The Vikings (2-0) will visit Carolina (1-1) to face the defending NFC Champions at noon (CT) on Sunday.
Minnesota will try to build on quarterback Sam Bradford’s strong debut with the Vikings and manage the dual threat posed by fellow former No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton, who won the 2015 NFL MVP.
3 — players since 2012 who have at least 12 interceptions and 5.0-plus sacks; two — Vikings Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith and Panthers Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly — could be prominent in this game; the third is Dolphins Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones
6 — opponents in a row (including the postseason) who have been limited to 17 or fewer points by the Vikings defense; the Panthers scored 27 or more points in every regular-season game of 2015 except their lone loss, a 20-13 decision in Atlanta; Denver won Super Bowl 50 with a 24-10 score after Carolina averaged 40 points in its first two playoff games last season
7.