Vikings Better than Packers?
In a last-minute loss to the Panthers last night, the Packers solidified their last-place standing in the division.
Granted, the Vikings have already defeated the Saints, and the Packers play them next, so our 1-3 record might not be any stronger than their 1-4 record, if they beat the Saints, too.
Our division is pathetic. Today, our standings are thus:
| Team | Win | Loss |
| Chicago Bears | 1 | 2 |
| Detroit Lions | 1 | 2 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 1 | 3 |
| Green Bay Packers | 4 |
Of course, not everyone has passed their bye week. The Bears and Lions have. The Vikings bye is this week. The Packers not until after next week's game against the Saints. So, after the next two weeks, the teams will all have played five games and had their bye; the real play can begin (cough, cough).
For the past few years, although in the same conference, neither Detroit or the Bears have had much respect by Vikings fans. Our only real competition has come from the Packers. No real disrespect intended, just that home-town fan-based optimism, but the outlook for the next two weeks looks pretty bleak for our whole division. Could it be a four-way tie?
Next week's games will be tough on the NFC North teams. The Packers could defeat the Saints; technically 1-4, but still only one win--since the Vikings took the Saints, and the Pack and Vikes are perceived by us to be competitively equivalent (normally splitting their two games a year 1-1). The Bengals should tear the Bears apart, and the Bucaneers should have their way with the Lions. With the Vikings bye, that's all four teams with only one win, most with three losses, and the Packers with four.
The following week the Pack have their bye (could be 1-4), the Vikings (should be 2-3) play the Bears (should be 1-4), and the Lions take on the Panthers (should be 1-4 after the way the Panthers just took the Packers).
The Vikings should be the clear leader of the NFC North in two weeks, but to what end?
Let's say the season continues, and the Vikings eek out enough wins to take the division. I don't think they're good enough, from what we've seen so far, to take the NFC. What kind of defense-based game would that have to be?
Skeptical, but hopeful. Thanks, Panthers, for keeping the Packers down.
