Last night’s loss to the Cardinals in Arizona left the 10-2 Vikings in need of a “holiday gift” to earn home field advantage in the playoffs. With four weeks of the NFL schedule remaining, 12-0 New Orleans looks like a solid bet to be at home through the NFC playoffs including a possible conference championship game against the Vikings with the winner going to the Super Bowl.
The Vikings have Cincinnati (9-3) at home next Sunday, then consecutive road games with Carolina (5-7) and Chicago (5-7), before ending the regular season in the Metrodome against the New York Giants (7-5). The Saints are at Atlanta (6-6) next Sunday, then have consecutive home games with Dallas (8-4) and Tampa Bay (1-11) before finishing the regular season on the road at Carolina.
The Vikings’ remaining opponents are a combined 26-22. The Saints’ opposition is 20-28.
The Vikings obviously face the challenge of not only having two more losses than the Saints, but Minnesota’s remaining schedule might prove to be the more difficult including the Cincinnati game and a “Weather Bowl” matchup in Chicago. Cincinnati has a rushing defense that ranks second in the NFL giving up only 81.8 yards per game. The Bengals have balance in their offense with quarterback Carson Palmer throwing and multiple quality runners including Cedric Benson, the former Bear. The Bengals and the Vikings have faced common opponents including Pittsburgh, one of only two teams to defeat Minnesota. Cincinnati has two wins over the Steelers this season.
The Vikings’ games with Chicago and the Giants make for interesting speculation. The Vikings embarrassed the Bears here, winning 36-10. But who knows what kind of factor the weather will be in Chicago on December 28 for that Monday night game. Football lore is filled with upsets by lowly teams who took advantage of help from the weather gods.
Before the season the Giants were thought to be among the elite teams in the NFC. It’s been peaks and valleys so far. As one NFL source told Sports Headliners, “Who knows which Giants team will show up here?”
That’s a good question, but there’s no doubt about these last few weeks holding intrigue for Vikings fans. Coach Brad Childress and his players just wish Arizona had gift wrapped a win for them last night.