The Vikings had a good bye week.  All their division opponents lost to team’s they could have / should have beat.  No player got arrested that we know of.  Things are looking up.

So as our favorite team gets back to practice as usual, let’s take a look at who is left on the Vikings schedule and discuss where the Vikings may end up.

WEEK 10 – DETROIT (1-7):  I am always hesitant to dismiss Detroit, as they always play the Vikings tough… or at least the Vikings always play down to them.  This year feels different, however.  The Lions seem to have done very little to improve, and the Vikings are coming off a week of rest and are clearly the better team.  Throw in homefield advantage, and I think the Vikes can put this one away without much drama.

WEEK 11 – SEATTLE (3-5):  Seattle is a better team than they let on, bbut injuries have hindered any chance of success for the franchise.  Their offensive line is in shambles, and I expect to see the Vikings pick apart a mediocre defense with some ease.  Again, with homefield advantage I see the Vikings moving to 9-1 by putting up another win.

WEEK 12 – CHICAGO (4-4): While I expect us to have the division in the bag by this point, Chicago cannot be dismissed as an unworthy opponent.  The team is inconsistent, which means sometimes you get to sneak past the sleeping dog… but it also means that you can get bit.  This time I think the Vikes are able to sneak by and put on a show for the home crowd.

WEEK 13 – AT ARIZONA (5-3):  After a slow start, the Cardinals have become a force to be recognized with again.  At this point, they’re more likely to have something to play for than we are, and their offense provides matchup problems galore for the Vikings.  I know we smoked them last year, but this is a more balanced offense capable of absolutely torching opposing defenses that are suspect in pass coverage.  In Arizona, I am willing to give the defending NFC Champs the benefit of the doubt and say that they give the Vikings their next loss.

WEEK 14 – CINCINATTI (6-2):  Who would have thought that half way through the season we’d be looking at the Bengals as our toughest opponent remaining?  The Bengals are playing extremely good football this year.  However, I think we match up well against this team.  Taking away Cedric Benson is something we’re capable of, and that should be a big part of throwing off their offensive rythem.  I think going through Minneapolis will be a big part of the Bengals late-season collapse.  Vikes win.

WEEK 15 – AT CAROLINA (3-5):  Carolina played well against the Saints, and are probably an underrated team at this point.  However, they’re still no match for the Vikings.  Delhomme is terrible when rattled, and the Panther rushing attack is good but still able to be shut down by the WilliamsWall.  Vikes get another big road win.

WEEK 16 – AT CHICAGO (4-4):  At Soldier field in December spells a low scoring affair for two teams who are having trouble opening lanes for their stud running backs.  I think this one could go either way, but essentially think that if it comes down to a matchup between who has the superior running game then the Vikings put the final touches on their sweeping of divisional opponents.

WEEK 17 – NEW YORK GIANTS (5-4):  The Giants are looking miserable during their mid-season collapse.  It’s hard to say whether or not they pull it together or not, but chances are good they will have something major riding on this game… like a playoff berth.  The Vikings may not have much to play for by this point, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say they win at home against these Giants… ending their playoff hopes.  What a way to cap off the year.

 

So if my predictions are anywhere near the truth, then the Vikings will end up at 14-2.  I do think that 13-3 or 12-4 is more likely, but that would mean we lost a couple of games we should have won.  As long as Favre’s arm holds up, and the Vikings don’t have a rash of injuries, then I fully expect us to be the second best team in the NFC… and praying like mad that somebody knocks off the Saints before we have to play them.