Vikings vs. Packers

Packers at Vikings

Another installment of the greatest rivalry in Sports.

The Vikings play host to the Packers this Sunday. A tale of two struggling teams at 1-4, this game is a must win for each side of the border. Playing in a division where 2 wins retains the #1 spot, the winner of this game would only be 1 game out at worst, and possibly take a share of the divisional lead. On the other hand, the still has the possiblity of remaining only one game behind a 2-4 division. This is essentially a springboard game for both teams, and one of the boards will break thus spiraling the losing team into obscurity.

The only win either team has been able to scrape up this year was against a homeless Saints team. Green Bay is coming off a blowout win two weeks ago, and the benefit of the bye last week. Minnesota came out of the bye last week to be embarrassed by the Bears. Neither team has proven themselves capable of playing a real squad and thus the battle this week seems to be the game to decide the biggest loser. But do not expect sub-par football this week, this rivalry has some serious bad blood. Expect some heated disputes, hard hitters, and a full out effort worthy of a Super Bowl performance. This may be the closest either of these teams will get to a big game this year (except the next Vikings Packers game).

The Vikings come into this game heathier than they have been all year. Nate Burleson returns to the field as the Vikings top reciever this week. He had been out for the past 3 games due to a sprained knee. Also, Brian Williams (he who shall not be named . . . again) will take the field and attempt to provide some sort of help in the secondary, although it is unlikely that "he who shall not be named" could help out a Pop Warner football team.

The Packers have essentially been supporting the crutches market this year with tons of injuries to key players. Some of these players will be making thier first returns to the field this week, but are still listed questionable. Aman Green and Bubba Franks look to make some contributions, but are not yet up to full steam. Davenport, Diggs, and Flanagan are reported to miss the game

The Vikings have had a problem gelling as a team so far this year. The gears have not been working in unison thus allowing the complete breakdown of the offense. In the 10 halfs the Vikings offense has played this year, only 1 was worthy of note. But rumors of a "team" developing in Minnesota have slipped under the national radar. Tice commented that the team was finally working together towards a common goal this week in practice. This has been one of the Vikings biggest problems this year, the lack of team work. Some times the line will perform when Daunte falters. Some times the backs have to carry a disproportionate load while the receivers drop balls. And sometimes the line breaks down when Daunte is heating up. The end result is always the same, and the cause is always the same . . . lack of teamwork. If the Vikings can come out to the Metrodome this week and appear as though all 11 men are working towards the same end, we may have a big win on our hands.

The defense of the Vikings as been great at times and non-existant at times. The bi-polar disorder of the defense has shown us what they are capable of, and what they are capable of allowing. Either they shut down the offense or they make them look like gods. Look for a rejuvinated Vikings defense this week as they face thier biggest rival. Look for Sharper to prove himself in front of his former mates, look for line to provide relentless pressure, combined with a series of brilliant blitzing packages. Big games bring the greatest defenses out of the slumber. This defense has the ability to be great, and thus look for a fantastic performance.

Essentially this game comes down to the serious mutual hatred of one another. Packer fans hate Vikings fans, and Vikings fans hate Packers fans, Packer Players hate Vikings players, and Vikings players hate Packer players. Last year the Vikings lost two close games that came down to poor official calls. The Vikings enacted their revenge in the most important match-up of last year, a 31-17 romp on the frozen January tundra. The series is currently at 43-44-1 in favor of the Packers. But that will change this week as the Vikings looks to enact revenge for the two close losses last year. Look for a fantastic game where both teams leave it all out on the field. They have to because the loser will most likely continue to spiral while the winner changes course and looks to the next week with fire in thier eyes. Rivalry games can change a whole teams outlook on the season.

Prediction - The winner of this game wins the NFC North

Vikings 27

Packers 24

Players of the Game - Nate Burleson, Koren Robinson, Moe Williams, Sharper

Goats of the Game - Favre, the Packer o-line

This will possibly be Favre last visit to the Metrodome so look for fans to let him know it. The stadium will reach fever pitches as the fans forget about the previous 5 games and stupid scandals and gel under the common purpose of the VIKINGS - PACKERS game. Watch Favre run off the field in tears as the fans get on him relentlessly.

Don't forget to wear your best lucky combonation of clothing for this game, as if I needed to tell you.

SKOL VIKINGS SKOL!!!