Vikings vs. Titans: NFL Preseason TV Schedule, Radio, Game Time and More

Where: LP Field; Nashville, TN 

When: Saturday, August 13th at 8:00 PM EST 

Watch:  KARE 11, WKRN ABC Channel 2; also online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for full league-wide package) 

Hear: KFAN / KTLK, WGFX 104.5 The Zone

Both the Tennessee Titans and the Minnesota Vikings have new quarterbacks this season. Matt Hasselbeck takes over the reins in Tennessee and Donovan McNabb becomes the starter in Minnesota.

This would be a matchup of the two best running backs in the NFL, but Chris Johnson continues to hold out on his contract. The second-best running back to Adrian Peterson, Johnson just wants to get paid; it looks as though he'll be missing more than one preseason game.

We'll also get to see rookie quarterbacks Christian Ponder and Jake Locker in action. They won't win the starting job, but these preseason games are crucial to their futures. 

Titans Key Addition—Matt Hasselbeck 

Instead of risking the entire season on starting a rookie quarterback, new head coach Mike Munchak and the Titans landed a veteran quarterback to become their signal caller. This was a great move because now they won't be one of the worst teams in the league. The key is for Hasselbeck to stay healthy, which has been a concern. 

Vikings Key Addition—Donovan McNabb 

Just like the Titans, the Vikings did not want to gamble on starting a rookie quarterback all season long, especially since the lockout prevented rookies from learning the system. With McNabb, the Vikings now become a threat in the NFC North as opposed to just an afterthought.

Titans Biggest Loss—Jason Babin 

Babin, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, had 12.5 sacks last season and the Titans aren't going to be able to replace that. The loss of the 267-pound defensive end is a crushing blow to the defense; the Titans will now struggle to get after the quarterback. Tennessee also lost linebacker Stephen Tulloch, who led the team in tackles, to the Detroit Lions.

Vikings Biggest Loss—Sidney Rice

The Vikings' best wide receiver decided it was in his best interest to join the Seattle Seahawks. He was thinking more about his wallet, and less about winning. Minnesota will miss him a lot, but they're hoping Michael Jenkins will be motivated after the Atlanta Falcons cut him and that he'll deliver big time. Minnesota also lost starting defensive end Ray Edwards to the Falcons. 

What They're Saying

 Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean writes about how former Titan star, Eddie George, believes Chris Johnson should have been paid already. George said, "It is pretty uncalled for, if you ask me, for them to even be in the situation with Chris. Everyone knew this was coming. This deal should have been done weeks ago.”

Donovan McNabb told the Star-Tribune that he is fine with a one-year contract. "Every year is a one-year deal, no matter what you sign for, because you have to go out and compete at a high level."

What's Worth Watching 

How will new quarterback Hasselbeck and McNabb fare? These veterans know the game well, but they haven't had much time to learn the new system they're in. They won't play much, but then again, the starters never do in the first preseason game. The first quarter or so is what it's all about, not only for this preseason game, but for every preseason game. 

Biggest Storyline

How will rookie quarterback Christian Ponder and Jake Locker do? These two haven't had much time to adjust to a new playbook. Both were expecting to be the starters, but now they are the backups. They may not like it, but it is much more beneficial for their careers. They'll play the bulk of the game, and it will be interesting to see who gets the better of the two. 

For more NFL preseason news check out our Bleacher Report NFL page.

-Eric Bowman