Buccaneers vs. Vikings: Game time, TV schedule, injury updates and more

The Minnesota Vikings are taking the national stage on Thursday night as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mall of America Field. With a victory on Thursday and a Chicago Bears loss this weekend, the Vikings have a possible route towards being the top team in the NFC North standings at the end of Week 8.

Coming off one of the worst passing performances by any team this season, the Vikings are likely hoping to get star running back Adrian Peterson more help against Tampa. Quarterback Christian Ponder threw for just 58 yards against the Arizona Cardinals, but the Vikings rode Peterson and dominant defense to a 21-14 victory.

With a perfect record at home this season, the Vikings have a shot at maintaining their unbeaten mark with a win over Tampa on Thursday. It likely helps that Tampa Bay hasn't won a road game this season, losing its first two match-ups in New York and Dallas, respectively.

Game Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Television Coverage: NFL Network
Odds: Minnesota is favored by 5.5 points