Well-known sports columnist Dave Kindred's first rule when writing any new entry: Be intellectually ready.

That point will be highly debatable after I write this: The Vikings are the best team in the NFL. There, I said it. I feel much better.

We all take chances. People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" issue lists Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, but not Sid Hartman. That's inexplicable.

The Vikings have a top-five offense, a top-five red zone defense, and a top-five special teams unit, which is weird to say after they gave up an NFL record 7 touchdowns last year. But with new personnel (Percy Harvin, Kenny Onatolu, Karl Paymah, Jamarca Sanford, and a healthy Heath Farwell) and a new coach (Brian Murphy), the special teams have been very good. They lead the NFL in average starting position after kickoffs (34.6 yard line), receiver Darius Reynaud is 2nd-best in the NFL in yards per punt return (17.3 yards), and kicker Ryan Longwell is as good as anyone in the league. Since signing with the Vikings in 2006, Longwell has connected on 96.9% of his field goals from inside 45 yards. He was perfect from 50-yards and out last year (6-for-6) demonstrating that he is accurate and strong.

The defense, while having its issues, smartly doesn't ask its safeties -- Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson -- to do much. Cornerbacks Antoine Winfield, who is expected back in some capacity on Sunday, and Cedric Griffin are elite tacklers for that position. The front-four can generate a pass rush on its own, allowing the linebackers to drop back into coverage, or freelance from time-to-time. Nickelback Benny Sapp, on the field as much as linebacker Ben Leber according to profootballfocus.com, is also very good. By the way, it would be nice to see Leber stay on the field more in passing situations.

On offense, quarterback Brett Favre somehow only has three interceptions. Adrian Peterson, even with 17 career fumbles in 39 regular season games, remains the best running back on the planet. The other running back, Chester Taylor, is a great third-down receiving/blocking option. Tight end Vistanthe Shiancoe has caught 9 touchdown passes in the last 13 regular season games. Receiver Sidney Rice is turning into a star. Percy Harvin is the soon-to-be offensive rookie of the year. Bernard Berrian, who amazingly averaged 20.1 yards per catch last year, hasn't lost all those skills. His hamstring has been an issue since training camp, but at some point it's likely that he'll have a 6-catch, 130-yard game. The O-line pass protects way above-average and hasn't been a trouble spot through the first 9-games.

Another reason why the Vikings are the best team in the NFL: They are very healthy. As healthy as any team in the league. The two teams with better records -- Indianapolis and New Orleans -- both have suffered season-ending injuries. The Saints are without their starting left tackle, Jammal Brown (hip), although their replacement, Jermon Bushrod, has apparently played well. Also, their best cover-corner, Tracy Porter, is out for some time (knee). The Colts lost arguably their two most important defensive backs for the year -- Marlin Jackson (knee), considered one of the best zone corners, and safety Bob Sanders, who was the defensive player of the year in 2007. Maybe the law of averages will catch up to the Vikings, but so far, so good.

Don't mix up my thoughts. Just because the Vikings are the best team in the league doesn't mean you can stake claim to a spot along the championship parade route. Coaching matters the most in the playoffs. The Vikings are a lock for the postseason, but head coach Brad Childress will have to out-scheme someone (maybe the Giants' Tom Coughlin or Philadelphia's Andy Reid). He is capable, even though a good portion of the caring public doesn't believe so.

Favre today: "Everyone is waiting for me to fail." Through nine games, there are no signs pointing toward that, just like the team.