Numbers lie sometimes. I know when I watch the presidential debates numbers can say just about anything. The same economy can show growth or recession depending on view point. Or like in the upcoming Nov. 6, Rockford referendum, I have watched opposition to passing the upcoming referendum become quite creative in explaining why they refuse to support their children in education. Somehow, being 137th out of 156 (something like that) is a good thing when paying property tax toward schooling. Never mind that nearby Delano and Buffalo kids get two or three times as much money from citizens. They can twist numbers faster than Adrian Peterson runs through a five hole.

And so looking at the team statistics of Sunday's game one can be fooled. The overall yards were 356 to 209 in favor of Arizona. Arizona had 21 first downs to a mere 12 by the Vikings. The Cardinals held the ball for over 35 minutes in the game, compared to just under 25 for Minnesota. Christian Ponder threw for 58 yards. You would think we lost by a few touchdowns.

But no.

I could pull up numbers in such a way that you would know Minnesota won. Like Adrian Peterson running 23 times for 153 yards and a touchdown. Or that the defense managed seven sacks and two turnovers. Or holding Arizona to 50% in the red zone. The Vikings being 100% in the red zone. Or 82 penalty yards vs. Arizona compared to 35 vs. Minnesota.The Cardinals 0-2 on 4th downs..

Yes, there are numbers that can say anything.

But the brightest number is the 5-2 record we now hold. There are only a few teams in the entire NFL who can claim better (Atlanta, Houston, Chicago). If the playoffs magically began today our Vikings would be in. But there is much more football to play.

The NFC North presently has the best overall record in football. Barring a tie on Monday Night, the NFC North's overall record will be 16-10. The next closest divisional overall record is the NFC West at 16-12. The only other winning division is the NFC East at 14-12.

We have our work cut out for us.

Cynics will point to the schedule ahead. The Packers are hot. The Bears are too. They are four of our remaining nine games. Add Houston and Seattle, and we have a tough road ahead.

One set of numbers I believe that lie less than others is points for vs. points against. In a single game it is crucial. Over a half of a season it is a trend. The present plus/minus leaders in the NFL are as follows (with record in parentheses):

1. Houston (6-1) + 88

2. Chicago (4-1) + 78

3. New York Giants (5-2) + 68

4. San Francisco (5-2) + 65

5. Atlanta (6-0) + 58

6. New England (4-3) + 54

7. Minnesota (5-2) + 36

8. Green Bay (4-3) + 29

9. Baltimore (5-2) + 13

10. San Diego (3-3) + 11

11. Seattle (4-3) + 10

12. Pittsburgh (3-3) + 8

13. Arizona (4-3) + 6

14. Miami (3-3) +3

Strength of schedule play an important role in this statistic, but you can only beat whom you play. At the end of seven weeks, Minnesota has done admirably vs. their schedule. And with the upcoming game Thursday vs. Tampa Bay, Minnesota can solidify its' hold on a playoff spot. For now..

And for all the Christian Ponder worriers/haters remember, it is his 2nd year in the league. Last week he threw for 350 yards and we lost. Maybe his role is more to balance an attack then lead it. I would think our money be best invested in AP and that offensive line.

Running parting one line thoughts...

Save a little love for Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Letroy Guion, and Brian Robison. They are coming on.

Has a safety ever had so much positive impact in Minnesota history as Harrison Smith's rookie season?

Did Chris Cook really just shut down Larry Fitzgerald?

Is Stephens-Howling related to Barry Sanders or did we struggle tackling?

Did we have six three and outs in 2nd half because of poor coaching or fear of mistakes?

Was our 1-10 3rd down efforts someone's fault? How do you win getting 10% 3rd down conversions?

Was Percy Harvin's TD return that was nullified a mental set back?

How did Arizona start 4-0?

Skol.