Vikings on verge of playoffs

It is amazing how people have blown hot and cold on Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder.

Tom Brady will tell you that he is as good as his offensive line, and the Vikings offensive line has finally come around to a point where they are giving Ponder a chance to succeed.

Brandon Fusco, a second year right guard who was drafted after being a center at Slippery Rock, did a great job on Houston's J.J. Watt, who is probably the most valuable defensive player in the league, on Sunday. Fusco did get a lot of help, but he has really developed this season.

In my opinion, John Sullivan is the best center in the NFC this year, and he should make the Pro Bowl.

Where would the Vikings be without rookie kicker Blair Walsh? He is another guy who should make the Pro Bowl. He might be the most valuable player on the team. He has an NFL-record nine field goals from 50 or more yards, and he tied a team record with his 56-yarder against the Texans.

The Vikings can make the playoffs with a victory against the Packers on Sunday, quite an achievement for a team that wasn't supposed to win many games this year.