Viking Playoff Chances

[JIvers]

The way I now see it, the Vikings have about a 40% chance of making the playoffs as a wild card, and a 5% chance of making it as NFC North champions.

Briefly, I do not see the Vikings catching the Panthers, Seahawks, or Bears in the playoff hunt. Two weeks ago I thought the Vikings had a shot to win the division, but the Bears are winning games I didn't think they would win. The Seahawks and Panthers should win their respective divisions, and it is anyone's guess as to whether the Giants or Dallas will win the East. That means the Vikings are competing for one of the two wild card spots against Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Washington, and either New York or Dallas. The Vikings have an easier schedule remaining than any of those teams, IMO, but their five early losses have put them behind the eight-ball down the stretch. I am confident the Vikings will finish ahead of the 'skins, with the race being with Bucs and Falcons (both of whom own tie-breakers and currently better records over the Vikings), the Giants (better record now but lost to the Vikings), or Dallas (also a better record at this point in time).

I believe the Vikings could win all five of their remaining games, but it is not likely. Pittsburgh will be a tall order, and I am reluctantly admitting the Bears are for real, although they play the Vikings again at the Metrodome. Detroit should be an easy win, St. Louis is no longer the greatest show on turf, and no one considers Brian Billick a genius anymore (please, no more talk about hiring him to replace Tice if Billick is fired by the Ravens.)

In short, the Vikings will most likely finish 9-7, and I am not sure that will be enough to put them ahead of any two teams from among the Falcons, Bucs, and Giants or Cowboys. But, given that I thought things were going to get really ugly after Culpepper went down, I shouldn't complain too much.

[Down to Earth]

I'd say you are right on with that post. I agree that the VIkes have a good chance of ending up at 9-7, maybe even 10-6. Probably what its going to come down to is tiebreakers, maybe even between between more than 2 teams. If the Vikes lose games from here on out they best do it against AFC opponents. I'm not certain, but I think if 3 or more teams are tied they go by conference record. Even there I'm not sure how the Vikes would stand up. Still a lot of football to be played yet.

[M.T. Bucket]

Basically you'll be spending next Sunday reluctantly doing what I spent last Monday doing...rooting for the cheese.

I've got to say, I'm a little concerned (little) about the Bears facing the Pack Sunday and Christmas...they're better than their record would indicate, therefore they're due...of course, the Pack is banged up pretty bad. I just hope they aren't looking to be spoilers.

As much as I like Chicago and have faith in defense winning games, they need to have at least ONE good offensive show to pull the division off...gotta give you're D a break once in a while. I think they might skid a little with this schedule--hope I'm wrong--and finish up 10-6, which I think will be good enough to take the division.