18
Dec
2007
Overrated Vikings and NFC Playoff Predictions
Why is everyone suddenly hopping on Minnesota’s bandwagon? Because they’ve won 5 straight games, 4 of which are against teams with losing records? Tavaris Jackson is playing good? Really? 5 touchdown and 5 interceptions is good? Wow. I guess NFL quarterbacks really are that bad if Tavaris Jackson is suddenly considered “good”.
I listened to analyst after analyst talk about the scariest team to play if your Green Bay, Dallas, Seattle or Tampa Bay is Minnesota; not Washington. Let me point out that it was Washington that went into Green Bay and lost by 3. It was Washington that went into Dallas and was inside the 10 yard line, down by 5 with seconds remaining before Campbell made an errant throw that ended the game. It was Washington that was inside the 15 yard line of Tampa Bay, on the road, before Ronde Barber had an interception to seal the win for the Bucs. Yes, I understand that they lost all three games but by an average of 4 points! Minnesota on the other hand lost by 7 and most recently, 34-0 to Green Bay this season. They lost by 10 to Dallas. They didn’t play Seattle or Tampa Bay. Now look at those games and explain to me why Minnesota is the bigger threat. Three of the four division winners have defenses that can stop the run. So you think Tavaris Jackson is going to go into Lambeu, Texas Stadium, or Raymond James and win with his arm? Please.
I’m not saying that Washington is suddenly New England-esque or anything, but they are better than Minnesota. Their defense is clicking and getting better each week. From 5 weeks ago to now they have given up, in order, 28, 19, 17, 16, and 10 points. That’s the kind of trend you want to see going into the final two games of the season.
Here’s what’s going to happen. Minnesota is going to get beat at home by Washington, then go on the road and lose to Denver, putting them at 8-8. The Giants will go into Buffalo and win, then lose to New England, putting them at 10-6 and secure 5th place in the playoffs. New Orleans is going to lose to Philadelphia, and then win at Chicago, putting them at 8-8. Washington will beat Minnesota and then beat Dallas in Washington, putting them at 9-7 and the final spot of the playoffs.
In the playoffs, Seattle will beat Washington and the Bucs will beat the Giants. The Bucs will go to Green Bay, the one seed, and lose. The Cowboys will beat the Seahawks, avenging last year’s heartbreaker. Dallas will go into Lambeau field, and lose. Green Bay will go on to the Super Bowl. That is what will happen. Start watching my correct predictions next Sunday.
You really think this guy has what it takes to make the playoffs? You must be joking.