Vikings and Steelers clash in Dublin for first NFL regular-season game in Ireland
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The Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers will play the NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland when the two teams meet at Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday.
Vikings player to watch
CB Isaiah Rodgers. The first player in Vikings history with two defensive touchdowns in a game, Rodgers led the romp over the Bengals by scoring on an 87-yard interception return and a 66-yard fumble return in the first half. He added two forced fumbles and two pass breakups.
Steelers player to watch
DT Cam Heyward. The 15-year veteran raised eyebrows by staging a “hold in” during training camp in hopes of getting a raise. Whatever rust — and ill-will — he might have had to brush off is now long gone. Heyward had one of the best games of his stellar career against the Patriots, picking up a sack, forcing a fumble and deflecting a pass that ended up in the hands of teammate Brandon Echols in the end zone to cut short a New England drive.
Key matchup
Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey vs. Minnesota WR Justin Jefferson. With Pittsburgh's new-look secondary expected to return to full strength for the first time since Week 1, Ramsey — who has been working in various roles, including safety — can return to his main job of matching up with the opponent's top receiver. This week, that means taking on Jefferson, whose numbers have been modest (by his standards) through three games. That could change with fellow wideout Jordan Addison back following a three-game suspension, meaning Jefferson might see a little less double coverage and a lot of Ramsey.
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Key injuries
Vikings: DT Javon Hargrave (chest/ribs) and OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) were held out of practice on Wednesday, with the hope of ramping them up as the week unfolds.
QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is out again, with Carson Wentz filling in. Center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on track to return after missing the previous game, but rookie left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) is out. Two starters remain on short-term IR with hamstring strains: LB Blake Cashman and RB Aaron Jones.
Steelers: Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) will miss his second straight game. Safety DeShon Elliott (knee) could be back after getting injured in the season opener three weeks ago. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) could also return after sitting out the past two games.
Series notes
Pittsburgh leads the series 10-9, but the Vikings have won two of the past three meetings, including a 34-27 victory in 2013 in a game played in London. That was the second neutral site meeting between the two clubs. The first was 50 years ago in New Orleans when the Steelers won the first of their six Super Bowl titles by stopping Fran Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters in a 16-6 victory.
Because the 2013 game in London and this one in Dublin were scheduled as home games for the Steelers, the Vikings will play a 23-season span with just one visit to Pittsburgh if the NFL scheduling formula remains the same. Their most recent road win against the Steelers was in 1995.
Fantasy tip
Vikings K Will Reichard has made a 50-plus-yard field goal in each of his past seven regular-season games, the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest run in team history. He's 6 for 6 on field goals and 7 for 7 on extra points this season. In four career outdoor games, the second-year player has not missed a kick: 5 for 5 on field goals and 12 for 12 on extra points.
