The Minnesota Vikings are looking to be on another hot streak after winning their fourth straight game as they fend off the division-rival Chicago Bears. Each year around the NFL, rookies step up immediately for their teams and make a difference.
Jordan Addison scored a touchdown in Week 1 last year for Vikings fans. This year, we saw Xavier Worthy score two touchdowns on opening night. Rookies impact the league every year, and the Vikings need to keep hitting on their first-round picks. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had a rough first two rounds in 2022, but 2023 and 2024 have looked good thus far.
Here are some players to watch this weekend before the Vikings kickoff while you enjoy some college football. We will lay out the ultimate viewing guide to maximize the best players this weekend during each time slot.
Editor’s Note: We will not include players whose games take place on Friday, November 29. We will just include players playing on Saturday, November 30.
Running Backs to Watch
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) escapes a tackle by UTEP defensive tackle KD Johnson (7) during a college football game between Tennessee and UTEP at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) vs. Vanderbilt on ABC
Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Woody Marks (USC) vs. Maryland on CBS
Player to watch during 7:30 P.M./6:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Jordan James (Oregon) vs. Washington on NBC
Guards to Watch
Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Daniel Cruz (51), offensive lineman Cole Hutson (54), and tight end Amari Niblack (8) celebrate after a big special teams play against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot
- Torricelli Simpkins III (South Carolina) vs. Clemson on ESPN
Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Logan Parr (SMU) vs. California on ESPN2
Player to watch during 7:30 P.M./6:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Cole Hutson (Texas) vs. Texas A&M on ABC
Defensive Linemen to Watch
Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon forces a fumble from Idaho Vandals quarterback Jack Layne as the Oregon Ducks host the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Photo Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot
- Mason Graham (Michigan) vs. Ohio State on ABC
Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Howard Cross III (Notre Dame) vs. USC on CBS
Player to watch during 7:30 P.M./6:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Derrick Harmon (Oregon) vs. Washington on NBC
Cornerbacks to Watch
Oct 19, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns cornerback Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates an interception in the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Patzke-Imagn Images
Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot
- Denzel Burke (Ohio State) vs. Michigan on FOX
Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Domani Jackson (Alabama) vs. Auburn on ABC
Player to watch during 7:30 P.M./6:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Jahdae Barron (Texas) vs. Texas A&M on ABC
Safeties to Watch
Notre Dame linebacker JD Bertrand (27) and Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts (26) combine to tackle Stanford wide receiver Michael Wilson (4) during the Notre Dame vs. Stanford NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.
Notre Dame Vs Stanford Football
Player to watch during Noon/11 A.M. Time Slot
- Lathan Ransom (Ohio State) vs. Michigan on FOX
Player to watch during 3:30 P.M./2:30 P.M. Time Slot
- Xavier Watts (Notre Dame) vs. USC on CBS
Player to watch during 8:00 P.M./7:00 P.M. Time Slot
- Jonas Sanker (Virginia Tech) vs. Virginia on ACC Network