If Vikings coach Mike Zimmer does the expected and names Matt Cassel his starting quarterback to open the regular season, Adrian Peterson won’t be surprised.

Cassel, a 10-year veteran, is battling rookie Teddy Bridgewater for the spot. A decision could be announced as soon as Monday.

“Right now, I feel like, just my personal opinion, I feel like Matt has the edge,” Peterson told the Pioneer Press on Sunday.

The Vikings’ star running back emphasized that he doesn’t try to influence the coaching staff on who should start at any position. But he believes Cassel’s veteran leadership has been evident during the preseason.

“Going off of understanding the offense and who’s running the offense better right now, you know, nothing to do with talent-wise, so that’s why Matt (has the edge),” Peterson said. “He’s been here. He’s a veteran guy. This is Teddy’s first year, so I feel like we are in a good position to even be having that conversation (about quarterback competition).”

Peterson has been impressed with both Cassel and Bridgewater in the preseason. The quarterback situation is looking much better than last year, when the Vikings had numerous struggles as Cassel, Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman all got starts.

“I feel pretty good about it,” Peterson said. “Matt Cassel, he has stepped his game up tremendously and Teddy Bridgewater, I knew coming in what he had to offer. I watched him in college (at Louisville) and saw what he was able to do. They’ve both been doing a great job so far.”

Zimmer declined after Saturday’s 30-12 preseason win at Kansas City to offer anything new on the battle for the starting job.

Cassel completed 9 of 17 passes for 152 yards with a touchdown and an interception in 2-1/2 quarters against the Chiefs. Bridgewater played the rest of the way and went 4 of 7 for 40 yards with two TDs.

In three preseason games, Cassel has completed 26 of 39 attempts for 367 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Bridgewater is 26 of 40 for 266 yards with four TDs and no interceptions.

“I’m happy for the youngster,” Peterson said of Bridgewater. “Every game, they’re chanting his name, and even away games, too. So they’re showing him a lot of love and I think that’s what he needs right now as a rookie coming in, to help push him and keep him going in the direction he’s going in.”

The Vikings conclude the preseason Thursday at Tennessee. It would be a surprise if Cassel plays, but not if Bridgewater gets some work.

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson.