Three things that we should all be rooting for this week
So just sitting around pondering after yesterdays win, and I came up with three things that I really hope happen this week in the NFL:
#1 Vikings beat the Panthers: This one is obvious, you know being a Vikings fan and all we should want our team to win every game. Plus, it pretty much solidifies a first round bye with all the tie breakers going Minnesota's way at that point.
#2 Rams beat the Eagles: Yes, if we win out, the #1 seed is ours (At least that's what I heard this morning). But having an extra game cushion would be nice, PLUS if the Vikings can win up to the last game of the season, 50% of the people in the Vikings world would get their wish. At that point, the Chicago @ Minnesota game would have no meaning. We would have the #1 seed locked up and then they can run Bridgewater out there to see what they have there.
#3 For the love of God, please let the Browns beat the Packers: Not just because it would be fun to rub the Packer fans nose in it, and not even because I am worried that Aaron Rodgers might come back, well in a sense. This is a request because if the Packers get to 7-6. ALL you are going to hear at ALL times for ever until they lose again is how Aaron Rodgers is going to save the Packers season. There will even be some Super Bowl predictions and the mania will begin. It will be on every channel at all hours. They will probably even do a press release from NATO headquarters or something. I am not worried that he could beat the Vikings, I think the Vikes are a better team, but I am enjoying listening to sports talk radio right now. If the Packers beat the Browns, it will be unbearable. The pre-game shows will have exposes on Rodgers life while he had a broken collarbone. We will see the play of him walking in to A. Barr over and over again, and the debate of whether it was a "dirty" hit will be rehashed ad nauseam. So please, for the love of God, GO BROWNS!!
The least likely in that list to happen is the Eagles loss to the Rams. I think with the Eagles securing practice facilities out west and coming off a bad loss that they'll be ready for the Rams.
I actually think the chances of the Browns beating the Pack are decent. Just chuck it up there dawg to Gordon and they'll win. Hudley is terrible. Like barley 3rd string terrible.
The last on the list, Vikings winning in Carolina? From what I've seen our D isn't over pursuing the QB. IF they do that and force Cam to win by throwing the ball I don't think it will be that bad of a game. The only way we lose to Carolina is if Cam has a great day rushing.
Vikings W
Falcons at home over New Orleans
Rams at home over Eagles
Jaguars at home over Seattle
Vikings 11-2, NFC North Locked Up
LA 10-3
Philly 10-3
New Orleans 9-4
That would mean only one W and one LA loss from locking up a BYE.
@"AGRforever" said: The least likely in that list to happen is the Eagles loss to the Rams. I think with the Eagles securing practice facilities out west and coming off a bad loss that they'll be ready for the Rams.I actually think the chances of the Browns beating the Pack are decent. Just chuck it up there dawg to Gordon and they'll win. Hudley is terrible. Like barley 3rd string terrible.
The last on the list, Vikings winning in Carolina? From what I've seen our D isn't over pursuing the QB. IF they do that and force Cam to win by throwing the ball I don't think it will be that bad of a game. The only way we lose to Carolina is if Cam has a great day rushing.
I too believe that the winless Browns get their first W by beating GB. Their defense is better than leople believe, plus the return of Gordon gives them a considerable offensive threat
The key matchup in the Browns v. Packers is the Browns D against Brett Hundley. I like that matchup. The Browns, for all of their frustrations, have a young, promising D.
@"Skodin" said:@"AGRforever" said: The least likely in that list to happen is the Eagles loss to the Rams. I think with the Eagles securing practice facilities out west and coming off a bad loss that they'll be ready for the Rams.I actually think the chances of the Browns beating the Pack are decent. Just chuck it up there dawg to Gordon and they'll win. Hudley is terrible. Like barley 3rd string terrible.
The last on the list, Vikings winning in Carolina? From what I've seen our D isn't over pursuing the QB. IF they do that and force Cam to win by throwing the ball I don't think it will be that bad of a game. The only way we lose to Carolina is if Cam has a great day rushing.
I too believe that the winless Browns get their first W by beating GB. Their defense is better than leople believe, plus the return of Gordon gives them a considerable offensive threatI hope you are right, but I watched part of that game yesterday Browns vs. Chargers. It seemed the Browns can't get out of their own way. They drove in to Chargers territory twice late to bring it within a 1 score game and turned the ball over both times. One was a horrible interception by Kiser. I am not sure if that guy isn't a bit color blind.
As for the Packers, they are currently 2 games out of playoff spot (I believe). Even if they manage to win out, they'll still need a lot of help. One more loss essentially closes their playoff dreams, I think (hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong).
Regardless, I 100% agree with you, GO BROWNS!!!
I need to add a #4 to your list, VR...
#4--Matt Kalil needs to FINALLY meet The 100% REAL Everson Griffen.
Rhodes will be in crisis mode on Sunday. The Panthers do not have a receiver worthy of his attention. Funchess? Really? I'm a Michigan fan and even I don't think he is a number 1 receiver. Rhodes may ask to cover Olsen. Or McCaffrey. Maybe he will try to cover any two receivers who line up close to each other.
I do not see Carolina beating us through the air. So will they rely on their run game to win? That's typically not a formula for success against this defense. No, I don't think Carolina's offense can win this game. We do not give up many big plays and Cam is not accurate enough to pick us apart.
Actually, I think Carolina will need their defense to score or at least set up their offense in really good field position several times. If the Vikings' offense is even as good as it was yesterday and they do not turn it over, I see another road win.
I believe the Eagles are very over-rated, and the Rams are the second-best team in the NFC. So I expect the Rams to win.
SmashmouthD NFC Team Rankings
1) Your Minnesota Vikings
2) Rams
3) Saints
4) Tie - Seahawks & Eagles (Seahawks would be much better if not for some injured defenders. And will they ever fix that O-Line?)
6) Panthers
@"dadevike" said: Rhodes will be in crisis mode on Sunday. The Panthers do not have a receiver worthy of his attention. Funchess? Really? I'm a Michigan fan and even I don't think he is a number 1 receiver. Rhodes may ask to cover Olsen. Or McCaffrey. Maybe he will try to cover any two receivers who line up close to each other. I do not see Carolina beating us through the air. So will they rely on their run game to win? That's typically not a formula for success against this defense. No, I don't think Carolina's offense can win this game. We do not give up many big plays and Cam is not accurate enough to pick us apart. Actually, I think Carolina will need their defense to score or at least set up their offense in really good field position several times. If the Vikings' offense is even as good as it was yesterday and they do not turn it over, I see another road win.
To be fair, MN's offense yesterday was a thing of beauty. Keenum was basically perfect. 2 of his 5 incompletions came when Diggs and Theilen ALMOST made great sideline grabs. At least 1 was a throw away. I can't recall the other 2 but if our Offense plays as good as they did yesterday the rest of the year we'll have our 1st ring.
@"dadevike" said: Rhodes will be in crisis mode on Sunday. The Panthers do not have a receiver worthy of his attention. Funchess? Really? I'm a Michigan fan and even I don't think he is a number 1 receiver. Rhodes may ask to cover Olsen. Or McCaffrey. Maybe he will try to cover any two receivers who line up close to each other. I do not see Carolina beating us through the air. So will they rely on their run game to win? That's typically not a formula for success against this defense. No, I don't think Carolina's offense can win this game. We do not give up many big plays and Cam is not accurate enough to pick us apart. Actually, I think Carolina will need their defense to score or at least set up their offense in really good field position several times. If the Vikings' offense is even as good as it was yesterday and they do not turn it over, I see another road win.
Zim will find something for him to do.
Wonder if they will just cover their normal side? I think we shut down their offense completely.
I wonder how we will go about handling McCaffrey. Panthers have been utilizing in a lot of ways.
Come on Browns---take it to Chumley.
Vikings take care of business---Slam Cam.
Rams---you got the blueprint to the Eagles(Their D is for real) Ya have to move Your Qb or he'll get hit hard and often.
Atlanta---get after it this Thursday---Saints won't give it to you; you'll have to get stops and take it in pieces(can't keep hoping to get large chunks(move the chains and be happy)
@"Vikesrock" said: So just sitting around pondering after yesterdays win, and I came up with three things that I really hope happen this week in the NFL: #3 For the love of God, please let the Browns beat the Packers:
The league knows that
1. GB is still alive for the playoffs
2. Rodgers is coming back.
The Browns will not be allowed even a chance at beating the Packers. I predict they get called for 8 penalties in the first half... at least 2 of which they'll actually be guilty of. Think the GB/Lions week 17 matchup last year for the NFCN title. Did anyone think the Lions had even a 1% shot at getting a fair shake in that game? Same thing here.
It would be beautiful to see though.
@"Norse" said: I wonder how we will go about handling McCaffrey. Panthers have been utilizing in a lot of ways.Why not put Rhodes on him and let Newman or Waynes cover Funchess? Harry on Olson...Barr spies Cam...
But, with Kalil trying and failing to block Griffen...Cam holding on to the ball too long...coverage down field might not be an issue...
What I don't want to see is Reggie Bush 2.0 isolated on Gedeon...we'll lose that matchup every single time...you can't really play nickel because they'll run Stewart...maybe bring Smith down as Nickel backer and let Harris and Dejo play safety...
2 of their 4 losses are to the Saints and the other to a very close game with the Eagles. One bad loss to the Bears. It won't be easy.
@"BarrNone55" said:@"Norse" said: I wonder how we will go about handling McCaffrey. Panthers have been utilizing in a lot of ways. Why not put Rhodes on him and let Newman or Waynes cover Funchess? Harry on Olson...Barr spies Cam...But, with Kalil trying and failing to block Griffen...Cam holding on to the ball too long...coverage down field might not be an issue...
I would rather Rhodes cover Olsen. If he plays. Harry and Kendricks can take care of McCaffrey out of the backfield. If he splits wide, let whomever is out there cover him. I doubt he is a better route runner than Sanu or Jordy Nelson.Barr spies on Cam for sure. He has the size and the closing speed to nullify Cam running the ball.
I am not to worried about a deep ball this week. take away Mccaffrey and pressure Cam early and often. mix up the coverages so Cam will be guessing pre snap and see what happens.
1. Cam doesnt like to get hit, so hit him early and often.
2. Cam doesnt read defenses the greatest, so move the pieces around on him and make him hold the ball a second longer each play ( see #1)
3. Cam makes bad decision when he is playing from behind.... Our O needs to come out firing. Case needs to put up TDs early in the game IMO.
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.