Entering week 4, the Vikings feel much better about their football team than they did this time last week. Carson Wentz now has a full start under his purple and gold belt, and Minnesota’s injury problems aren’t nearly as devastating as they were in weeks 1-3.

Questions surround Vikings and Steelers entering week 4 international matchup

Nonetheless, there are a lot of questions that still surround this team. And let’s be real, their health issues are far from swept under the rug. Yes, the offensive line now has Christian Darrisaw and Ryan Kelly back. But it will not have starting left guard, Donovan Jackson.

Defensively, the Vikings looked much better in week 3, with Harrison Smith and Andrew Van Ginkel back on the field, but the ladder is questionable again, after not practicing Wednesday due to a neck injury.

The Minnesota Vikings now go as Carson Wentz goes. And while the 32-year-old veteran did make the offense look competent against the Bengals, he was far from spectacular, completing 70% of his passes, while taking three sacks and throwing for only 173 yards.

Wentz’ QB Rating was 129.8 but his QBR was much less impressive, at 34.8 (out of 100). Of course, getting Jordan Addison back from suspension should help, as will the return of Kelly, who played center for Wentz when he started for the 2021 Colts.

ESPN expects Minnesota Vikings to Destroy Pittsburgh Steelers

And if MN Vikings fans need even more feel good juice heading into Thursday evening, they should watch back some of ESPN’s Get Up from earlier in the day. Because the Vikings’ problems were the least of anybody’s concerns on that show, this morning.

The only team the Get Up cast — which includes former NFL players like Dan Orlovsky, Andrew Hawkins and Will Compton — was worried about in Dublin was the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, ever panelist on the show is bracing for a Vikings blowout of the Steelers Sunday across the pond.

The entire @GetUpESPN crew is bracing for a blowout in Dublin Sunday morning between the Vikings and Steelers… 👀👀

Orlovsky: "There are a couple of games I could see getting out of hand this weekend. This is one of them." pic.twitter.com/pLuZJuwkcS

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) September 25, 2025

Orlovsky: “[The Steelers] are not going to be able to run the ball against this defense, OK? This offensive run game is not good. If they don’t have success in [the short pass game], this is going to be an ugly morning Sunday morning in Dublin.”

Compton: “It’s not a question of, you know, if [the Steelers] defense will wake up. Like, they have to wake up, like that is where all the money was spent…What are they going to do offensively? They’re like, what, 31st in the league running the football. DK Metcalf came over there and he doesn’t seem to get any separation unless he can just accelerate downfield…I just don’t see what they’re gonna do offensively against the Vikings.”

Campbell: “They’re not great at running the football and down the field it’s like when Aaron Rodgers is in the pocket, he is affected by pressure for whatever reason and it’s just not typical of what we see from him. You’re going against a Brian Flores defense with those exotic pressures, it could get ugly.”

Greenie: “[The Steelers] look old and they look slow, and I’m not talking about their 41 year old quarterback.”

ESPN Get Up – Thursday, September 25

The Get Up crew is worried about the Pittsburgh Steelers on both sides of the ball against the Minnesota Vikings. By the sounds of it, they believe it could be up to Aaron Rodgers to carry the Steelers to victory, if they cannot get better in the run game and on defense.

MN Vikings a bad matchup for Steelers?

If that is indeed how the morning (CDT) plays out, the “home team” in Dublin will be in trouble. That’s especially the case if Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) — who picked Aaron Rodgers off for a touchdown last year in London — is able to play.

"Saw one guy, stiff armed him, took it to the house"

We got Andrew Van Ginkel to break down his incredible @Vikings pick six of Aaron Rodgers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2024 👏 pic.twitter.com/Ao27i99zvB

— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) April 4, 2025

The only way Pittsburgh will be able to move the ball offensively is if they can move the ball on the ground. So far, that has not been something they’ve been very good at. As Orlovsky points out, the Steelers have been out-rushed by 230 yards through three games this season.

Pittsburgh’s offense also ranks 31st in yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings rank 9th in YPC (4.8) and they are coming off a game in which Jordan Mason ran for 116 yards on just 16 carries. Oh, and the Pittsburgh defense ranks 24th this season in rushing yards allowed per game (184.0).

Of course, this is the NFL and “any given Sunday” is their motto, for a reason. But on paper, this matchup does not look good for the Steelers.

Now, and the Twins have a very well-produced streaming product on Twins TV. It was available for $99 at the beginning of the season, and the price has dropped since (as has the quality of the product).

Major League Baseball continues to try and figure out a path forward. That includes expansion, realignment, and ultimately production. New discussions between the league and ESPN could shake up Minnesota even further.

ESPN coming for MLB, Minnesota Twins

Major League Baseball and ESPN have been working through a muddy separation for a while now. The sides have also been trying to create a new path forward. The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand provided an update on Thursday.

Major League Baseball and ESPN have a framework agreement that would give the network the exclusive rights to sell all out-of-market regular-season games digitally and in-market games for five clubs over the next three years, sources briefed on the discussions told The Athletic.

ESPN would continue to broadcast around 30 regular-season games, but not “Sunday Night Baseball.” ESPN would move to a different night during the week. The games on the network would remain exclusive, meaning viewers would only be able to watch these matchups through ESPN. The agreement would begin next season.

Under the framework of an agreement between MLB and ESPN, ESPN would have MLB.TV as part of its direct-to-consumer offering. It is not fully clear yet if out-of-market subscribers who pay for the package through cable or other linear subscription would still be able to receive MLB.TV that way.

For digital consumers, fans are likely to need an ESPN direct-to-consumer subscription to go along with MLB.TV. The overall new pricing for MLB.TV is not yet decided, but is expected to be similar or slightly cheaper than the current $29.99 per month rate.

If the deal is signed, ESPN will have the full rights to in- and out-of-market games for five teams. The Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies are the clubs under MLB control. Fans would likely need to subscribe to ESPN either directly or through an operator, and then, for an added price, they would be able to receive their local teams’ games.

The Athletic

Alright, deep breath, that’s a lot. It appears that this shift would put an end to the idea of TwinsTV. Instead, you will presumably need the ESPN direct-to-consumer product ($29.99/month) as well as a subscription to MLB.TV. With the partnership having a baseball focus, there will be pricing structure changes to MLB.TV as well.

What this does sound like is that fans will be asked to pay MORE than they currently are. TwinsTV is offered at $19.99/month, and initially cost $99.99 for the season (with bundle options as well). This suggests fans will need to pay something of that freight, as well as the $29.99/month for the ESPN service.

Assuming something like an all-in cost of $45/month, fans are looking at a price of $360 for eight months of Minnesota Twins baseball. That’s more than triple the cost of what TwinsTV has run fans in year one.

Baseball’s regional network model has been a failing business for years and it’s why the Twins decided to “right-size” their payroll, while struggling to figure out better options in 2024. ESPN isn’t getting involved to let anything fail, and fans probably aren’t going to have a choice.

Related: Pohlads Avoided Sale of MN Twins to Have New Investors Pay Off Debt

Ideally, the new partnership will represent an infusion of cash for the Twins. Unfortunately, the Pohlad family is already a revenue sharing recipient and they routinely pocket those checks without increasing payroll. That hasn’t stopped them from offloading debt into the franchise, and they recently announced they couldn’t even complete a sale correctly.

Baseball continues to evolve, and Rob Manfred will need to hope he’s getting this right as his time comes to an end. His term ends January 25, 2029, at which point it is expected he will retire.

We’ll get those answers soon enough. Whoever does play QB, thought, they should have quite the arsenal of offensive weapons. The Vikings are the only team in the league with a Justin Jefferson.

These 2023 Justin Jefferson catches are nothing short of spectacular 🔥@JJettas | @Vikings pic.twitter.com/GfYwCJ4QIG

— NFL (@NFL) June 3, 2024

That’s why drafting Jordan Addison in the first round last spring wasn’t even fair. Throw in a pair of pro bowlers, in (TE) T.J. Hockenson and (RB) Aaron Jones. Just like that, you have quite the little group of weapons, right?

ESPN thinks the Minnesota Vikings offense has THE weapons group

Longtime ESPN NFL expert Bill Barnwell thinks so. In fact, he ranked the Vikings’ top four offensive weapons (RB1, WR1, WR2 and TE1) as top five in all of football. Think that’s impressive? Barnwell actually thinks they SHOULD be higher.

He concludes the Minnesota Vikings section by noting that Justin Jefferson and the crew should rank first on his list. At least, that’s where he would have them if he knew TJ Hockenson would be available week one and 29-year-old running back Aaron Jones — who played just 11 games for the Packers last season due to injuries — will be available to KOC for all 17 weeks in 2024.

“Aaron Jones has been efficient behind an ever-evolving offensive line in Green Bay for years, but he turns 30 in December and missed six games last season. T.J. Hockenson, meanwhile, tore his ACL and MCL and wasn’t able to have surgery to address the issue until late January. They are high-upside players when they’re on the field, but Hockenson will likely start the season on PUP, and Jones has one complete season in his past four tries. If the Vikings could get 17 games out of their top four playmakers, they would be No. 1 in these rankings. Starting with something close to a half-season from Hockenson limits their ceiling.”

Bill Barnwell – ESPN

It all comes down to quarterback…

This is exactly why Sam Darnold optimists remain bullish on the Minnesota Vikings chances in 2024-25. If the 26-year-old former 3rd overall pick has any high-end QB talent left in his body, he has a weapons arsenal and offensive-minded head coach that should help make his life as easy as possible.

Related: TJ Hockenson Projected to Struggle Without Kirk Cousins

And it’s still very possible that Kwesi adds another WR for him, before this offseason is over, too. Yet, sportsbooks and sites like PFF have the Vikings finishing dead last in the NFC North, by a wide margin. Training Camp is only two weeks away, so we will find out soon enough…

But the Vikings youth movement goes beyond the quarterback position. Danielle Hunter (29 y/o) is gone, so his Jordan Hicks (32) and KJ Osborn (27). Even reserve players like Dean Lowry (29) and Marcus Davenport (28) are out.

Minnesota Vikings lacking young talent big time…

So, the MN Vikings must be one of the younger rosters in the NFL, at this point, right? Well, maybe. But according to a new ESPN+ article that ranked the “under-25 talent” on every team, the purple rank 24th (of 32), much lower than they ranked in the same rankings one year ago.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Blue-chip players: WR Jordan Addison, QB J.J. McCarthy

The 22-year-old Addison had a great rookie year with 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. McCarthy, the franchise quarterback in waiting, will likely play during his rookie year. So will edge rusher Dallas Turner, also chosen in the first round.

The only other player who qualifies for this list and started more than one game for last year’s Vikings is linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. He was a surprise undrafted star with 2.5 sacks, one interception and 102 tackles.

Aaron Schatz – ESPN+

ESPN did not rank the Vikings 24th based on how many players they, or any other team, has on roster. Instead, they used a formula that inputs everything from a player’s upside, to the number of NFL games they’ve already logged, to length of each player’s contract… and everything in between. The calculations include (but are certainly not limited to):

• Number of starts
• Number of snaps
• Value and length of player contracts
• Draft value added in the 2024 draft
• Expected key starters and reserves
• Significant injuries or suspensions

The full list is more expansive, but the above inclusions give a good enough idea. Last year, the Vikings ranked 18th, so they fell six spots. Moving up on the list would have been difficult, no matter who they had drafted or signed in free agency.

Related: Andrew Van Ginkel Could Land on Vikings PUP List Before Season Starts

That’s because both Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw (plus Ed Ingram too) have turned 25-years-old, thus graduating out of Minnesota’s calculations. Jordan Addison and J.J. McCarthy were the only Vikings dubbed as “blue chip” players under the age of 25.

What does this ranking say about MN Vikings GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah?

Dallas Turner is a top defensive rookie of the year candidate. It’s a bit surprising he is not included with Addison and McCarthy. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the Vikings are over the hill. The only locked in starters, who are above the age of 30, are Harrison Smith and Aaron Jones.

What it does say, is that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has struggled in the NFL Draft, which is probably why he gave so much power to Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores during the draft. They wanted J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, so Kwesi did whatever it took to make sure they got one of their top choices.

Related: Video: Adam Thielen Continues to Work Out with Vikings Rookie JJ McCarthy

There have been some rumors floated lately over how hot Adofo-Mensah’s GM seat may be, being he only has two seasons left. This ranking by ESPN shows one reason why those rumors are starting to fly. Atop ESPN’s rankings of the NFL teams with the most 25-and-under talent were the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.

How the Timberwolves handle this offseason will be fascinating. This is an organization dealing with uncertainty at the ownership level, with a roster that’s up against the luxury tax.

They still have Anthony Edwards though, and that’s enough to be exciting in and of itself. Still one of the most talented rosters in the league, they can improve their positioning if Tim Connelly gets things right.

ESPN sees a return to power for the Minnesota Timberwolves

After being the third-to-last team standing this season, and despite looking relatively overmatched against the Dallas Mavericks, ESPN has the Minnesota Timberwolves ranked fourth in their “way too early” power rankings for next season, just behind the Mavs, Nuggets and Celtics; just ahead of OKC.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

2023-24 record: 56-26
Result: Eliminated in the West finals
2024 draft picks: No. 27 (own) and No. 37 (via MEM)

After a run to the Western Conference finals — first sweeping the Phoenix Suns, then taking out the defending-champion Nuggets in Game 7 — the Wolves were overwhelmed by the Mavericks. However, Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards showcased an improved partnership throughout the playoffs, backed by team president Tim Connelly, who reupped his contract for another year. What’s still unsettled is the battle for ownership between Glen Taylor and Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore and Michael Bloomberg.

Dave McMenamin – ESPN

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves take the next step?

Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves elevated themselves to the top spot in the Western Conference for a much of the year. They were able to reach those heights while missing Karl-Anthony Towns for a long stretch, and while needing to have other contributors step up.

ANTHONY EDWARDS OMG 😱🤯 pic.twitter.com/AJP27GCkxG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 19, 2024

Related: Report: Timberwolves Have Been Trying to Trade Karl-Anthony Towns for Years

It should be assumed that Rudy Gobert isn’t going anywhere, and Mike Conley is definitely set to return. How Connelly is able to construct a complete roster that continues to allow Finch an opportunity for impressive defense, while also adding a scorer or floor general, is a mystery.

There is no denying, though, that most expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to be among the best teams in basketball yet again next season. Where they take it from there is up to them.

In the NFL, your odds of making the playoffs crater when you don’t have an established quarterback. Sure, it’s possible the Vikings have two good quarterbacks on the roster, but we just haven’t seen it yet.

In other words, while Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell have assembled a roster that’s full of potential, that’s all the Vikings are at this point, a team that could be good, but they could also be bad, really bad.

ESPN projects Minnesota Vikings as a bottom-ten team

You can put ESPN in the ‘hater’ bucket when it comes to setting expectations for the Vikings in 2024.

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, which is an analytically-driven form of power rankings, the Vikings are currently the 25th-best team in the NFL, meaning only seven teams are projected to be worse. They also give Minnesota just a 14% chance of returning to the playoffs.

This model also projects the Vikings to have a 54.8% chance of landing a top-ten pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which further demonstrates why it was so important to retain their top pick in draft-day negotiations while trading up for McCarthy and Dallas Turner.

For the "Nobody Gave Us a Chance" file:

ESPN's Football Power Index has the Vikings as the NFL's No. 25 team.

14% chance to make the playoffs.

54.8% chance of a top-10 pick in the 2025 draft. https://t.co/Gtkl5gUekW

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) May 30, 2024

If the Vikings really do finish with a top-ten pick, this upcoming season could be viewed as a failure. Yet, if McCarthy can climb up the depth chart and show signs of being a franchise quarterback, it could set Minnesota up for a big bounce-back season in 2025, especially since they’ll have tons of cap space (over $60M before Jefferson + Darrisaw extension) and, as mentioned, their own first-round pick.

The truth is, the Vikings were always projected to be in for a rough season from the moment the Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to tampering free agency, so ESPN’s model shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. But that doesn’t mean the Vikings are automatically poised to suck this season either.

Expectations weren’t too high for the Houston Texans last year, and CJ Stroud still led a team with a preseason over/under win projection set at 6.5 to a Divisional Round playoff appearance. We’re not saying the same will happen in Minnesota, but crazier things have happened in the NFL.

Related: Christian Darrisaw Blown Away by How Good Dallas Turner is Already

That’s right, you thought the esteemed four-letter network had been ignoring the Wolves this entire time. When in fact, they were just waiting for one day, so they can get it all out of their way, and get back to the big market teams they actually care about. So, we might as well soak it in. Here’s today’s ‘Timberwolves: All-Access’ schedule on the ESPN family of networks.

Minnesota Timberwolves Day at ESPN (All-Access) Schedule:

It started early this morning on ‘AM’ SportsCenter and continues with First Take, where the star of the day, Stephen A. Smith is co-hosting the show from the Twin Cities. He already interviewed Karl-Anthony Towns, but the day is only getting started.

The days’ events include (but are not limited to) features on Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert along with the KAT interview, a Naz Reid sit down and a couple different features/interviews with Ant.

Karl-Anthony Towns wearing a Timberwolves Brazil shirt on First Take. 🔥

Incredible. pic.twitter.com/7HqeTqYUGr

— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) February 23, 2024

ESPN is doing hits from Minnesota and from inside Target Center throughout the day, and it is all leading up to the grand finale, a primetime (west coast) matchup vs the Milwaukee Bucks at 9 p.m. CT. Here is their schedule for the day.

It’s Minnesota Timberwolves Day on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN2 
• Time: 7 AM (CT) 

SportsCenter will air parts of a recent Timberwolves practice, which will feature Coach Finch and Wolves players mic’d up for an exclusive all-access look into the team. 

“Timberwolves: All-Access” on Get Up! with Stephen A. Smith 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 8:30 AM (CT)  

Live from Minneapolis, Stephen A. Smith will introduce Timberwolves Day or “Timberwolves: All-Access” on Get Up! (ESPN) This segment will air again on ESPN2 at 9 AM.

Related: Mike Conley Agrees to Contract Extension with Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns interview on First Take 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 9:35 AM (CT) 

Karl-Anthony Towns joins Stephen A. Smith on First Take 

Karl Anthony Towns says Anthony Edwards will be the FACE of the NBA on First Take pic.twitter.com/rVYCkYnyco

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) February 23, 2024

Naz Reid interview on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 11:20 AM (CT)

SportsCenter interviews the best bench big man in the league, Naz Reid.

Rudy Gobert takes you to film school on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 12 PM (CT) 

ESPN’s Richard Jefferson will chat with Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert to breakdown some of his defensive highlights and shed light on Minnesota’s No. 1 ranked defense. Rudy’s segment will air on SportsCenter (noon) first and then again on NBA Today at 2 PM (ESPN2) and 4 PM (ESPNEWS).

Related: Anthony Davis Says Timberwolves are the Best Team He’s Seen This Season

Anthony Edwards Interview with Malika Andrews on SportsCenter 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 12 PM (CT) 

ESPN’s Malika Andrews interviews Anthony Edwards for a chat about his blow up season and the Minnesota Timberwolves success in the first half. This segment will first air on SportsCenter at noon CT and then again on NBA Today at 2 PM (ESPN2) and 4 PM (ESPNEWS).

Ride to Work with Mike Conley Jr. on NBA Today 

• TV Channel: ESPN 2 
• Time: 2 PM (CT) 

NBA Today  rides along with point guard Mike Conley Jr. on his way to the arena for a “Ride to Work” segment. The segment will first air at 2 PM on ESPN 2, then again at 4 PM on ESPNEWS.

Anthony Edwards interviews with Stephen A. Smith on NBA Countdown Live

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: 6-6:30 PM (CT) 

Anthony Edwards joins Stephen A. Smith on the NBA Countdown Live pregame show.  

Alex Rodriguez Interviews on Timberwolves vs. Bucks broadcast 

• TV Channel: ESPN 
• Time: Interview during Wolves vs. Bucks broadcast (9 PM CT start) 

Timberwolves minority owner Alex Rodriguez joins ESPN’s Mark Jones and Richard Jefferson live during Wolves vs. Bucks.

This article will be updated throughout the day with highlights and clips with the best moments.

Kirk Cousins pressure stats in 2023

But there is more to offensive line production than how often the QB takes a hit. Yes, Kirk leads the league in the amount of times he’s been knocked down.

Related: Most of the Country will be Watching Vikings vs Chiefs on Sunday

He also ranks 3rd, out of all starting quarterbacks, for time in the pocket (2.7 seconds), which tracks the amount of time, on average, that a QB spends between the ball being snapped and him passing or feeling pressure and 4th of all QB’s in the amount of blitzes he faces.

The eye test, at times, along with Kirk Cousins’ high pressure numbers, might tell us that the Vikings’ offensive line is struggling. A closer look, however, tells a different story. The o-line’s individual PFF grades are rather impressive, all things considered.

What are the PFF grades for Vikings offensive line?

Vikings Offensive Line ranked near top of NFL

Ben Baldwin (Computer Cowboy on Twitter) put together a composite offensive line rating that uses the three most trusted sources in judging o-line performance, PFF (40%), SIS (40%) and ESPN pass/run block win rate (20%).

Related: Two Key Wins in 2023 Would Make Kirk Cousins the 5th QB in NFL History to Defeat All 32 Teams

Where do the Minnesota Vikings rank, according to the Computer Cowboy, you ask? Go ahead and rub your eyes, pinch yourself… whatever.

Through four weeks of the NFL season, the Vikings rank #6 in composite pass block rating and #6 in composite run block rating. Both are actually down from week 3, when the Vikings ranked #4 and #5 in the NFL, respectively.

Run block composite ratings

The Eagles are *dominating* this pic.twitter.com/lWyvjClz1O

— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) October 4, 2023

If these offensive line rankings were based strictly on one of the three rating systems, Minnesota being ranked so high wouldn’t be as shocking. But to see them ranked in the top-6 for both run and bass block, in a composite rating like Baldwin’s is downright jarring.

Dare to hope…?

While I’m not here to enshrine the 2023 Minnesota Vikings offensive line into the Ring of Honor just yet, the positive development on the offensive line should give fans hope. Kirk Cousins leads the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns, Justin Jefferson in receiving yards. And now, the Computer Cowboy is telling me the offensive line is way better than average?

Related: Minnesota Vikings game today: TV schedule, channel, and more

If Dalton Risner can make the front-5 even better and Cam Akers brings a flash of lightning to the backfield, maybe…. just maybe…. the Vikings can perform a historic turnaround yet this season and make the 14-team playoff field.

Calm down, calm down… let’s just fix the chronic turnover issue and go from there.

More Minnesota Vikings offensive line statistics:

How many sacks has the Minnesota Vikings offensive line allowed in 2023?

The Vikings offensive line has allowed 10 sacks through four games, 17th most in the NFL.

What is the Minnesota Vikings allowed sack percentage in 2023?

The Vikings offensive line has surrendered sacks on 6% of offensive plays in 2023, good for 15th best in the NFL.

How many QB pressures have the Vikings offensive line allowed?

The Minnesota Vikings have 52 total QB pressures allowed on the season (PFF).

How many times has the Minnesota Vikings offensive line allowed a QB hit?

Vikings offensive linemen have allowed 18 QB hits in 2023 (PFF)

Related: Minnesota Twins Wildcard Opponent Trending to be Astros or Blue Jays

Alex Rodriguez will call Minnesota Twins Wildcard playoff series

What we do know is that the game will air on one of three Disney networks, either ABC (KSTP – Ch. 5), ESPN or ESPN2. And on Thursday, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (a sports reporter for KSTP) reported on SKOR North Thursday that the Twins’ broadcast crew for their Wildcard series is Michael Kay and none other than Minnesota Timberwolves minority owner, Alex Rodriguez.

“I was texting with a Twins’ higher-up last night and they’re like, ‘yeah, it just stinks, we may not know [when we play] until Sunday night.’ They’re mapping out all these scenarios, like we’re talking about right now, but they just they truly don’t know. But we did hear that Michael Kay, Alex Rodriguez [have been] assigned to the Twins [Wildcard series], so that’ll be the broadcasting crew.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Doogie mentions multiple times that it’s HIGHLY unlikely the Twins get a primetime timeslot for October 3. That means, they’ll either play at 12 pm, 1 pm or 3 pm CDT. The Twins finish their regular season in Colorado vs the Rockies, in a 3-game set that begins on Friday.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Could that change in 2022? Well, there’s a lot of hype building around Minnesota’s chances, of late. Like, Stewart Mandel (The Athletic), who picked the Gophers to finish 9-3, tied with the Iowa Hawkeyes atop division.

Mandel isn’t the only Big Ten writer who believes in PJ Fleck & Co this season. 10 of 11 took the over on Minnesota’s over/under win total of 7.5. The same 10 that picked Nebraska to fall short of the same mark.

Stewart Mandel’s Big Ten West prediction. pic.twitter.com/Hjk65Kh5an

— Huskers Gameday (@HuskersGameday) August 23, 2022

Win total o/u is the same for both Minnesota and Nebraska FB this season (7.5).

10 of 11 The Athletic B1G writers see the #Gophers hitting the over and the Huskers falling short. pic.twitter.com/VUmiQi2JYu

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 26, 2022

Last Chance at Big Ten West Crown?

This is one of the last seasons where Big Ten divisions will exist, at least in their current form. Rumors have swirled that the West and East divisions will be eliminated, as early as next season. In 2024, USC and UCLA enter the picture.

Currently, the Big Ten’s expansion plans include 20 total teams. So whether it happens next season, or shortly thereafter, the route to a division championship in the Big Ten is going to change.

The Athletic isn’t the only media outlet hyping the 2022 Minnesota Gophers. Big Ten Network is all over the them too.

“I just don’t see another team that is as complete as the Gophers.”

???? @BigAntHerron, on his pick to win the Big Ten West#B1Gtoday x @GopherFootball pic.twitter.com/yETg2yxgd0

— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) August 24, 2022

We've added @JakeButtTE to the family, and the former @UMichFootball TE is answering some fan questions before the season kicks off. ????

➡️ Sleeper contenders to win @B1GFootball?
➡️ Michigan rematch vs. @HawkeyeFootball at Kinnick?
➡️ Best OL in the conference? pic.twitter.com/ygGFa68xK0

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 25, 2022

Still not convinced? How about Barstool? They have two CFB experts picking PJ Fleck as coach of the year. Kayce Smith might as well buy shares in Dinkytown the way she’s obsessing over maroon and gold. She has the two above picks, along with the Gophers as “Most Underrated Team”.

On our MEGA Season Preview Pod (PART 1) we broke down:

???? Champ
???? Division Winners
???? Most Disappointing Team
???? Most underrated team
???? Player of the year
???? Coach of the year
???? Upset of the year

Here is the result for THE B1G! pic.twitter.com/vTTWH7edz4

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) August 24, 2022

Hype Overload

Not a fan of Barstool? I get it (no I don’t). Then, how about ESPN? Senior writer, Mark Schlabach didn’t have the testicular fortitude to outright pick the Minnesota Gophers as West champions. But he did include an entire paragraph about how badly he wanted to. Mark also wrote about how Scott Frost wouldn’t make it through the season. And after an week one loss to Northwestern, he’s looking pretty smart on that prediction.

Minnesota wins the West: I went with Wisconsin, which seemed like the safer pick, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Gophers in the Big Ten championship game, either. Minnesota has to throw the ball more than it did last season — only Navy, Army and Air Force attempted fewer passes in 2021. Quarterback Tanner Morgan should be better under offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who was there when Minnesota won 11 games in 2019. Tailback Mohamed Ibrahim, the Big Ten running back of the year in 2020, is back after tearing his Achilles in last season’s opener. – Mark Schlabach (ESPN)

Why so much hype?

The hype building around the Minnesota Gophers is based on a few things. First, the West division is one of the more wide open in all of college football (Wisconsin fans may disagree). And that is more true this season, than in any in the division’s 9-year history.

Second, this is the deepest team since Fleck took over, even more so than the 2019 squad. On his weekly radio show / podcast, PJ talked about his comfortability playing 10-11 defensive linemen. And DL may not be the deepest position group on the team. Tanner Morgan has Athan Kaliakmanis and Cole Kramer biting at his heels. Dylan Wright, Chris Autman-Bell and Michael Brown-Stephens make the best threesome of wide receivers in the division.

Linebackers run four to five deep. The secondary has four starters with a ton of experience and two transfers that would start on most Big Ten teams. Mo Ibrahim, Trey Potts and Zach Evans might make up the best running back group in the West, too.

Lastly, the schedule. Minnesota is slated to play just two top-25 teams all year. Michigan State in week 4 and Wisconsin in the season finale. Penn State, in week 7, will be a challenge as well. But most importantly, there’s no contact with Michigan or Ohio State.

The @bigten has modified Minnesota's 2022 schedule. New schedule ⤵️

???? https://t.co/7NGvN8lhJq #RTB // #SkiUMah // #Gophers pic.twitter.com/otu1PIEgGw

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) January 12, 2022

Rose Bowl Dreams

A Big Ten West championship would also bring a very good likelihood that the Gophers return to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1962, a historic postseason dream for Minnesota football fans, that may cease to exist after next season.

So can the Gophers, who once dominated the nation in college football, win the Big Ten West and find their way back to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 60 years? Yes, they can. And I’m not the only person who thinks that.

So… Row the boat. Ski-U-Mah. Go Gophers.

SEVEN DAYS TILL GOPHER GAMEDAY! #Gophers pic.twitter.com/c3rmlefkbJ

— Noel Thompson (@N0ELTHOMPSON) August 25, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan