In Week 8 "Thursday Night Football" action, the Minnesota Vikings (5-2) will be taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4). After defeating the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7 by a 21-14 score, the Vikings will look to continue the positive momentum on their home turf at the Humphrey Metrodome.

Despite their victory, QB Christian Ponder threw for only one touchdown while going 8-for-17 with two interceptions. Thanks to RB Adrian Peterson and his strong presence in the Minnesota backfield, the team was able to come out on top. The star running back rushed for a season-high 153 yards.

Offensively for Tampa Bay, quarterback Josh Freeman hasn't performed exceptionally well, but he's averaging 8.3 yards per attempt and 6.0 yards after catch per play compared to Ponder's 6.6 yards per attempt and 5.8 yards after catch per play. However, Freeman's statistics clearly received a boost with his 95-yard pass to Vincent Jackson while facing the New Orleans Saints.

The sub .500 Bucs have had a slew of issues an many different positions. Nonetheless, they still arguably sport the NFL's best defense against the run as the team is only giving up 2.7 Adjusted Line Yards per carry, according to the Football Outsiders' Metrics.

A key factor in the game to keep an eye on will be the play of Vikings Kyle Rudolph. The tight end is currently second on Minnesota in receptions and trails only wide receiver Percy Harvin.

If Minnesota can pull off the victory against the Bucs that many experts are predicting, then they'll be at a strong mark of 6-2. However, their second half will be stacked with tough opposition, which includes the likes of the Seattle Seahawks (away), Chicago Bears (twice), Green Bay Packers (twice), and the Houston Texans.

CLICK HERE to watch the Minnesota Vikings face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on "Thursday Night Football." Coverage is set to begin at 8:20 p.m. ET.

Tags
Thursday Night Football, Television