October schedule could decide Minnesota’s fate in ‘07

By Krupka  |   Thursday, April 12, 2007  |  Comments( 15 )

Minnesota Vikings
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A year after finishing with a 6-10 record, 2007 won't be any easier for the Minnesota Vikings, especially in October. The NFL schedules were released yesterday, and the initial reaction is that on paper, the Vikings' 16-game slate looks quite difficult.

However, games aren't won or lost on paper.

The Vikings open up the season at home against the Atlanta Falcons, which has a storyline in itself. In all likelihood the quarterback matchup will be between two No. 7s -- Mike Vick and Tarvaris Jackson. Both signal-callers have freakish athleticism, but don't be fooled -- they are very different in style. Vick always looks to run first, though new head coach Bobby Petrino, who makes his debut in this game, is trying to change that. Jackson, on the other hand, has the ability to be a pocket passer. The soon-to-be second-year man is also much more accurate with his passes than Vick.

Following the season opener, Minnesota will play four of its next five contests on the road, including a meeting with the reigning NFC champion Chicago Bears, with a bye week sandwiched in between.

The toughest stretch in the schedule undoubtedly will be four games from October to November following the bye week. Minnesota faces four straight playoff teams from a year ago: at Chicago, at Dallas, vs. Philadelphia, vs. San Diego.

Some could argue the October schedule is similar to facing the infamous "Murderers' Row" lineup from the New York Yankees in the 1920s. There is no easy out. In any event, the four-week stretch in October should be a great measuring stick to gauge how good the Vikings are.

It will be feast or famine for Minnesota. A winning record in this stretch could propel the Vikings to be the surprise team in the NFC. Faltering against these good clubs would put Brad Childress and Co. in a very tough spot for the remaining eight games.

"Monday Night Football"

Once again, the Vikings will appear on the national stage on ESPN, hosting the division-rival Chicago Bears in Week 15. If everything goes right, it could be a highly anticipated divisional game with playoff implications.

Minnesota has a 7-11 record on Monday night.

Randy Moss' return to the dome

Another game that catches the eye of the Vikings' faithful will be the Nov.18 contest against the Oakland Raiders. Assuming Moss is still a member of the silver and black, it will mark his first return to the Metrodome for a regular-season game. Moss and the Raiders traveled to Minnesota in the preseason last year.

Eric Krupka is a senior writer for RealFootball365.com. He can be contacted at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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CommentsComments: 15  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Viking Fan in NY		05:29 PM
04/12/2007
So, we only have 1 MNF/ESPN game to see our Vikes....I say FAN-TAS-TIC!! That means they won't choke on TV like they've done for...
No.2
Jim		06:04 PM
04/12/2007
I think that the Vikes/Bears will be fighting for the NFC North Title and home field in the playoffs in week 15. The Vikes and...
No.3
derwin		07:16 PM
04/12/2007
YES, I am the eternal optimist Vikings Fan - I see that we actually have 4 nationally televised games. The Monday Night game vs...
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