2012 NFL schedule: Vikings lead off against Tampa Bay

The Vikings will lead off the NFL's Week 8 schedule when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night.

By Peter Berkes Oct 24, 2012, 8:45am CDT

The Minnesota Vikings will lead off the NFL's Week 8 slate when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. The Vikings are looking to keep their surprising start going and would go to 6-2 with a win. The Bucs are only 2-4 but have probably been unlucky on their way to that record. Tight end John Carlson is not expected to play due to a concussion, and tackle Matt Kalil is questionable with a lower back injury.

Here is the full Week 8 schedule, courtesy of SI.com. All times shown are Central.

Thursday, Oct. 25

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings, 7:20 p.m., NFL Network

Sunday, Oct. 28

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans, noon, CBS

San Diego Charges vs. Cleveland Browns, noon, CBS

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, noon, CBS

Jacksonville Jaguars at Green Bay Packers, noon, CBS

New England Patriots at St. Louis Rams, noon, CBS (at Wembley Stadium, London)

Washington Redskins at Pittsburgh Steelers, noon, FOX

Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions, noon, FOX

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears, noon, FOX