Mark Craig's weekly Super Bowl pick
October 22, 2017 at 1:48AM
Last week, I suggested the Vikings continue bumping their takeaway total up to enhance their chances on the Road to Minneapolis. They came up with three interceptions against the Packers to move them into a tie for fifth in the league with seven picks. This week, let's try to fix the other side of the turnover ratio. Running back Jerick McKinnon needs to stop fumbling. He has fumbled in three straight games, losing two of them.
Best two-loss team in the NFL?
Question: Which of the NFL's 13 two-loss teams have the best chance of reaching the Super Bowl? And, yes, I know the Patriots are one of those 13 teams. The urge is to say New England. But that 30th-ranked scoring defense needs to get a lot better. Eight of the top scoring defenses belong to two-loss teams, including No. 1 Buffalo, No. 3 Miami, No. 4 Pittsburgh and the No. 5 Vikings. Answer: Patriots. Couldn't resist.
Did you know?
Since the wild-card playoff round began in 1970, 10 wild-card teams have advanced to the Super Bowl. Six have won the Super Bowl: 1980 Raiders, 1997 Broncos, 2000 Ravens, 2005 Steelers, 2007 Giants and 2010 Packers.
Three up, three down
The Steelers win the best down-team-goes-up award by beating the Chiefs on the road a week after losing at home to Jacksonville. Other "up" teams: Cardinals and Dolphins. Going down: Packers, Lions and Broncos.
Destination Minneapolis Week 7 forecast
New England vs. Philadelphia
The Patriots have issues defensively. Big issues. They're third-worst in the league in points allowed (26.5). But that's what makes their rise to the top of the AFC East even more impressive. They just get the job done. Somehow.
Why New England (4-2)? Down 25 points in Super Bowl LI, the Patriots could pull off an even greater escape act if they can bounce back from their early-season defensive lapses.
Why Philadelphia (5-1)? The hottest team in the league has an NFL-leading four-game win streak. Carson Wentz, above, is directing the No. 3-ranked offense. The run defense leads the league. Could be a Super Bowl XXXIX rematch.
My preseason pick: Seattle (3-2) vs. Pittsburgh (4-2). Last week, I called the Steelers' home loss to Jacksonville (confidence-crushing). Yeah, not so much. They won at Kansas City. Seattle had a bye.
MARK CRAIG
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
