Panthers-Vikings Preview

If it’s Adrian Peterson the Panthers are worried about coming up against on Sunday, this could be one lucky Carolina team. Peterson, the NFC’s leading rusher and Vikings trump card, may be watching this weekend’s Panthers-Vikings matchup from the sidelines, a hamstring injury hindering the star player’s performance. Peterson hasn’t been practicing since his injury late last week in the game against the Colts, but he may return for this weekend’s game. If he doesn’t, however, Sunday’s game may be little less than worth watching as the Panthers (with Steve Smith this time) continue to dominate the league.

Last week, Carolina outperformed a tough Chicago team who had the week before beat a sturdy Indianapolis team. Indianapolis then turned around to hand it to the Vikings last week, beating them in an exciting 18-15 game. If the results can say anything, they’re indicating an edge for Carolina, and that was all without Panthers star Steve Smith in the mix. Add a potent Smith back in Carolina’s lineup and these Peterson-less (perhaps) Vikings could be in serious trouble at Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome this weekend.

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