Titans vs. Vikings: 3 key matchups

Here are three key matchups for the Titans when they take on Minnesota in Sunday’s season opener:

Titans RBs DeMarco Murray/Derrick Henry vs. Vikings OLB Anthony Barr

Barring injury, it’s hard to imagine many Titans offensive plays in which neither Murray nor Henry is on the field. Murray is a capable third-down back, as he’s averaged more than 50 catches for the past three years and also is considered an excellent pass-blocker. By the same token, Barr — the ninth overall pick in 2014 — won’t be leaving the field, either. The Pro Bowler is strong against the run, but maybe even better against the pass. Pro Football Focus grades him as one of the best linebackers in the game in pass coverage.

Titans LB Avery Williamson vs. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

Williamson piled up a team-best 137 tackles last year and became the first player in Titans history to record more than 100 tackles in his first two seasons. He will have to be sharp, as he’s likely to see a heavy dose of Peterson. Peterson averaged 20 carries per game last year en route to 1,485 yards, and he’ll get a heavy workload on Sunday with the team’s starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, out for the season. Williamson may also run into Peterson during passing situations, as Peterson had 30 receptions last year.

Titans CB Jason McCourty vs. Vikings WR Stefon Diggs

McCourty will be playing his first regular-season game since Nov. 1 and will be looking to bounce back from two groin surgeries last year. When healthy, he’s a dependable cover guy and a sound tackler. But McCourty will be tested by the speed of Diggs, who posted 13 catches over 20 yards last season. The last thing Titans cornerbacks want to do is give up a deep score, so it will be up to McCourty to keep Diggs in front of him.