Vikings vs. Patriots in Super Bowl LII? It's not outlandish on Road to Minneapolis
November 17, 2017 at 10:18PM
A week ago, the request was to manage the unusual QB situation without interrupting momentum. So far, so good. This week, let's ask for even greater caution for the team that has the third-fewest penalties (51) in the league. In other words, no more 15-yarders for things like jumping onto the goal post. Overall, the Vikings were extremely disciplined at Washington. They had no red-zone penalties. It's no coincidence they scored a touchdown all five times.
Which Six Seed can win it all?
Question: Two No. 6 seeds — the 2005 Steelers and the 2010 Packers — have won a Super Bowl. Is there a team currently sitting at No. 6 that has a shot? In the AFC, that team is Buffalo. The Bills have lost two straight, face two straight road games and then have to play the Patriots twice in four games. So the answer in the AFC is no. The NFC? Seattle (6-3) remains a possibility.
Did you know?
Brad Johnson is the lowest-drafted quarterback to win a Super Bowl. In 1992, the Vikings took him in the ninth round with the 227th pick. Kurt Warner, of course, was undrafted.
Three up, three down
I think we finally can stop paying attention to all teams from New Jersey now that the Jets went splat in Tampa. Other "down" teams: Washington and the Dallas Ezekiels. "Up" teams: Packers, Atlanta and Tennessee.
Destination Minneapolis Week 11 forecast
Patriots vs. Vikings
Wouldn't this one be something? Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and their active five-time champion dynasty playing at Minnesota against a team looking for its first Super Bowl win. But would it even feel like a home game for the Vikings? The NFL controls the ticket distribution, so it wouldn't be a typical home game. But I'm guessing more purple would find its way into the crowd.
Why New England (7-2)? The Patriots have won five straight and are sitting as the AFC's No. 2 seed. Plus, you know, they also have that little Brady-Belichick thing.
Why Vikings (7-2)? They also have won five straight and currently sit as the No. 2 seed in the NFC. The offense is catching up to the defense. Finally.
My preseason pick: Seattle (6-3) vs. Pittsburgh (8-2). Blair Walsh and the Seahawks righted themselves with a Thursday night win in Week 10. But they did lose Richard Sherman for the season.
MARK CRAIG
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
