The Vikings Season Has Been Declared “Dead” — But Desperate Teams Can Play Exciting Football
With just four games played, the Minnesota Vikings season is already on life support. Zero wins and four losses will do that to you. The Vikings are in dire need of a win to have any glimmer of a chance to salvage the year. Their next game against the Arizona Cardinals may be just the opportunity to get back on track.
The Cardinals have a dismal 1-3 record. Of course, that means they are also desperate for a win. The question is, which team is more desperate? Last year the Viking burned the Cardinals with a thrilling come-from-behind surge. This game should be another thriller.
Things get tougher for the Vikings in game six when they meet fellow ‘black-and-blue’ division rivals, the Chicago Bears. Chicago has struggled somewhat this year, but they have a punishing style, with a huge line on both sides of the ball. They hate the Vikings, and the Vikings hate them – so it should be a war. That means good game!
Week Seven brings the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, and about the only advantage for the Vikings here may be home field. On paper, this should be a blow-out – meaning Packers blow out Vikings, that is. But Vikings-Packers games are notoriously unpredictable. Purchase your Vikings tickets now to ensure that you don’t miss the surprise upset if it occurs. Again, expect a top-notch contest.
The Vikings meet the Carolina Panthers in a Game 8 away game – this is a team they should be able to play with, but it all depends on which Vikings team shows up. If the Vikings play like they did in Kansas City, they won’t have a chance in Carolina.
After a bye week, Game Nine has the Vikings heading to Lambeau Field to play their most hated rivals again. Again, it’s hard to imagine the Vikings faring well on cold Lambeau Field among the frantic faithful for the green and gold. Should be a romp for the Pack.
Game 11 is a clash with the Oakland Raiders, with Vikings at home. The Vikings will likely easily beat the Raiders. This game may be a yawner, however. Game 12 against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome will almost certainly be a see-saw game. On paper, and so far in style of play, Vikings and Falcons are similar teams in many ways.
If the Vikings play like they are capable of playing, Adrian Peterson should have a big day running against Denver’s defense in Game 13. As bad as the Vikings have been so far, they should be able to roll the Broncos.
The Vikings have already lost to Detroit this year, but it was a close game. On the other hand, Detroit is proving to be “for real” especially after an unbelievable come-from-behind victory against Dallas in Week 4. Detroit has to be favored, but the Vikings may keep it close, so should be a thrilling finish.
Game 15 is the New Orleans Saints, played in Minnesota. Again, on paper, these teams should be evenly matched – the Saints have a lot of talent – but the Vikings have talent, too. This may be a mild upset. Vikings could pull it out by three points.
Game 16 is an away game for the Vikings against the Washington Redskins. The Redskins are 3-1, having a pretty good year and are winning close games. Of course, by Game 16 one never knows where each team is or at what level they are playing – but all signs portend a tough day for the Vikings playing in Washington
The last game of the year is once again the Chicago Bears. This may be fitting, since many Minnesota sports writers have already declared the 2011-12 Vikings season “dead.” Ending the year with a slug match against Chicago will be a great way to either bury the Viking dead, or take out one last bit of revenge by bagging some Bears. Don’t miss any of the action, purchase your Viking tickets now.
