Sam Bradford vs. Shaun Hill: Updates on Vikings' QB Battle Ahead of Week 2

Quarterback Shaun Hill led the Minnesota Vikings to a 25-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, but it appears his tenure as the team's starter could be over, as Sam Bradford may be given the nod against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.

Continue for updates.

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Bradford Reportedly Expected to Start vs. Packers 

Saturday, Sept. 17 

ESPN's Ben Goessling reported Bradford is expected to be named the starter for Week 2 after taking all first-team snaps in practice for the Vikings this week. 

On Sept. 14, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Bradford was likely to start.

Rapoport noted the team had a “tentative plan” entering the season to start Hill in Week 1 as Bradford became accustomed to the offense. Rapoport also praised the 2010 No. 1 overall pick’s ability to quickly learn Minnesota's offense.

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Vikings Hoping Gamble for Bradford Pays Off

The Vikings gave up plenty when they acquired Bradford from the Philadelphia Eagles after incumbent starter Teddy Bridgewater suffered a season-ending knee injury. They traded their 2017 first-round pick and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2018, so it makes sense that they want to see a return on their investment against a division rival Sunday.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the conditional pick would become a third-rounder if Minnesota makes it to the NFC Championship Game and a second-rounder if it wins the Super Bowl.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said he expects to see Bradford on Sunday, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette: “My understanding is that it’s probably going to be Sam Bradford, but I have a lot of respect for Shaun Hill. ... We’ll prepare for both quarterbacks.”

McCarthy pointed out Bradford or Hill won’t be the Green Bay defense's primary concern as it prepares for the NFC North clash, per Wood: “The fact of the matter is it’s going to start with giving the ball to Adrian Peterson. Every time we play the Vikings, that’s the focal point of our defense.”

The Vikings won the NFC North last year even though they ranked 31st in the league in passing offense, so whichever quarterback lines up under center doesn’t have to carry the team like Andrew Luck in Indianapolis or Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.

Peterson tallied only 31 rushing yards against the Titans, but he boasts seven campaigns with more than 1,000 yards on the ground, including his 2,097-yard effort in 2012. He is widely considered one of the best players in the NFL and will take some of the pressure off Minnesota's signal-caller.

The Vikings also have a strong defense, which scored both of the team’s touchdowns against Tennessee. Eric Kendricks ran an interception back 77 yards for a touchdown, while Danielle Hunter returned a fumble recovery 24 yards for a score.

Hill managed the game without a turnover and finished with 236 passing yards. He has appeared in 47 contests for the Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams throughout his career, recording 49 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions. He has played in double-digit games in only one season since entering the league in 2005 (11 games for the Lions in 2010).

Bradford has yet to live up to the expectations that come with being a No. 1 overall pick. He has 78 touchdown passes and 52 interceptions in 63 games and has yet to reach the postseason.

However, he threw for a career-high 3,725 yards for the Eagles last year and has the raw talent to be a difference-maker. He now will have a chance to prove himself with a talented supporting cast around him as Minnesota attempts to defend its division crown.