Pregame Reports

Contents:

Minnesota at Atlanta

The Vikes looked very shaky during preseason, especially the backups. On offense, Ray Sherman still has to prove he can run an offense and Randy Moss has to prove that Atlanta shutting him down in the playoffs was just a fluke. On defense, we still have virtually no signs of a consistent pass rush, which will expose our weaknesses in the secondary even more. This will be a tough game, but the Vikings should win if they can keep Jamal Anderson in check.

Oakland at Minnesota

Ex-Vikings Rich Gannon and Wade Wilson are now with the Raiders. The Raiders aren't a bad team, but they should be no match for the Vikings, despite Minnesota's lackluster performance last week. If Gannon struggles early, look for Bobby Hoying to come in in the 2^nd half. Key matchup: Randy Moss vs. Charles Woodson - both want to prove they are the better player. If Minnesota can't get it going this week, we'll know their mediocre preseason performance was not a mirage.

Minnesota at Green Bay

Starts a stretch of 4 straight divisional games, and we're lucky to be playing our road game with Green Bay in September instead of December - weather shouldn't be a factor. The return of Chris Doleman shouldn't have much of an impact yet, since he's not in game shape. However, it could provide a bit of an emotional lift to the team. The offense showed signs of life last week, but look for a more conservative game plan this time. Dennis Green hasn't had the killer instinct since his first couple seasons with the Vikings, and he gets even more conservative in tight games with big opponents. Which is exactly what this will be.

Tampa Bay at Minnesota

The Vikes need to rebound after a tough loss to the Packers. The defense will be looking to shut down Alstott & Dunn after getting burned by them last season, and any game plan that forces Trent Dilfer to beat you passing is a good one. After another low scoring game last week, the Vikes and Ray Sherman are desperate to get the offense going. However, if the offensive line doesn't start playing up to their reputation that won't happen. If the line can keep an injured Warren Sapp from pressuring Randall Cunningham as soon as he drops back to pass, the Vikes should start to get the ball to Randy Moss, and either Carter or Reed for some big plays.

Chicago at Minnesota

The Viking offense seems to be coming around ever-so-slowly. However, they're never going to be as effective as they were last year if Robert Smith can't shake loose for some big gains. Smith has historically played well against the Bears; combine that with the urgency to establish an effective ground game, and I look for Robert to have his first 100 yard game of the season. If the Vikings can take an early lead, look for them to try and prove that they really do have that killer instinct. But if Chicago is right there at halftime, expect yet another nail-biter.

One final prediction: Chris Doleman should be rounding into shape about now. Between him and Randle and Clemons, expect the Vikings to put on their best pass rushing exhibition of the season. (I know, that's not saying much.) If Jerry Ball and the linebackers shut down Curtis Enis, there's no reason why the Vikings shouldn't win this game handily.

Minnesota at Detroit

This is an extremely important game. The Vikings can not afford to lose another game in their division or they may end up losing any tiebreakers at the end of the season. If the Vikings are unable to rebound this time, they probably won't down the road either. While the Vikings have traditionally made average backs look like pro-bowlers, expect the Vikings to concentrate on the pass rush anyway. They need to get some INTs and Detroit's porous line gives the Vikings pass rush their best opportunity to finally put some consistent pressure on the QB.

I like the Vikings to win this game because they have to. If they don't, their season may already be over. If the Vikings win big, it will prove they are able to respond and finish the season on an upswing. If the Vikings squeak one out, it means they still have hope, but not a lot. If the Vikings lose, well I don't even want to talk about that.

San Francisco at Minnesota

The Vikings lost Robert Smith, but they regained their confidence. The Vikings believe Jeff George can lead this team to TDs. They didn't want to say it, but you could tell they didn't have faith in Randall Cunningham. Hopefully, watching Jeff lead the offense will be good for Randall - he'll learn what he should've been doing.

The 49ers are not the team they once were. Steve Young is out (and may not play again). Jerry Rice is now just another good receiver. The 49er secondary is small and vulnerable. Look for the Vikes to flex their newfound muscles by scoring early and often. They want to make up for lost time against a team that some still (mistakenly) think is a contender. Jeff Garcia is no Steve Young. If the Vikings can keep the momentum they started in the second half of last week's game, they should win handily. However, if they don't come out sharp and ready to play, you can kiss this season goodbye. It's time for the Vikings to show what they've got on the inside.

Minnesota at Denver

The Vikes are feeling good now that their offense has finally come alive, but this will be a tougher test than the 49ers. Even though the Broncos are missing Elway, Davis, etc., they are still the defending Super Bowl Champs and Mile High Stadium is a difficult place for visiting teams to play.

Look for Minnesota to continue their efforts to pressure the QB and expect them to make every effort to jump on top of the Broncos and put them away early, which would help negate the thin air factor at Mile High. Jeff George should have a 300 yard day and Moe Williams - who should get more playing time to spell Leroy Hoard (due to thin air) - could be a 'sleeper' factor in the game.

The Vikings aren't out of the woods yet. They need to put together an impressive string of games (aka wins) to gain some ground against the Packers.

Dallas at Minnesota

A Monday night game at home could be just what the Vikings need at this point; over the past few years the Vikings have always played their best in front of national audiences. I think Jake Reed will be anxious to make up for his dropped passes against Denver last week and Randy Moss will be anxious to make a statement as well. So expect the Viking passing game to shine. The Dallas passing game is certainly not what it used to be, so expect the Vikes to key on shutting down Emmit Smith. The Vikings are gaining ground, but still need to keep winning. An impressive performance on Monday night would go a long way toward keeping the Vikes back on track.

Minnesota at Chicago

After another hapless performance with a fortunate ending, the Vikes look to rebound against a Bear team with few star players but a lot of fight. Minnesota has been unable to step it up and play a solid game for 4 quarters all season. This SHOULD be a perfect opportunity. Andrew Glover has been invisible lately - maybe the Vikes will work him back into the offense against the Bears. We need production from the tight end to help open things up for the wide receivers. I would rather see Robert Smith wait until the San Diego game to come back, but he's expected to play and has traditionally run well against the Bears.

I keep waiting for Minnesota to be embarrassed enough by their sloppy performances that they will take it out on their next opponent. I'm still waiting….

San Diego at Minnesota

If the Vikings have an easy game left on the schedule, this is it. This should be a test of whether the '99 Vikings are capable of dominating anyone this season. Fortunately, the rest of the league is weaker this year also, but if they Vikings want to be champions, they've got to start playing like champions.

The Chargers have holes everywhere especially in their defensive backfield. Look for another 300+ yard performance from Jeff George and 100+ yards from 2 receivers. Jimmy Hitchcock should be looking to rebound from a poor performance against Chicago; expect him to get a pick and the Vikings to romp.

Minnesota at Tampa Bay

At least with Tampa's anemic offense and the inexperienced Shaun King at QB, the Vikes should be able to hold the Bucs to under 400 yards passing. This is a pivotal game on national TV. Unfortunately, Minnesota hasn't done well in those types of games so far this season. A Viking victory could help propel Minnesota to a division title, while a loss could signal the beginning of a downward spiral that could possibly even end up with Minnesota watching the playoffs on TV this year.

Minnesota at Kansas City

Despite their sloppy performance week after week, the Vikes still have a strong shot at a playoff berth. Unfortunately, the Vikes have looked their worst on national TV and this Sunday night game will put them in the spotlight yet again. In addition, the Vikings may be looking ahead to Green Bay (despite the painfully obvious fact that they can't afford to do that). Kansas City is a mediocre team with about the same overall talent as Minnesota. They are similar to Tampa Bay in that their offense is suspect, but their defense is strong. Minnesota could win this game handily, if they eliminate the stupid mistakes they've been making. However, they haven't been able to do that all season long, so look for a close game that could be decided by the special teams/kickers.

Green Bay at Minnesota

The Vikings playoffs have officially started; every game is crucial from here on out. The Vikings could possibly lose one more game and make the playoffs, but I wouldn't bet on it. Minnesota's 3 remaining opponents are also battling the Vikes for a wild card spot. If the Vikings win each of these games, they're in; if they lose ANY of them, they're in dire straits. This is always a big game for the Vikings, but now it's a Monday-nighter and a huge factor in the playoff race. The Viking offense absolutely has to eliminate the mistakes that have plagued them all season long. The Viking defense has to…defend. Something. Anything. If the Vikings can finally get hot, they could still go all the way. But if they wait any longer, it may be too late. This game is hard to predict, but I have to say that Minnesota's superior talent will prevail. I expect Randy Moss to have a great game after catching some heat for the first time after last week. I also think the Viking defense will play a spirited game. Look for the Vikings to pull away in the second half.

Minnesota at N.Y. Giants

Another playoff-type game, but one the Vikings should win. The Giant offense has been coming around lately, but the Viking defense has also started to show a few signs of life. And while the Giants do have a good defense, they're no match for the Vikings offense (even without Chris Carter) as long as the Vikes don't keep shooting themselves in the foot. The weather will be a factor if the temperatures are below 30 and the wind is blowing, but the Vikings have a competent ground game to adapt if necessary. Look for the Vikings to try and take the crowd out of the game early. If they do, they'll win big. If not, look for them to pull away in the 4^th quarter.

Detroit at Minnesota

After all that's happened this season, the Vikings still have a chance to win the division and finish with the 2^nd seed in the NFC playoffs. They should be able to do their part by beating Detroit, who also is already in the playoffs. After starting the season impressively, the Lions have struggled without Barry Sanders and with an assortment of injuries. The Vikings will try to jump on the Lions early and put them away as quickly as possible in order to rest some starters for the playoffs. However, we are all familiar with the Vikings tendency to struggle in games they're supposed to win. I look for the Vikings, who are surging with confidence after their strong performance against the Giants, to make a statement entering the playoffs and win going away.

Playoffs: Dallas at Minnesota

Dallas does not have the offensive firepower to compete with Minnesota at the Metrodome. If the Vikings can do a better job of keeping Emmit Smith in check, this game shouldn't even be close. However, if the Vikes come out jittery and tentative, anything can happen. The playoff experience combined with the home crowd should be enough to ensure the Vikings start their playoff run on a high note. Expect the Viking offense to flex their muscles as all the star players look to make a key contribution.

Playoffs: Minnesota at St.Louis

This could be the toughest test Minnesota has had all season. Obviously, we're hoping there's a reason why the Rams were so impressive against the weaker teams and struggled against the quality teams. If Minnesota plays a solid, mistake-free game, they certainly can win this game. If they make mistakes, or fail to produce in any aspect (offense, defense, special teams), their season will be over. The defense will really be challenged, because they need to pressure Kurt Warner while saving the linebackers to keep Marshall Faulk in check. The DBs have to contain the strongest group of wide receivers they've faced all season. Most likely this game will end up being a high-scoring slugfest, but the Vikings can't afford to spot the Rams a big lead.

Look for George, Moss, and Carter all to have big games. But the key will be whether or not Glover (that's right) and Robert Smith are also able to produce, along with the Viking defense. The playoff experience factor is on Minnesota's side; hopefully that will give them the edge.