Now that the Vikings season is essentially over, who should I root for now?

Below are a list of the teams that I might root for to win the Super Bowl this year.  I'm leaning toward New Orleans and Philadelphia, but you can help me choose which one I should pick...

I'll say this - whichever team wins this poll I will root for, but only the rest of this year.  Next year, it's back to Minnesota again.  (I'm not a bandwagon fan, but it's only Thanksgiving, and I want to invest my heart in some meaningful football the rest of this year.)

Well, it's been a fun ride, the Super Bowl is ours! but it looks like this year is finally over.

I mean, it's not like the Vikings have some easy games ahead, or maybe some home games.  Right?

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8-8.  That's what Mike Greenberg in his infinite wisdom predicts the Vikings (with Favre) will finish next year.

I usually like Mike & Mike - they're funny and usually talk about stories that you don't see on other sports shows.  However, this is appalling and a slap in the face to the Vikings organization.

This team is a two-team division champ, with a 10-6 record with TJ/Gus and 12-4 record with Favre.  Oh, and don't give me any schedule or injury garbage either.  Every team can bounce back with good depth.

I don't know about any of you, but I am getting SICK and TIRED of the disrespect.  Yes, I know it doesn't mean anything.  Yes, I know that it can only serve to fire up the team, but COME ON...this blatant love for the Cowboys and Packers is really starting to make me puke.

PS - Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic both picked the Jets to win 11-5.  HA, they can't even get their best defensive player signed, lol.  (I can't wait until we play and they get crushed.)

Here's an interesting change of scenery...

The article can be found here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4804814

This is a power ranking which is based mostly on the players (who are the ones who ultimately decide things, right?)

Minnesota was ranked #1 for its running back and defensive line and #2 in special teams.

Even though I put NO stock at ALL into what analysts say, it's refreshing to see someone who's giving this team some love...

I almost feel sorry for them - their team is going to get beat down so bad tomorrow it isn't even funny!

Even they're admitting it: http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/archives/185937.asp

http://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/11/19/1164568/ask-the-daily-norseman

Hasselback is already an eggshell - you know Jared Allen is smelling blood.  And, after last week, I don't know if anybody's going to leave Ray Edwards alone to double-team JA.

Anybody see a letdown here?  The Hawks have looked really good at times (vs Jax, at Ari--first half, etc.)

For the last few years, the Super Bowl champion has often been a team that goes undefeated gets talked about a lot flies under the radar during the regular season...

Thus far, the following teams seem to be getting most of the press:

New Orleans--Wow, what an amazing story.  Never been to a Super Bowl (bla bla bla).  Already won all of their tough games (bla bla bla).  This team could go undefeated (bla bla bla).

Indianapolis--No one can stop Peyton Manning (even though he almost always chokes in the playoffs).  This must be his magical year (to make another quick playoff exit)!

Baltimore--Wow, after three weeks we've beaten Kansas City, San Diego, and Cleveland.  Well, look at that, ESPN has us (HIGHLY OVERRATED) #1 in the polls!  Three losses bring them back to reality, but one good week against Denver, and here comes the talk again...  Pathetic.

Dallas--Wow, look how unbeatable they look (when they play at home) now...

Philadelphia--Wow, look how unbeatable they look (except when they play the Raiders, Saints, etc.) now...

The following teams seem to be flying under the radar:

Sleeper #1: NY Giants--Quietly working through some of their issues

Sleeper #2: San Francisco--Quietly sitting at 3-4, with close losses against Minn, Indy, and Houston.

Sleeper #3: New England--Seriously, why is no one talking about them?  I predict they waltz into the Super Bowl over Indy and Denver with little or no resistence (watch out, New Orleans, your first loss is coming up soon).

Sleeper #4: Cincinnati--Has anyone watched this team lately?  They are really good!  I am already fearing that December home date coming up.

The following teams are somewhere in the middle:

Minnesota--Perhaps one of the quietest 7-1 seasons I've ever seen - everyone's talking about Brett Favre's return, but where's the love for Percy?  How about Peterson (even if he is just a decoy)?  Special teams?

Denver--One loss and now everyone's forgotten about them

OK, good game - hard fought, and definitely interesting till the end.  I grew up in PA, so I have a lot of respect for this organization.  Now, on to the beef...

Even if there WAS a hold on the kickoff return...

That still doesn’t make up for the bad "tripping" call, because there’s no guarantee PITT would’ve scored on the ensuing possession.

The way I see it, even WITH a bad kickoff return called, PITT came out ahead:

• Without the "two bad calls": MIN up by 4.  (TOTAL momentum swing and the second INT probably doesn't happen.)
• With the "two bad calls": Both an INT return and a KO return - original score basically stays the same - PIT up by 3.  (Momentum shifts back to PIT and sets up a higher pressure situation where Favre has to force more throws, like the one to Chester that gets picked.)
  

OK...make your case that you would have won the game anyway...

Most people would argue against the Vikings being the best in the league right now...

However, are they the best suited to make a Super Bowl run?  Let's look at the stats:

Let's assume for the moment that the Vikings lose a few and wind up with a #2 or #3 seed...according to the numbers, this is actually a GOOD THING!

CHECK 1 - The top seed doesn't really mean anything.

• In the past 5 years, only FOUR (4) out of the TEN (10) #1 seeds actually made it to the Super Bowl AND
• ...ZERO (0) out of the TEN (10) #1 seeds actually WON the Super Bowl (2003 Patriots were the last).

CHECK 2 - Injuries usually take out 1/4 to 1/3 of the starters for nearly every team.

• Unlike the Saints, Colts, and Broncos, most of our reserves could be STARTERS!  We have GREAT depth at QB, RB, WR, and some linesmen.
• We're already starting to see the infirmary reports growing around the NFL - it will catch up to everyone soon...
  
• This will swing the pendulum in our favor as we move down the stretch run of the season.

CHECK 3 - Growing as a team and overcoming obstacles and challenges tends to prepare a team better for the playoffs.

• NO and IND have had a cakewalk - what's going to happen if they get cocky and just waltz into the playoffs?  Look at the 13-3 Colts a few years ago; how about the 13-3 Titans?  How about the 13-3 Cowboys?  All went home!
• Minnesota (and Denver, to a point) has faced TONS of adversity - the media, the pressure, the high expectations, not to mention THREE (3) NAIL-BITING WINS.

CHECK 4 - An All-Pro lineup

• Ladies and gentlemen, Brett Favre has been with us a total of 2 1/2 months, which, in football, is ALMOST NOTHING!  Look how much better Adrian played Sunday!  Look how much better Rice played! (ditto for Berrien, Harvin, Jared Allen, etc, etc, etc).  In other words, WE AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!
• Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Denver all have a lot of no-names who happen to be having good years.  Have they really proven themselves?  Yes, early on.  However, the real pressure lies in the playoffs, and I'd bet my odds on Brett Favre over anyone, the way he's playing right now--plus his EXPERIENCE and DEPTH AROUND HIM.

So, anyone want to argue these checks?  Be my guest!  I, for one, am actually more excited than EVER!!!  The lack of attention, the depth, the adversity, and the all-pro caliber of our lineup makes me believe that, IN THE END...

No one will stop this train!!!!!!! NO ONE........................

With all the talk about who's better than who, I thought it would be neat to throw out the stats and look solely at the W/L record of the teams each have played.

So here goes:

Vikings (6-0):

1. Cleveland (1-5)
2. Detroit (1-5)
3. San Francisco (3-2)
4. Green Bay (3-2)
5. St. Louis (0-6)
6. Baltimore (3-3)
7. MIN AVERAGE OPP W/L (1.83/2.09)
8. MIN AVERAGE OPP Win Pct (.467)

Saints (5-0)

1. Detroit (1-5)
2. Philadelphia (3-2)
3. Buffalo (2-4)
4. NY Jets (3-3)
5. BYE
6. NY Giants (5-1)
7. N.O. AVERAGE OPP W/L (2.8/3)
8. N.O. AVERAGE OPP Win Pct (.483)

Colts (5-0)

1. Jacksonville (3-3)
   
2. Miami (2-3)
   
3. Arizona (3-2)
   
4. Seattle (2-4)
   
5. Tennessee (0-6)
   
6. BYE
7. IND AVERAGE OPP W/L (2/3.6)
8. IND AVERAGE OPP Win Pct (.357)

Broncos (5-0) [Pending Monday night's outcome]

1. Cincinnati (4-2)
   
2. Cleveland (1-5)
   
3. Oakland (2-4)
   
4. Dallas (3-2)
   
5. New England (4-2)
   
6. PENDING
7. DEN AVERAGE OPP W/L (2.8/3)
8. DEN AVERAGE OPP Win Pct (.483)

POWER RANKINGS based on Stength of Schedule ALONE:

1. Saints/Broncos (tie)
2. Vikings
3. Colts

I might give the Vikings a small edge, because they have 6 wins, and the rest have 5, making the top a virtual tie for the Vikes, Saints, and Broncos.  However, I think Peyton is better than his strength of schedule is giving him credit, so, after ALL THAT,

I think all four (4) teams are AWESOME!!!  lol  Who's the best?  Hmm...any given Sunday, my friend...

If any of you haven't yet seen the Brett Favre Sears commercials yet, it's ROTFLMFAO.  :)

Brett makes a decision and then says "Well, I don't know":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmMLBiXQY7g

Brett stays at the store until the late night hours and still can't make up his mind:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xDhi06XIAM

I appreciate Brett's willingness to put himself out there and make fun of himself like this...

Ladies and gentlemen,

We all feel warm and fuzzy about last night's win, but let's be legit here - the toughest part of our schedule lies ahead, and many are already talking about BAL and PIT.

Hmmmmmm....

There is some busy in the Arch town that needs to be settled first.

The last FOUR times MINN has played STL, MINN has been many odds' FAVORITE.  Let's take a look at the last four final scores, shall we?

1. December 31, 2006 - St. Louis 41, Minnesota 21
2. November 30, 2003 - St. Louis 48, Minnesota 17
3. December 10, 2000 - St. Louis 40, Minnesota 29
4. January 16, 2000 (Playoff Game) - St. Louis 49, Minnesota 37

Obviously both teams have changed a lot through the years, but there's something to be said about putting up 40+ on a team every time you play them.  Say what you will--there is a PSYCHOLOGY at play here.

Yes, we have Favre, Peterson, Taylor, Allen, Harvin, and all the rest.

Before, we had Moss, Carter, Smith, McDaniel, Randle, etc.

THIS IS NOT A GIMME - PLEASE Brad make sure you prepare this team to go in there and DOMINATE.  That Rams team will be starving for a win!!!

Hi guys, I'm a fan from the Daily Norseman, but I grew up in PA, love the Steelers in the AFC, and thought you'd enjoy this post...

I'm sure most of you don't pay much heed to the Power Rankings.  However, in this case, I have to stop the insanity...

I'm referring to our Purple counterparts in the state of Mary.

Yes, folks, I'm talking about none other than the team we will see in two weeks--the Baltimore Ravens.

Come on, now--obviously this team has improved, but to rank them higher than the likes of Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre (all of whom have 3-0 records, BTW)?

Let's evaluate the teams Baltimore has faced...

• Kansas City (0-3)---LOL, that's all I can say about that
  
• San Diego (2-1)---Wow, the Ravens win against an OLD, OVERRATED team with a failing defense, a has-been RB--SD BARELY won against Oakland
  
• Cleveland (0-3)---LOL again

Hmm, the Ravens have faced teams with a combined 2-7 record, the LOWEST of all of the 3-0 teams in the entire league.

Still think I'm chasing the wrong rabbit?  What do you all think?  I think they should be 5-6, at the highest.

I'm sure most of you don't pay much heed to the Power Rankings.  However, in this case, I have to stop the insanity...

I'm referring to our Purple counterparts in the state of Mary.

Yes, folks, I'm talking about none other than the team we will see in two weeks--the Baltimore Ravens.

Come on, now--obviously this team has improved, but to rank them higher than the likes of Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre (all of whom have 3-0 records, BTW)?

Let's evaluate the teams Baltimore has faced...

• Kansas City (0-3)---LOL, that's all I can say about that
  
• San Diego (2-1)---Wow, the Ravens win against an OLD, OVERRATED team with a failing defense, a has-been RB--SD BARELY won against Oakland
  
• Cleveland (0-3)---LOL again

Hmm, the Ravens have faced teams with a combined 2-7 record, the LOWEST of all of the 3-0 teams in the entire league.

Still think I'm chasing the wrong rabbit?  What do you all think?  I think they should be 5-6, at the highest.

Some people thrive on saying the opposite of what Vikings fans are everyone else is thinking.  They, instead, pressured by Packers and Bears fans, choose to bestow their "wisdom" on all of us, albeit probably to provoke a reaction.

"Brett Favre isn't as clutch as you think"

Um... excuse me, David Fleming (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/090930&sportCat=nfl), but he looked rather clutch to me last Sunday.  Let's evaluate your argument...

"I mean, Comeback No. 37 on Sept. 9, 2007 was a classic: a four-play, 6-yard drive that led to a last-second 42-yard field goal to beat Philly, 16-13"

Hmm...since when is holding your own, not making a mistake, and getting your FG kicker an extra 6 yards un-clutch?  After all, they only needed a FG to win, not a TD.  Seems to me Brett made the smart move, don't you???

"Comeback No. 39? Oct. 29, 2007, an 82-yard pass to Greg Jennings that gave the Packers a 19-13 win over the Broncos in OT...it was in overtime with the score tied at 13. It's a hallmark play, no question, one of the all-time great game-winning throws in Packer lore, but it's still not a comeback and, sadly, doesn't belong on The List."

(Waits for the gasps and laughing to subside)

Ummm - what exactly does it take to impress you, Mr. Fleming?  (must be a disgrutled Browns fan - I'd be a pouty-face too)

"He now has ten game-winning touchdown passes thrown in the final two minutes of play. Not 43."

Perhaps you're right, David.  I think that Favre definitely should have allowed his opponents to hang around, swing the momentum back their way, and make it that much more agonizing tiring exhausting impressive at the end.

In the words of Bill O'Reilly, this guy is definitely a pinhead...

OK, so here's the question we all need to assess...

Has Chilly's play calling improved?

Last Sunday, there was a mix of runs, passes, and a taste of the Wildcat.  The defense played excellent (aside from a special teams TD and the 2nd team TD at the end of the game, we only gave up 6 pts).

I was not pleased with the onside kick call so early in the game - though Longwell could've kicked it better.

I would give him a "B" overall.

What do you all think??

Can someone post again the times that NFL Network will rebroadcast the last 3 preseason games?  Thanks!

(To fill the rest of the required 75 words, I will just say that if Brett Favre leads the team to 1 win in the playoffs, I approve of the move.  If not, then it was a bust - TJ, with all his inconsistency, led us to a division title and a playoff berth.

Do you all agree with me?)

Check it out...

So, assuming this weekend goes well (either MIN wins or CHI loses), here's our road to the Super Bowl:

ROUND 1:
DAL or TB @ MIN

We generally play well against the boyz in the dome, and TB hasn't looked to hot lately...

ROUND 2:
MIN @ CAR or ATL

I'm hoping Carolina loses to New Orleans, so we can have the chance to travel to Hotlanta in round 2 - it'd be AWESOME to put the whooping on them down there.

However, a hard fought game in Carolina could be just as pleasant.

ROUND 3:
MIN @ NYG
(or could be ATL or CAR @ MIN if one of them goes into NY and wins)

The Vikes have played very well in the Meadowlands, and both ATL would NEVER have a repeat performance of last week - 9 out of 10 games we win last week's situation.

Regardless, we have proven we can play well against ALL these teams - this should be a win as well, as long as we stay focused and don't turn the ball over (a big if, I know)

ROUND 4 - TAMBA BAY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY:
MIN VS IND, PIT, or TEN

Let's see... Indy has proven they are beatable, when our defense steps up.
Pittsburgh would be the toughest draw, but I'd say that Big Ben could make a mistake against our D
Tennessee would also be tough, but they've been playing off and on as of late, PLUS I wouldn't count on them having EVERY call go their way twice in a row...

We could see San Diego if they get hot.  Anyone remember AP's numbers the last time we played them?  *wink*

HOW CAN A TEAM MOVE ON BE SO COMPLETELY STUPID!?!?!?!?!?  The Green Bay Packers laid a HUGE egg yesterday and their fans are starting to get very angry up there - meanwhile, Brett Favre just led the Jets over the HIGHLY favored Titans and now has a chance to win a Super Bowl in a different shade of Green.

Ladies and gentlemen, since we're probably not going to represent in the Super Bowl this year (I'm not giving up hope, but it doesn't seem like quite the right time yet...)

I am pulling for Brett to win it with NY this postseason - I will LAUGH SO FREAKING HARD I might actually go into convulsions if NY wins it and Green Bay is left crying -

Honestly, folks - besides a Super Bowl win, could there be anything better as a consolation prize than THAT?  It'd probably be the closest things to the adrenaline rush of winning the big game that we're gonna get for a year or two...

I am maybe a little drunk giddy just thinking about it...

MAJOR props to Big Cat Country's "River City Rage," the main Jaguars blogger.  This is one of the funniest pics I've seen since the McDonald's pic we had here earlier this year...

via www.bigcatcountry.com

The special teams BAILED him again today - this man is too lucky for words.

Maybe Chilly should find a new day job...He looks kind of good in a captain's hat, don't you all think?

If you ask me, Chilly made the right decision here - we don't need leeway to the point of more "love boat" incidents.  What do you all think?

Here's part of the article on Access Vikings:

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Coach Brad Childress said that running back Adrian Peterson was held out of the Vikings’ first two offensive series today because he was late to a team meeting on Saturday. “It’s just how we do business,” Childress said after his team’s 30-12 victory. “We talked to our leadership committee. They are all unanimous with that and that’s just the way it goes. Everybody else is accountable, they’re accountable as well.”

Said Peterson: I fully understand it and accept it. That’s one thing I know abourt our coach, there’s no prima donnas. … It wasn’t really anything big but I respect his decision.”

Although it went largely unnoticed, cornerback Cedric Griffin also did not start because he also was late for the meeting. Marcus McCauley started in Griffin’s place. That fact was easy to overlook because the Jaguars fumbled on the first play from scrimmage and Napoleon Harris returned the ball 27 yards for a touchdown. Griffin returned on the next series.

Peterson also was benched for the Vikings’ opening offensive series in the regular-season finale last year at Denver after being late for a team bus.

We had an earlier post about this, but I want to see W/L predictions and playoff predictions, if you care to share...

@TB - close game, but I get the feeling Gus is going to blow this one since TB has a REALLY tricky D and it's an away game.  5-5

@JAX - another close game, but I see the Vikes winning this one.  Jax has had trouble closing out games, and David Gerrard hasn't been throwing quite as well.  6-5

CHI - This game has me worried...it will undoubtedly decide the division, because, if we lose, the tie-breaker would go to CHI.  If we win, CHI would likely be 1-2 games back with a tough remaining schedule.  CHI has been playing really smooth ball this year.  However, there's no way THAT many breaks will go against us again in the dome.  We squeak it out at the end.  7-5

@DET - This will either be close or a blowout.  If Chilly has ANY sense, he'll preach how close the first game was until he's blue in the face.  This should be a win, though I suspect it'll be close too.  8-5

@ARI - Sorry folk, we will get blown out in this game.  ARI wins something like 55-38.  8-6

ATL - This game has me scratching my head.  This club has taken out all of the other North contenders.  However, MIN has played well against NFC South clubs this year.  Since it's in the dome, I give a slight edge to MIN because ATL's run D is still not that great...expect a big game from AD after the loss in ARI 9-6

NYG - After seeing Eli dismantle the Steelers, Cowboys, and Eagles in back-to-back-to-back weeks, I'd say it's safe to say this team is your #1 seed locked up by the last game.  Expect an early lead by the Giants, but MIN roars like hell in the second half, when the Giants' backups are in.  10-6

Where does 10-6 leave us?  Most likely that will be a #3 or #4 seed, meaning we will play against one of the top wild cards.  The way things are shaping up, that could be anybody - the Redskins, Cowboys, Eagles, Bears, Panthers, and Bucs are ALL in contention for that spot.  Whoever it is, I'd say that AD will probably shine at home in the Vikes first home playoff game since, what, 2001?

Round 2 we travel to either NY or ARI, where we get our butts handed to us on a silver platter.  However, it sure is better than the last few years...

What do you all think?

This team is almost a carbon copy of the Bears - they are always ALWAYS looking for the takeaway... Two weeks ago against KC they relied on several turnover breaks at the end of the game to prevail at the end.

Here's the problem... Gus needs some serious confidence - this game could be over by a quick fumble by AD or a quick INT or 2 by Gus.

The Vikings need to SLOW THIS GAME DOWN and get into halftime with a close game.

It's very simple - if Berrien is doubled up, then take the 1-2 yd gains with AD and play a field position game.

TB has a VERY clever and tricky defense - it's not a team to go gunslinging against.

With a close game at the end, I give the advantage to our line and AD

Ladies and gentlemen, I thought I'd heard it all...until this morning when I read KS's 23-24 paragraph analysis of why Viking fans detest Childress, I DON'T remember him mentioning that:

#1. The defense is scoring more points than the offense.
#2. Chilly kept TJ around WAY too long.
#3. Childress won't even ALLOW his quarterbacks to audible (giving a clear advantage to good defensive teams).
#4. The Vikings LUCKED their way to 3-3 (had Minn not gotten two lucky officiating calls, they'd be 1-5 and Childress would be gone soon).
#5. My great-grandfather is guessing most of the plays before they snap.
#6. The team has been UNPREPARED and SLUGGISH almost every game this year.
(Need I continue?  I could, but I need to eat, so I'll stop here...)

#1 - How are you guys NOT 6-0?  Dang, you lost another heartbreaker today...

#2 - Our coach is an IDIOT!!!  Hester should have a big day next week...  How many touchdowns do you think he'll have next week?

#3 - Adrian Peterson is human - he fumbled the ball TWICE today, so, you never know...  How many TD's do you think he'll get this year?  (We all remember last year...)

#4 - I look forward to a good, clean game without the refs giving a lucky win to someone.  Any thoughts?