Is there anything better than TV on DVDs? I'm currently tearing through the box sets of the phenomenal Baltimore-based HBO series The Wire. The show centers around the Baltimore drug trade and the ripples it sends through the city. It's been called the best show of all time by some critics and the huge cast of characters is excellent throughout (SPOILER ALERT! Do not open the individual character links unless you've seen the show!).

So in honor of The Wire, I've recast the show with Baltimore Ravens to get a look at what the Vikings might have coming at them Sunday.

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Joe Flacco as James McNulty
Flacco takes the role of the loose cannon detective because of his penchant for the pass this year. His 10 attempts per game increase over last year has led to 70 more passing yards per game. The Vikings secondary will need to shut down the five 200+ yard Ravens receivers or get some pressure on the 2nd year quarterback.

Matt Birk as Bubbles
Bubbles is a good-natured homeless junkie. He is also a police informant. After being in the center of the action for 10 years with the Vikings, you know Birk is spilling it to the Ravens. But Birk never played with Brett Favre (you know he kicks himself every day).

Willis McGahee as Avon Barksdale
The veteran head honchos. Willis rules the backfield like Avon rules the corners. His 5 touchdowns leads the team and ranks 3rd in the NFL. But at 28 he's getting up there and the Vikings will be more concerned about...

Ray Rice as Marlo Stanfield
The young up and comers nipping at the heels of the veterans. Ray Rice is dynamite. Not only does he lead the Ravens in rushing yards (364), but he also leads them in receptions (23). Rice has already taken away most of McGahee's carries and I'm guessing this trend is only going to continue.

Ray Lewis as Omar Little
This was the easiest call. When Omar is spotted strolling through the neighborhood the children yell "Omar's coming!" and run for cover. I'm guessing the same happens when Lewis gets his morning paper. Naufahu Tahi will need to put a body on number 52 in order to get Adrian Peterson going.

Ed Reed as Frank Sobotka
Reed gets the nod as the sinking harbor boss because of the Ravens' struggling secondary. The Ravens defense currently ranks 1st against the run but 20th against the pass. Favre hasn't had any problems throwing the ball so far, but he'll have to keep an eye on Reed on Sunday.

There you have it. Sorry I couldn't find a Raven for Stringer Bell. No matter how I spun it I just couldn't rationalize him being played by Todd Heap.