who often draws criticism for not trying hard enough. Murray’s career has faltered after a bright start and he represents a cheap gamble, costing Minnesota just $1.3 million for the season. Both parties need it to work and a good start will be vital. 

Blake Brandel

Blake Brandel
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

I’m not convinced that converting Blake Brandel to the full-time starting center was a wise idea. We get the first look at what that will look like in Week 1 where Brandel draws a favorable matchup to start the season. Without the injured Micah Parsons, Green Bay’s defensive line is not one of the league’s more formidable. Rookie nose tackle Chris McClellan will often line up opposite Brandel and he is a good size at 323 pounds, but Brandel needs to use his experience to get the better of him.

Devonte Wyatt will also be looking to disrupt things down the middle. A healthy Wyatt is a good interior pass rusher but his 2025 season was hindered by knee and ankle injuries. The Vikings need Brandel to pass this test as there will be sterner tests to come. If he can’t hold his own here there will be problems in Minnesota with no alternative on the roster worth pinning your hopes on. 

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Jordan Mason

NFL: Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

It’s become a yearly discussion since Kevin O’Connell became the head coach in Minnesota, but his offense needs to establish a more dominant run game. There have been times when the rushing attack has been good, at other times it has been bad, but all too often it has been overlooked/abandoned. Dominating on the ground can set the tone for an offense and the man to do that for Minnesota is Jordan Mason. This year there should at a minimum be an equal share of carries between Mason and Aaron Jones with Jones entering the twilight of his career.

For me, Mason, who led the team with six touchdowns and averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season should lead the ground attack. His limitations as a pass catcher mean there is still plenty of room for Jones in the offense. However, in Week 1, I want to see the Vikings make a statement with their run game and a lot of that should fall on the shoulders of Mason.


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Shakur Stevenson finally responds to reports of fighting ‘legend’ Manny Pacquiao next

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Shakur Stevenson has been asked directly about reports suggesting he is close to finalising a deal to face boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao.

Stevenson was last in action back in January, moving up to super-lightweight and putting on a boxing clinic against Teofimo Lopez to become WBO super-lightweight world champion.

Since then, the Newark southpaw has signed a high-profile promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, becoming one of the biggest stars on its roster, and has been linked with the likes of Devin Haney, Raymond Muratalla and Gary Antuanne Russell.

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Recently, rumours and reports emerged that the 29-year-old four-division world champion was instead close to finalising a deal to face Pacquiao, who returned to the sport professionally last year when he fought to a draw with then WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Though the Filipino failed to break his own record as the oldest 147lbs champion in history that night, he has made it clear he will fight on.

Speaking to ES News, Stevenson pleaded ignorance but did not rule the fight out.

“Much respect to the legend, Manny Pacquiao.

“I don’t know. We’ll see. Whatever happens, happens. I have no clue. But much respect to him. If it does happen, I would love to get in the ring and learn from a legend like Manny Pacquiao. That’s all.”

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Pacquiao’s team say they will look to get him out once more in 2026 before attention turns back to the Floyd Mayweather rematch, previously booked for earlier this year but pushed back without a new date due to legal issues on the American’s side.

A fight with Stevenson in the interim will come as a shock to the fans who assumed ‘PacMan’ would be taking a light exhibition ahead of the money-spinning Mayweather 2 fight.

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Big Ten announces final decision on new protocol

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Last Saturday’s matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and the Western Michigan Broncos ended as one of the most controversial games in college football history. The Wolverines appeared to lose as the clock struck zero after a Hail Mary pass attempt by Michigan’s Bryce Underwood flew to the back of the end zone, but after review, officials determined a second remained on the clock when the ball touched out of bounds, giving Michigan a second chance.

Underwood and the Wolverines took advantage of the opportunity as the star quarterback managed to get the ball to wide receiver J.J Buchanan in a second Hail Mary effort, which resulted in a touchdown. 13-12 was the final score, and Michigan prevailed over Western Michigan in an epic season-opening finish.

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However, the victory ignited outrage across conferences, causing the Big Ten to release a statement and the official internal video used for review during the game to defend its decision. On Tuesday, the MAC filed an official appeal on behalf of Western Michigan, arguing replay protocols weren’t followed correctly.

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“The MAC has issued a statement saying ‘it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed’ during the Michigan game,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported on Tuesday. “The league has submitted formal appeals to the NCAA FBS oversight committee and the CFP, asking they recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner.”

However, the NCAA deemed Michigan the rightful winner of Saturday’s game, confirmed by On3.

“The NCAA announced its rules do not have a protocol for overturning the outcome of a game. The FBS Oversight Committee also does not have the authority to overturn the outcome of a game,” On3 reported.

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In response to Saturday’s controversy, the Big Ten established a standardized timekeeping protocol earlier today that will be implemented to ensure consistency in the administration of all college football games for the remainder of the season.

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Golden Knights sign Braeden Bowman to six-year contract extension

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Forward Braden Bowman has signed a six-year, $20.4 million contract extension, the Golden Knights announced Thursday.

With still one year remaining on his two-year, entry-level deal, Bowman’s new contract will take effect next season.

Bowman, 23, made his NHL debut with the Golden Knights last season, recording 26 points (eight goals and 18 assists) in 54 games. He was a healthy scratch during the playoffs but did appear in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final as the Golden Knights lost to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Kitchener, Ont., native has also appeared in 88 career AHL games, all with the Golden Knights’ affiliate, and has posted 62 points (26 goals and 36 assists).

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