Hall of Fame Game 2015: Date, Time and Players to Watch in Vikings vs. Steelers

The NFL regular season doesn't start until September, but the unofficial commencement of the 2015 campaign will take place Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers clash in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

Following Saturday's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, preseason football will get underway. Although the first game generally doesn't feature much participation from the top players, both the Vikings and Steelers boast plenty of young, talented up-and-comers who are looking to make good first impressions.

Football fans have been starved for teams to return to the gridiron and will finally get their wishes on Sunday. Here is a look at everything you need to know about the 2015 Hall of Fame Game, including further analysis regarding key players for both teams. 

Where: Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio

When: Sunday, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Betting Line (via Odds Shark): Vikings (-3)

Vikings Player to Watch: Trae Waynes

The Vikings enjoyed one of the best drafts in the league this offseason, but the prized possession of their haul is first-round cornerback Trae Waynes.

The tall, physical defensive back was taken with the No. 11 overall pick, and the hope among those within the organization is that he will eventually develop into a shutdown corner. It may take some time for that to come to fruition, but the former Michigan State standout is already making strides.

According to Andrew Krammer of ESPN 1500, head coach Mike Zimmer believes the rookie has developed nicely since OTAs:

Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn agrees, as he is impressed with the amount Waynes has learned and excelled at during training camp thus far, via Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com:

"

(Waynes is) doing a great job. They've got him all over the place right now. They're trying to teach him a lot of different things, and I think he's doing very well with that. It's tough to be in the NFL period, and when you're trying to teach a guy three to four positions, it's very tough. I think he's doing a great job. He's a fast learner, and I'm expecting great things from him this year.

"

Despite the optimism from his head coach and teammate, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus isn't convinced about Wayne's NFL readiness at this point:

Waynes may not need to be an immediate starter with Xavier Rhodes and Terence Newman already on the roster, but even the nickel and dime cornerbacks need to be ready to play often.

The rookie will have a chance to apply what he's learned to a game situation on Sunday, and it will be interesting to see how much he has truly progressed.

Steelers Player to Watch: Bud Dupree

The Steelers have long been built on the basis of a dominant defense, and although they are currently viewed as an offense-first team, players like rookie linebacker Bud Dupree are hoping to display shades of the Steel Curtain.

Pittsburgh has acquired plenty of defensive talent over the past couple years, and Dupree could be chief among them after the Steelers selected him with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft out of Kentucky.

Dupree is a relentless and potentially dominant pass-rusher whom fellow linebacker Ryan Shazier is already marveling at, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

With Jarvis Jones, Lawrence Timmons and James Harrison already in place, the Steelers defense could be nightmarish for opposing defenses. Adding Dupree to the fray kicks things up to another level, especially considering his quick development, as noted by ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler:

Dupree also seems to have the attitude needed to have success in Pittsburgh and the NFL in general, as he is prepared to be an important contributor regardless of how he is utilized as a rookie, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com:

"

I am going to make an impact. Whatever I need to do to help my team win, I will do. Whatever coach puts me at I am okay, but you always work to start. I think I can make a big impact, along with other guys. Not just me. I see everyone has gotten better. Jarvis has stepped it up. I just want to keep getting better every day.

"

Even if Dupree is only a situational pass-rusher this season, he could still be a major X-factor for a Steelers defense that struggled to get to the quarterback in 2014.

Look for the coaching staff to unleash Dupree in the Hall of Fame Game in an effort to see just how disruptive he can be.

Prediction

Preseason games are far more about player development and keeping players healthy than winning, but the score likely matters for many of those who are battling to make the roster.

Sunday's contest will ultimately come down to how the reserves play. It is unlikely that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown will play much, if at all.

The same can be said for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who has barely been used in the preseason in recent years.

Minnesota is favored due in part to the notion that it's more likely that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will play than Big Ben. The Vikes also have a younger team than the Steelers overall, which means Zimmer may be more compelled to play his most talented players than Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

If that holds true to form, then expect the Vikes to get their preseason started off right with a triumph in Canton.

Prediction: Vikings 20, Steelers 13

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