For the Vikings to reach the big game ...
Last week, I placed penalties back at the forefront of concerns. The Vikings responded by tying season lows for penalties (two) and penalty yards (10). You're welcome. This week, the concern is not losing any more frontline players while disposing of a Bears team that's ready to lie down after another disappointing season. If the Vikings jump on top early, they can rest players as they did two weeks ago when they crushed the Bengals 34-7.
Will Carolina be playing for No. 2 seed?
Question: Will the NFC's No. 2 seed still be up for grabs when the Panthers (11-4) play the Falcons in Atlanta at 3:25 CT? The Vikings (12-3) play the Bears at home at noon. If the Vikings lose and the Panthers win, the Panthers get the bye because they beat the Vikings. Answer: No. Unless the Vikings' run defense completely melts down, the Bears will go quietly and the Vikings will get a first-round bye.
Did you know?
Legend around San Mateo, Calif., has it that the Junipero Serra High School JV football team once went winless without scoring a touchdown. Its backup quarterback? The one who never got to play that season? Tom Brady.
Three up, three down
The Ravens have won five of six, stand 9-6 and have a 97 percent chance of making the playoffs. Other "up" teams: Saints and, strangely, 49ers. "Down" teams: Titans, Cowboys, Raiders.
Destination Minneapolis Week 17 forecast
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
The all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl depends on a number of things falling into place. No. 1 is the Eagles winning two playoff games with Nick Foles at quarterback. At least he'll get to play both at home. No. 2 is the Steelers likely having to beat the Patriots on the road in the AFC title game.
Why Pittsburgh (12-3)? The Steelers, honestly, are the only team that has a chance to unseat the Patriots. They'll get a first-round bye to allow receiver Antonio Brown an extra week to heal.
Why Philadelphia (9-6)? Two weeks ago, Foles played well and the Eagles survived a shootout with the lowly Giants. Last week, Foles posted a 59.4 passer rating but the Eagles won a low-scoring fight against Oakland.
My preseason pick: Seattle (9-6) vs. Pittsburgh (12-3). The Seahawks will seize the No. 6 seed with a home win over Arizona and a Falcons home loss to Carolina.
