For the Vikings to reach the Super Bowl
Last week, the suggestion was to make the right moves in a tricky situation at QB. Simple, eh? Keeping Case Keenum as the starter while allowing Teddy Bridgewater to have a third week of practice is a wise move for a team that's won four straight. This week, the Vikings need to exert their brute force. They're one of only three NFL teams to rank in the top nine in rushing and run defense.
Who's more likely to rise?
Question: Of the six teams now seeded seven through nine in each conference, which team is most likely to rise and elbow its way into the playoffs? In the AFC, the Nos. 7-9 seeds are Miami, Baltimore and Oakland. In the NFC, it's Seattle, Atlanta and Detroit. Seattle (5-3) is the only one with a winning record. But I like Detroit. The Lions (4-4) have only one remaining opponent (Vikings) that has a winning record.
Did you know?
No team has been to five straight Super Bowls, but Gale Gilbert has. The backup QB for the Bills ('91-'94) and Chargers ('95) went 0-5.
Three up, three down
After three straight losses, we'll give another nod to the Lions for finally beating a Brett at Lambeau. The Packers are decimated, but the Lions are "up" at the moment. Other "up" teams: Jets and Raiders. "Down" teams: Houston (waaay down), Seattle and Buffalo.
Destination Minneapolis Week 10 hot forecast
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
I'll keep the Steelers atop the AFC as I grab the low-hanging fruit and introduce the Battle of Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is the No. 1 seed in the AFC, while Philadelphia is the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The No. 2 seeds are New England and New Orleans, respectively.
Why Pittsburgh (6-2)? The Steelers are rounding into shape in the passing game and in pass defense. They rank ninth in passing and second in pass defense.
Why Philadelphia (8-1)? The Eagles have won a league-high seven straight and are the only team in the league to rank in the top three in rushing (3) and run defense (1).
