Halfway through the season part 2: the future

The Vikings will face in the second half of their season, teams with a combined record (through week 8) of 28-29, compared to their first half opponents who are 23-35. This shows just how difficult the Vikings second half will be. I have broken down each of the Vikings remaining games in the regular season, ending with a prediction, win or lose.

Week 10: Lions (1-6) at Metrodome. This game should be a good game for Peterson, as the Lions give up, on average, 118 yards on the ground. Their pass defense is also weak, so look for a balanced attack with both Favre and Peterson shredding the Lions defense. However, never discount the amazing Calvin Johnson, who always has a big game against the Vikings. The verdict: nothing like their last meeting. Favre 300+ yards, Peterson 125 yards, Harvin takes a kick back for a Td and the Vikings win in a rout.

Week 11: Seahawks (2-5) at Metrodome. The Seahawks are another team giving up, on average, more than a 100 yards per game rushing and 200+ passing. With ex-Viking Nate Burleson as their leading wide-receiver, they can't be that good. The verdict: Peterson goes wild with 200+ and Favre has a low key game with 175 passing and the Vikings blow the Seahawks out of the air and take home a win.

Week 12: Bears (4-3) at Metrodome. For the third week in a row, the Vikings Are facing an opponent who gives up 100+ yards rushing per game. This game should be very interesting, with the teams trading scores throughout the game. The verdict: a win, but not the way the Vikings would like to win.

Week 13: Cardinals (4-3) at Arizona. The Vikings will be killed by the Cardinals if their pass defense doesn't hold. I think it will but Larry Fitzgerald could turn the game around at any time. After the game against the Panthers, the Cardinals rush defense was exposed. The verdict: Peterson rushes the Vikings to victory with 250 yards on the ground.

Week 14: Bengals (5-2) at Metrodome. The Bengals are the toughest team left on the Vikings schedule record-wise. With Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco, they will be very hard to stop. Regrettably I turn in the verdict as a loss, although Favre will have a good day with over 300 yards passing and multiple TDs.

Week 15: Panthers (3-4) at Carolina. The Panthers despite their mediocre record, may be the toughest opponent the Vikings will face. With perennial pro-bowler Steve Smith and two headed running attack featuring DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart, the Panthers are much better than their record says. If Jake Delhomme has a solid game with no picks, the game will be close, but if he gets picked several times it will be a blowout. The verdict: Vikings win, but its a close down-to-the-wire game.

Week 16: Bears (4-3) at Chicago. Adrian Peterson just dominates and Adrian Peterson rides the pine. The Vikings Peterson rushes for 175 and the Bears Peterson gets maybe five carries. The Vikings run all over the Bears in an embarrassingly brutal defeat.

Week 17: Giants (5-3) at Metrodome. The Vikings see the light at the tunnel and look towards the playoffs. At this time they have already won the division and clinched a spot in the playoffs. The decision is: do you play for the win or do you play safe? My prediction is that they play for the win and, if they gain a large lead they put in some of the backups to let the starters get a little rest. The verdict: Vikings win if they try; if not, they will lose.

The Vikings will make it through the rest of the season sustaining only one or two losses, leaving them with a 13-3 or 14-2 record going in to the play-offs looking ahead to a possible Super ring.