The Vikings are slated for some exciting matchups during the 2024 season.
The Athletic recently asked its beat reporters to spotlight "must watch games" across the league, and two of Minnesota's matchups were included:
Vikings vs. Jets, Week 5
Vikings vs. Falcons, Week 14
Interestingly, the Vikings-Falcons showdown was selected twice – by Atlanta beat reporter Josh Kendall as the Falcons "must-watch" and again by Minnesota beat reporter Alec Lewis in the same capacity. Kendall wrote:
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins makes return trips to both of his previous teams this season — at the Vikings and then at the Commanders in Week 17. The Vikings game is the most interesting because not only is Minnesota his most recent stop, but the game will provide an early verdict on the divergent strategies of the Falcons and Vikings.
Lewis wrote that Cousins spent "six topsy-turvy seasons" in a Vikings jersey and will now be returning to Minnesota for the first time since signing with the Falcons in free agency.
What type of reaction will the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd give him? How will he perform against the team he feels did not believe in him enough? What will his interactions be like with former teammates like Justin Jefferson and [Head Coach] Kevin O'Connell? This should be emotional, juicy and entertaining all at once.
Meanwhile, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt selected the Vikings "home" game at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the Jets must-watch matchup of the season.
Rosenblatt noted, "This game is across the pond, which always adds a certain level of intrigue."
Other storylines: Minnesota's Sam Darnold could get to face his old team, if he beats out J.J. McCarthy to start at quarterback, and the Jets offensive line will be tested by Vikings [Defensive Coordinator] Brian Flores.
Highland Popcorn grand opening planned
Highland Popcorn, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit popcorn business providing employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is celebrating its grand opening.
Created by Shamus O'Meara and his son Conor, the host of Conor's Corner, Highland Popcorn will celebrate its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at 2138 Ford Parkway in St. Paul.
The festivities will include an episode of Conor's Corner with special guests Frank Vascellaro and Kevin Gorg at 11:30 a.m. and a ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m. Live music is planned for the afternoon.
Conor's Corner has welcomed Vikings guests to its program.
Highland Popcorn offers four options — Lotta Caramel, Hey Butter Butter, Cheese-Tastic and Wowza Mix — and plans to introduce seasonal, limited-edition varieties.
The business is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays.
