EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Vikings are 6-6 as they enter the final quarter of the 2016 season, which begins Sunday in Jacksonville.

Minnesota couldn't pull off a win last Thursday against Dallas, as a 2-point conversion try with 25 seconds left feel incomplete in a 17-15 loss.

The Vikings will now travel to the Sunshine State for a noon (CT) matchup against the Jaguars, who are 2-10 and have lost seven straight games.

Jacksonville lost 20-10 to Denver at home last Sunday.

On the airwaves: The game will be broadcast by FOX (KMSP FOX 9 in the Twin Cities). Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin will be on the call. The game also will be broadcast on KFAN 100.3-FM and across the Minnesota Vikings Radio Network by the team of Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, Greg Coleman and Ben Leber.

Three things to watch:

Bring the intensity— Eric Smith

Last Thursday's loss against the Cowboys seemingly has it all — a close game on national television, a raucous U.S. Bank Stadium crowd, and the team with the NFL's best record in town.

It's safe to say it won't be the same atmosphere Sunday in Jacksonville, as the Vikings are on the road against a team with one of the worst records in the league.

With the Vikings needing a strong push over their final four games to make the playoffs, look for Minnesota's leaders to provide a spark to ensure the Vikings are ready to play.

With Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer expected to travel with the team after missing Thursday's game due to emergency eye surgery, his presence could also provide a boost.

"He is one tough dude," said Vikings left guard Alex Boone. "Knowing Zim

, I would expect nothing less. He's the toughest guy I know; I'm just happy that he's back."

The secondary situation— Lindsey Young

The Vikings secondary will have a new look against the Jaguars without safety Harrison Smith, who did not participate in practice this week due to an ankle injury.

Minnesota was without safety Andrew Sendejo at Chicago on Oct. 31 and utilized a rotation of Anthony Harris and rookie Jayron Kearse. Vikings Defensive Coordinator George Edwards told Twin Cities media members Thursday that they feel confident in what Harris can bring to the table on Sunday.

"I think schematically he understands what it is we're trying to accomplish and everything we're expecting out of the position," Edwards said of Harris. "So, right now

just looking for him to keep getting better as we go through the week. We think he'll go out and execute what we're trying to get done."

The Vikings secondary could have opportunities to make plays against Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, who's thrown 15 interceptions this season. Minnesota has 12 total picks over 12 games.

Edwards said the focus, however, remains each player doing his job and allowing the plays to come to him.

"Our guys do a good job of finishing at the ball. Hopefully, we'll have the opportunity to create some turnovers this weekend and force them into some bad decisions because of the coverage, because of the rush," Edwards said. "It's a combination of everything working together to be able to get those."

Edwards said turnovers are a game's turning point and can be the difference between a win or a loss, so it's "definitely an emphasis" as they prepare for Jacksonville.

Start the sweep?— Craig Peters

The Vikings closed the 2012 season by winning four games in a row to make the playoffs and know they must have a similar goal of winning out this season to give themselves the best shot at the postseason.

They also know that their window for errors is small and they must eliminate unforced errors like pre-snap penalties and reduce negative plays on offense, so the start of a sweep must begin with a broom to clean up aspects that have resulted in Minnesota's 2-4 record in games decided by six or fewer points this season.

"The biggest thing we have to do is eliminate negative plays," Zimmer said this week. "We have two penalties on special teams that put the ball inside the 10-yard line. We have one guy goes in, he plays two plays and has a penalty. We have a penalty on third-and-1. We have a penalty on the two-point try to tie the game. We're not good enough to overcome ourselves. In order to start winning, we have to stop losing."

Jacksonville has endured plenty of self-harm this season as well. The Jaguars have committed 25 turnovers this season, challenging a defense that still ranks fourth in the NFL in yards allowed and second in the league in pass yards allowed.

Substantial Stats

— The Vikings and Jaguars allowed just two combined third-down conversions in Week 13; The Vikings limited Dallas to just one of nine tries, while the Jaguars held Denver to one third-down conversion on 13 attempts. 

—Minnesota currently ranks second in the NFL with a plus-13 turnover ratio. Jacksonville is last in the league with a minus-18 ratio, as Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles leads the NFL with 15 interceptions.

— Vikings kicker Kai Forbath has made all six of his field goal attempts since joining the team in mid-November. His longest make is 48 yards. 

— The average starting field position for Minnesota's offense is at the 29.93 yard line, which is the fifth-best mark in the league. Jacksonville is 25th with an average starting field position at the 26.91-yard line.

Quotable

"I felt like there were times where we moved the ball well. We just couldn't finish drives, and I think when we get past the 50-[yard line], when we get down in the red zone, we've got to find a way to come away with touchdowns and not field goals." — Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford on the offense being more efficient in the red zone.

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Worth a watch

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson talked to the media earlier this week and said he envisions playing again this season. Peterson, the Vikings all-time leading rusher, has been sidelined since Week 2 with a torn meniscus in his knee.