What to know when the Vikings host the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon:

Vikings vs. Commanders
When: Noon Sunday
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium
TV: FOX
Radio: KFAN
Line: Commanders -1.5
Over/Under: 43.5

Keys for the Vikings

— Asked what he wants to see off out quarterback J.J. McCarthy moving forward, head coach Kevin O’Connell reduced it down to the decisions McCarthy makes with the ball in his hands. That can read as O’Connell freeing McCarthy of the teaching points that have defined this season. That can also read as O’Connell challenging McCarthy to stop turning it over. The latter will be extremely important if the Vikings want to upset the three-win Commanders. There should be opportunities for the Vikings to move the ball against the Commanders’ aging group of defenders. That advantage means nothing, however, if McCarthy can’t take care of the ball.

Keys for the Commanders

— The return of quarterback Jayden Daniels provides the Commanders with a huge boost heading into the game. Though he will likely be playing with some caution while returning from a dislocated elbow, Daniels is still capable of making a huge impact on every snap. That will be the difference in the game. If he can get off to a hot start and have the Commanders playing from ahead, they will put themselves in the driver’s seat to come away with a win.

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