How much will the Wolves need to spend to contend? + One thing the Vikings should do

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the NFL opener, Sam Darnold's hip injury and the idea that it's hard to make a plan in sports. 6:00: Rand is joined by Drew Magary of Defector for a long look at everything that could go right this season for the Vikings. It's a great time of year for optimism. 40:00: Quinn Hughes and the Twins.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a common sense guideline that the NCAA should follow when determining which athletes are eligible. Plus a Twins comeback win that keeps them at least on the fringes of the playoff race. 8:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for a spirited discussion of where things stand with Quinn Hughes. Plus they get into the Vikings and whether this Twins season feels different than last year. 30:00: Baker Mayfield broke the bank.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. Among the topics in focus: The controversial end of the Western Michigan vs. Michigan college football game, the Twins' continued slide and Quinn Hughes' status.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand invites you to enjoy the Gophers football team's blowout win in Thursday's opener -- and then forget all about it because it doesn't matter going forward. Plus a big weekend for the Twins. 7:00: Mitch Helgerson, the Minnesota Wild's chief revenue officer, joins Rand for details about the team's new TV plan. 24:00: Rand has more TV thoughts.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with an update on J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury and long-term Vikings outlook provided on Wednesday by general manager Nolan Teasley. Plus a rough loss for the Twins after a big comeback and a Clippers punishment that will feel very familiar for vintage Timberwolves fans. 10:00: Five captains from the Lakeville South football team join Rand at the Minnesota State Fair for a great conversation. 26:00: More details on the new Wild TV deal and a Gophers football season about to begin.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with news that Victory+, which had been carrying Lynx games locally this year, has abruptly stopped operating. Plus we'll get Wild TV news soon. Will we get Quinn Hughes news, too? 9:00: Chip Scoggins joins Rand to break down the Gophers football outlook heading into Thursday's opener. 28:00: Where does NBA luxury tax money go?

Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who won a second straight game to remain on the edge of the wild card race. Plus Rand has a thought on one thing Kevin O'Connell should do about Vikings quarterbacks. 9:00: Yossi Gozlan from The Third Apron joins Rand for a deep dive into the Wolves' current and future salary cap. How much will they need to spend to contend under new owner Marc Stad? 38:00: Young players could hold the key for the Wolves.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. In focus: The Twins' bright future, a mini-slump for the Lynx, the Vikings keeping four quarterbacks, a big payday ahead for Quinn Hughes and a more.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings and whether they will be more exciting this year than they were a season ago. Plus are the Packers the most boring team in the NFC North? And is Kirk Cousins going to be a Week 1 starter for the Raiders? 10:00: Bobby Nightengale joins Rand to break down the Twins' recent struggles and their promotion (finally) of prospect Walker Jenkins. 32:00: Will Cale Makar's expected new contract Friday set the market for Quinn Hughes?

Introduction: Host Michael Rand breaks down the Wolves' signing of forward Jonathan Kuminga. He fits their timeline and risk-reward approach to roster building, but how will he fit on the court? Plus Reusse was right about the Twins. 11:00: Justin Giampietro from The Hockey Writers joins Rand to break down the Wild's window of contention, the Quinn Hughes question and more. 33:00: J.J. McCarthy missed a key practice Wednesday.