Position battles, especially at backup quarterback, lead our list of things to watch between the Vikings and Patriots (Noon, Fox 9):
Howell completed 11 of his 13 passes for 105 yards against the Texans last week, while running for a 1-yard touchdown. He could get at least as much work on Saturday against the Patriots, as one of the three quarterbacks who'll play in the game. Brett Rypien, who completed only one of his four passes against the Texans after Tremon Smith knocked his deep throw out of Jeshaun Jones' hands, will likely get more work on Saturday. But O'Connell said Max Brosmer, who hit Myles Price for a decisive scoring pass last week, "has earned" more playing time; the former Gophers QB is pushing for a spot on the roster, while Howell is trying to solidify the No. 2 QB job behind McCarthy.