Folks, grab your popcorn, because we’re headin’ to Music City for a Friday night showdown that’s gonna light up Nissan Stadium like a Fourth of July finale! It’s the Minnesota Vikings takin’ on the Tennessee Titans, August 22, 2025, kickin’ off at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Both teams are sittin’ at 1-1, and let me tell ya, this preseason finale ain’t just about tunin’ up for the regular season – it’s about those roster hopefuls, the bubble guys, swingin’ for the fences to earn a spot on that 53-man roster. Boom! That’s the juice of Week 3 – raw grit, big hits, and a few surprises that could shake up the depth chart. The Vikings are comin’ off a 20-10 win over the Texans and a 20-12 loss to the Patriots, while the Titans bounced back from a 29-7 loss to the Bucs with a 23-20 win over the Falcons. Let’s break it down like we’re callin’ it from the booth, with that Troy Aikman precision and John Madden passion.
Vikings’ Side: Polishing the Purple Machine
The Vikings are rollin’ into Nashville with that Minnesota toughness – a defense that bends but don’t break and an offense still findin’ its groove. They started hot in Week 1, beatin’ the Texans 20-10 at home, with the run game poppin’ and the defense forcin’ a couple of turnovers. Last week’s 20-12 loss to New England was tighter, but the offense struggled, goin’ 0-for-4 in the red zone and losin’ the turnover battle 0-2. Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy’s sittin’ this one out to stay fresh for the regular season, so it’s Max Brosmer, Brett Rypien, and maybe Sam Howell takin’ snaps. Brosmer’s been the standout, throwin’ for 156 yards against the Pats, but he’s gotta cut down on picks to lock in that backup role.
What’s got me fired up is the run game and receiver battles. Zavier Scott led with 28 yards rushin’ last week, but he’s fightin’ for a roster spot against a crowded backfield – expect him to get heavy carries to make his case. At wideout, Tim Jones hauled in five catches for 68 yards against New England, and he’s in a dogfight with guys like Trishton Jackson for that last spot. Defensively, Brian Flores’ unit is the real deal, with Austin Keys rackin’ up seven tackles last week, but they didn’t record a sack or pick. With no major injuries reported, young DBs like Dwight McGlothern and bubble linebackers are lookin’ to shine on special teams or make a big play. Special teams could be a game-changer – a big punt return or blocked kick might come from a rookie tryin’ to stand out. After that Patriots loss, the Vikings are hungry to end preseason strong, especially on the road to test their travel legs before Week 1.
Titans’ Perspective: Buildin’ Momentum in Nashville
The Titans, meanwhile, are bringin’ that Tennessee swagger, but they’ve had an up-and-down preseason under Brian Callahan. They got smoked 29-7 by the Bucs in Week 1, where the offense managed just 201 yards and went 5-for-13 on third downs. But last week’s 23-20 road win over Atlanta showed some fight – Brandon Allen went 11-for-14 for 119 yards and a touchdown, while rookie QB Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, threw for 42 yards on 2-of-7 attempts, includin’ a 35-yard bomb to Elic Ayomanor. Ward’s likely gettin’ limited reps tonight, with Allen and Trevor Siemian handlin’ most of the load as they sort out the QB2 battle.
The key battles are at tight end and in the secondary. Rookie Gunnar Helm led with four catches for 48 yards last week, and he’s pushin’ for a spot behind Chig Okonkwo. Jordan Mims ran for 50 yards against the Falcons, makin’ a case for RB depth. Defensively, Kendell Brooks stole the show with a 53-yard pick-six against Atlanta, and he’s fightin’ for a roster spot alongside DBs like Gabe Jeudy-Lally. The Titans’ pass rush has been quiet, but with no major injuries, expect backups like Rashad Weaver to hunt for sacks. Special teams is huge – Anders Carlson’s been solid on kicks, but the return game needs a spark, and guys like Ayomanor could break one loose. Playin’ at home with that Nashville crowd – even in preseason – gives the Titans a boost, and they’re desperate to hit .500 and carry momentum into their Week 1 road trip to Denver.
Key Matchups and Game-Changing Factors
Boom! This game’s gonna be a war of attrition. The Vikings’ defense against the Titans’ backup QBs is the matchup to watch – if Flores’ crew gets pressure on Allen or Siemian, they could force turnovers that swing the game. On the flip side, the Titans’ run defense versus Minnesota’s ground game – if Scott or Ty Chandler break loose, they could control the clock and keep Tennessee’s offense off the field. Special teams could be the X-factor; both teams are testin’ returners, and a long return or blocked punt might flip the script.
Weather in Nashville should be warm and humid, typical late-August stuff, which could lead to slick hands or tired legs late in the game. With no major injuries changin’ the game plan, it’s all about depth and hunger. The Titans have the home-field edge, but the Vikings’ disciplined approach under Kevin O’Connell keeps ‘em in it. Psychologically, both teams are motivatin’ their backups for cutdown day – expect high effort but maybe some sloppy penalties from guys tryin’ too hard. And keep an eye on that Titans’ home crowd; even in preseason, they can get rowdy and rattle the visitors.
Final Prediction
Alright, let’s call it like we see it: The Titans’ home energy and offensive depth give ‘em a slight edge, but Minnesota’s defense keeps it close. I’m goin’ with Tennessee to squeak out a 20-17 win, coverin’ the spread in a tight one decided by a late field goal.
3 Best Bets
- Titans Moneyline (-110): Tennessee’s 1-1 with a home-field boost and showed fight last week. They’re a slight favorite to edge out the win.
- Under 37.5 Total Points (-110): Both offenses have been up and down, and preseason finales lean conservative with backups playin’ safe. Expect a low-scorin’ grind.
- Titans -1 (-108): With Minnesota restin’ key guys and Tennessee’s home crowd pushin’ ‘em, the Titans cover by a field goal in a close battle.
For more NFL picks and previews, check out my NFL previews.
