Kickoff: The Patriots are playing on Thanksgiving for the first time in ten years. The last time they played today was 2012 against the Jets, a game they won 49-19. It their sixth all time appearance on Thanksgiving. The Patriots are 3-2 all time on Turkey Day.

Four Downs

1st Down: Offense needs to score 28 points in order to win tonight: If the Patriots want to win this game, they will need to score 24-28 points. The Vikings are talented and have one of the best skill groups in the NFL. They will get theirs.

2nd Down: Get pressure on Cousins: The Vikings offensive line is banged up. They struggled last week against Dallas. The Patriots defense is just as good as the Cowboys. Expect them to get consistent pressure out of their base fronts and pressure packages. They need to get the Vikings offense off schedule.

3rd Down: More 6 and 7 man protections: The offensive line struggled in pass protection last week. They gave up six sacks. The Patriots will need to utilize more six and seven man protections against a good Minnesota pass rush.

4th Down: Spread the wealth: The Patriots offense is at its best when Mac Jones spreads the ball around. Matt Patricia  needs to get the tight ends, Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor more involved tonight. It can’t just be about the running game.

Extra Point: The Patriots and Vikings are meeting for the 14th time overall. The last meetings between the two teams was 2018. A 24-10 Patriots win at Gillette Stadium.

Final Drive: On paper, this is a tough game for the Patriots. I think the defense will play well. It’s the offense that is going to be the problem. I don’t think they score enough to win this game. Minnesota wins by two scores.