Big Games, Better Records, The Playoff Chase 2007

I have heard a lot of talk about the Vikings losing record against teams with winning records lately. Most of this talk comes from the holier than Cowboy fans and Packers fans, who are sitting with homefield advantage for the upcoming playoff rounds. Well, they should be happy. Their teams are in. Both the Packers and Cowboys have 4-1 records against teams with winning records. This would explain their "catbird" seat and smug fans.

But did you know that the team with the third best winning percentage against winning teams this season is the VIKINGS? Cue the horn.

I don't know what it means, but it certainly paints a playoff picture worth discussing. The Vikings are 2-3 (their only losses coming against the Cowboys and the Pack), and the Saints are 2-4 (obviously a tougher schedule for them). But if anyone is going take the Seahawks (1-2), Buccaneers (1-3), Giants (0-4) or Redskins(1-5) as serious playoff threats, they better check their track record against better teams.

This is why tomorrows game with the Redskins is THE SEASON for the Vikings. It is on National TV in a playoff atmosphere during the country's biggest Holiday Season for a Football viewing audience. It will feel like a playoff game. Should the Vikings win, they would have a great shot at not just making the playoffs, but also finding success on the road as #5 or #6 seed against Seattle or Tampa Bay.

The good news is the Vikings will know where they stand before the game starts. If the Eagles beat the Saints, and the Giants lose at Buffalo, the NFL might be the Vikings Oyster come playoff time. I don't want to get too crazy and start predicting a Vikings at Green Bay NFC Title game, but it sure would become a possible scenario. I have written before, that I would LOVE to go back to Green Bay and seek revenge to all the Cheeseheads who laughed us out of town back in November. It would make for good NFL drama, an easy story to sell, and well... again, let's just keep it real and 1-0 this weekend.

Enjoy the big day. I will be there at 12 noon for some tailgating. Peace to all Vikings all over the World.


NFC Playoff Contenders records against teams with Winning Records:
Feel free and use this for speculation, high jinx, bold predictions, ignorant banter or otherwise. These records mean NOTHING when it comes time to suit up in the elements called playoffs.

1. Cowboys (4-1)
Giants (9-5) W, 45-35
Patriots (14-0) L, 27-48
Vikings (8-6) W, 24-14
Giants (9-5) W, 31-20
Packers (12-2) W, 37-27

2. Packers (4-1)
Giants (9-5) W, 35-13
Chargers (9-5) W, 31-24
Vikings (8-6) W, 23-16
Vikings (8-6) W, 34-0
Cowboys (12-2) L 27-37

3. Vikings (2-3)
Packers (12-2) L, 16-23
Cowboys (12-2) L, 14-24
Chargers (9-5) W, 35-17
Packers (12-2) L, 0-34
Giants (9-5), W, 41-17

4. Saints (2-4)
Colts (12-2) L, 10-41
Buccaneers (9-5) L, 14-31
Titans (8-6) L, 14-31
Seahawks (9-5) W, 28-17
Jaguars (10-4) W, 41-24
Buccaneers (9-5) L, 23-27

5. Seahawks (1-2)
Buccaneers (9-5) W, 20-6
Steelers (10-5) L, 0-21
Browns (9-5) L, 30-33

6. Bucs (1-3)
Seahawks (9-5) L, 6-20
Colts (12-2) L, 14-33
Titans (8-6) W, 13-10
Jaguarts (10-4),L, 23-24

8. Redskins (1-5)
Giants (9-5) L, 17-24
Packers (12-2) L, 14-17
Patriots (14-0) L, 7-52
Cowboys (12-2), L, 23-28
Buccaneers (9-5) L, 13-19
Gaints (9-5) W, 22-10
Vikings (8-6) TBD
Cowboys (12-2) TBD

8. Giants (0-4)
Cowboys (12-2) L, 35-45
Packers (12-2) L, 13-35
Cowboys (12-2) L, 20-31
Vikings (8-6) L,,17-41
Patriots (14-0), TBD