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Minnesota Vikings (10-2-0) - The Vikings ran into a buzz-saw that was the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. I predicted a Cardinal win after a dramatic loss to Tennessee combined with Minnesota being on cruise control for the past few weeks.The Cardinals definitely provided a wake up call because they will be in the thick of another super bowl run. Hopefully the shock over the gruesome injury of EJ Henderson has worn off and the Vikings can re-focus on their mission of Super bowl or bust.
In addition to film study the Vikings might want to watch some traffic safety videos. Bernard Berrian and Adrian Peterson were both clocked driving over 100mph and cited by law enforcement.
Next up is a 1pm date with the resurgent Cincinnati Bengals. Minnesota better bring their “A” game because the Bengals are quite capable of handing them another loss.
Green Bay Packers (8-4-0) – Last night’s game certainly won’t win any beauty awards with a record level of penalties but the Pack stayed alive for one of the NFC wildcard spots by beating the suddenly inept Baltimore Ravens 27-14.
The Packers improved their offensive line play which has helped Green Bay to become much more consistent on offense. Meanwhile that #1 rated Packers defense (Yards allowed) is quietly shutting people down and getting the job done.
Next up for the Pack is a division test against the always tough Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears (5-7-0) – After dropping four in a row the Bears were delighted that the Rams were on the schedule. The Bears defense was improved while the offense did just enough to get by 17-9. The Bears lost Devin Hester during the game and he is being evaluated.
The Bears have a long list of injuries so next week’s matchup versus the Pack is not looking good.
Jay Cutler was an effective game manager but he will have to do a lot more to beat the Packers especially since the Chicago Bears have a running game that is ranked dead last. On a brighter note, Jamar Williams, who replaced Lance Briggs, had 18 tackles.
Next up for the Bears are the Packers. Anything can happen on any given Sunday.
Detroit Lions (2-10-0) – The Lions were already short 4 starters in their tilt with the AFC Central leading Bengals only to lose QB Matt Stafford with an aggravation to a separated shoulder (non-throwing arm).
Early on it appears Daunte Culpepper will get the start in week 14. I do not see why they would throw their prized rookie QB to the wolves that are the Ravens defense. They are also trying out replacements for their punter Nick Harris who was injured Sunday.
Next up for the Lions are the struggling Baltimore Ravens.
