Am I crazy or is everyone in the world picking Philly over Minny?

[Tricky Williams 0]

Can someone please explain to me why the entire world has basically decided that Philly is going to crush Minny in the first round? Hear me out on this.

 

1. Philly blew out a Dallas team that had clearly quit and was overated to begin with at home. Good win for the Eagles but it seems that the media is giving them too much credit for beating a team with the wheels flying off already.

 

2. Philly looked awful against a Washington team that was already out of it the week before on the road.

 

3. Philly freaking tied Cincy with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm earlier in the year.

 

So explain the logic to me that every media and NFL expert has when they all say that Tavaris Jackson is so overmatched against the Philly D at home.

If that is true are we saying the Tavaris Jackson is worse than Ryan Fitzpatrick? or Jason Campbell?

 

If you compare Cincy and Washington to Minny, wouldnt you agree that Minny has better run game then both, a better D than both. Yet no one mentions this.

 

4. Look at the wins for both teams throughout the year. Philly beat Dallas twice, a Pit team without Rothlisberger at home, The entire NFC West (OOHH IMPRESSIVE), The Giants with out Jacobs in a game where the Giants had almost locked up everything (there most impressive win.) and F'ing Clevland late in the year.

 

On the other hand the Vikings beat the Panthers, Saints, Bears, Giants (washes out Philly's win), Packers, Jags, Arizona at AZ (Washes out Philly again), and a hot Houston team. I wont mention the Lions wins as they dont even count. Not to mention they handed wins back to the Colts and Falcons and Packers late in the 4th quater.

 

5. Andy Reid and Brad Childress are both horrible coaches so that washes out too. It's not like Bill Belicheck is coaching the Eagles.

 

6. Not two weeks ago Mcnabb was being traded in the offseason and Reid was being fired. What gives? He completes 50% of his passes and 175 yards in the Dallas game. That game was a blow out because of Dallas turnovers. Not because he was amazing.

 

I am not saying by any means the Vikings are going to destroy the Eagles, I just have a hard time beliving that the Eagles are such overwhelming favorites becasue of one game.

 

Please prove me wrong..

[Reality 3,121]

You're really reaching when you say the Minny win over the Giants "washes out" the Philly win over the Giants..

[IGotWorms 4,058]

Minny looked pretty bad last week. They barely beat the Giants B squad. Brad Childress is absolutely clueless: the clock management at the end of that game was the worst I have ever seen. There is no way Minny should have had to settle for a 50 yard field goal try to win it.

 

I'll take the hapless team with playoff experience over the hapless team without it.

[Tricky Williams 0]

You're really reaching when you say the Minny win over the Giants "washes out" the Philly win over the Giants..

 

OK well lets say that doesnt wash out. Does that make them that much better that the Vikes are home dogs to Philly?

[Tricky Williams 0]

Minny looked pretty bad last week. They barely beat the Giants B squad. Brad Childress is absolutely clueless: the clock management at the end of that game was the worst I have ever seen. There is no way Minny should have had to settle for a 50 yard field goal try to win it.

 

I'll take the hapless team with playoff experience over the hapless team without it.

 

Your quote about the hapless teams makes more logical sense than the so called NFL experts have been spewing that last few days. They have the Eagles in the NFC Championship already. Its like everyone has memory loss and can only remeber what happened a week ago.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Can someone please explain to me why the entire world has basically decided that Philly is going to crush Minny in the first round? Hear me out on this.

 

1. Philly blew out a Dallas team that had clearly quit and was overated to begin with at home. Good win for the Eagles but it seems that the media is giving them too much credit for beating a team with the wheels flying off already.

 

2. Philly looked awful against a Washington team that was already out of it the week before on the road.

 

3. Philly freaking tied Cincy with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm earlier in the year.

 

So explain the logic to me that every media and NFL expert has when they all say that Tavaris Jackson is so overmatched against the Philly D at home.

If that is true are we saying the Tavaris Jackson is worse than Ryan Fitzpatrick? or Jason Campbell?

 

If you compare Cincy and Washington to Minny, wouldnt you agree that Minny has better run game then both, a better D than both. Yet no one mentions this.

 

4. Look at the wins for both teams throughout the year. Philly beat Dallas twice, a Pit team without Rothlisberger at home, The entire NFC West (OOHH IMPRESSIVE), The Giants with out Jacobs in a game where the Giants had almost locked up everything (there most impressive win.) and F'ing Clevland late in the year.

 

On the other hand the Vikings beat the Panthers, Saints, Bears, Giants (washes out Philly's win), Packers, Jags, Arizona at AZ (Washes out Philly again), and a hot Houston team. I wont mention the Lions wins as they dont even count. Not to mention they handed wins back to the Colts and Falcons and Packers late in the 4th quater.

 

5. Andy Reid and Brad Childress are both horrible coaches so that washes out too. It's not like Bill Belicheck is coaching the Eagles.

 

6. Not two weeks ago Mcnabb was being traded in the offseason and Reid was being fired. What gives? He completes 50% of his passes and 175 yards in the Dallas game. That game was a blow out because of Dallas turnovers. Not because he was amazing.

 

I am not saying by any means the Vikings are going to destroy the Eagles, I just have a hard time beliving that the Eagles are such overwhelming favorites becasue of one game.

 

Please prove me wrong..

 

You're so right, especially the part about Philly beating Dallas twice this season.

 

You won't mention the Lions but you'll mention Cleveland. Great arguement.

 

BTW, the fact that the Eagles have beaten the Vikings 7 out of the last 8 times (including 4 in a row, including two playoff games), a QB and HC that typically have won first round playoff games over the past ten years, playing a one-dimensional offense with a shaky QB may be the reason why folks are jumping on the Eagles.

 

Just a thought.

[NewbieJr 541]

People, in general, tend to put more weight in a team's most-recent performances. Philly was absolutely awesome against teh cowboys. The running game, the passing game, the defense. They played their best game of teh year, and it's fresh in people's minds.

 

There are really no knowledgeable people predicting an Eagle blowout. I think most agree that if the eagles get good play calling and play like they are capable of playing, they should be able to win easily, even if Minnesota plays their game-of-the-year.

 

Unfortunately, those of us who really know the Eagles realize that they've often followed their best games with some of their worst. The could go to Minnesota and end up losing 14-3. It would piss teh fans off, but it certainly wouldn't shock anyone.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

Your quote about the hapless teams makes more logical sense than the so called NFL experts have been spewing that last few days. They have the Eagles in the NFC Championship already. Its like everyone has memory loss and can only remeber what happened a week ago.

 

Yeah, that is just ridiculous. They will get rolled in round 2.

[NewbieJr 541]

Yeah, that is just ridiculous. They will get rolled in round 2.

Exactly. No way this Eagles team could ever beat the Giants in Giants Stadium.

[Tricky Williams 0]

You're so right, especially the part about Philly beating Dallas twice this season.

 

You won't mention the Lions but you'll mention Cleveland. Great arguement.

 

BTW, the fact that the Eagles have beaten the Vikings 7 out of the last 8 times (including 4 in a row, including two playoff games), a QB and HC that typically have won first round playoff games over the past ten years, playing a one-dimensional offense with a shaky QB may be the reason why folks are jumping on the Eagles.

 

Just a thought.

 

I was being sarcastic in the noteworthiness of the lions wins."I wont mention the Lions wins as they dont even count."

Also the One dimesional Offense that you talk of could be used to describe the Eagles just as easily. Lets look at the league rankings shall we?

 

Eagles 6th in Passing 22nd in Rushing

Vikings 25th in Passing 5th in Rushing

 

Looks even to me?

[dhockster 0]

Okay a few points:

 

1) The Eagles beat Pittsburgh WITH Rothlisburger.

2) Beating the Giants on the road while they were still playing for home field advantage is better than Minnesota beating the Giants at Home while the Giants rested many players. And the Giants were not without Jacobs against the Eagles, the Eagles knocked him out of the game.

3) Reid and McNabb have won their first playoff game every year they have been in the playoffs (6-0)

4) four out of the last five games, Reid has been much more willing to run the ball, which has balanced the offense. The only game he abandoned the run, they scored 3 points and lost to the Redskins.

 

I think it will be a close low scoring game, and would only give Philadelphia the edge because they have a quarterback with playoff experience who has won before.

 

Also, remember that Vegas sets the line of a game, not because they think that is what is going to happen, but because they want to get equal amounts bet on both sides of the line. Since Philly is the hot team coming in, more people will put money on them. It is not an insult to the Vikings; it is Vegas making money.

[Tricky Williams 0]

Okay a few points:

 

1) The Eagles beat Pittsburgh WITH Rothlisburger.

2) Beating the Giants on the road while they were still playing for home field advantage is better than Minnesota beating the Giants at Home while the Giants rested many players. And the Giants were not without Jacobs against the Eagles, the Eagles knocked him out of the game.

3) Reid and McNabb have won their first playoff game every year they have been in the playoffs (6-0)

4) four out of the last five games, Reid has been much more willing to run the ball, which has balanced the offense. The only game he abandoned the run, they scored 3 points and lost to the Redskins.

 

I think it will be a close low scoring game, and would only give Philadelphia the edge because they have a quarterback with playoff experience who has won before.

 

Also, remember that Vegas sets the line of a game, not because they think that is what is going to happen, but because they want to get equal amounts bet on both sides of the line. Since Philly is the hot team coming in, more people will put money on them. It is not an insult to the Vikings; it is Vegas making money.

 

 

All good points. Although I seem to remember the Leftwich was in that game as well. He has stats in the box score. Also Minny will have Fat Pat back and they are the #1 run d in the league. Philly will have to pass and in the Dome that will not be easy with the crowd noise and lack of Snap Count Advantage.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

Exactly. No way this Eagles team could ever beat the Giants in Giants Stadium.

 

Well I wouldn't say "no way" since they did beat them in week 14 (or is that what you were getting at newbie? ), but:

 

- the playoffs are a different thing entirely

 

- the Giants have had time to adjust to the Plaxico situation

 

- Brandon Jacobs will be back

 

- The Giants are the defending champs

 

... You get the point.

[jgcrawfish 232]

Philly matches up almost perfectly against the Vikes. The Vikes have a killer run defense but can't stop the pass, and all Philly does is pass. And the Philly defense can stop the run and put pressure on the QB, which is not what Turnover Jackson needs. If Philly can take Dallas to the woodshed, they can beat the Vikes as well.

[Tricky Williams 0]

Philly matches up almost perfectly against the Vikes. The Vikes have a killer run defense but can't stop the pass, and all Philly does is pass. And the Philly defense can stop the run and put pressure on the QB, which is not what Turnover Jackson needs. If Philly can take Dallas to the woodshed, they can beat the Vikes as well.

 

 

Dallas is not the same team that played Philly at the beginning of the year. This team was a shell of itself and was coming apart after the Baltimore game.

[Tricky Williams 0]

Philly matches up almost perfectly against the Vikes. The Vikes have a killer run defense but can't stop the pass, and all Philly does is pass. And the Philly defense can stop the run and put pressure on the QB, which is not what Turnover Jackson needs. If Philly can take Dallas to the woodshed, they can beat the Vikes as well.

 

Also Philly matches well with Washington (suspect qb and a one dimensional O) and they got smoked two weeks ago. What changes this week?

[The Hood 9]

All good points. Although I seem to remember the Leftwich was in that game as well. He has stats in the box score. Also Minny will have Fat Pat back and they are the #1 run d in the league. Philly will have to pass and in the Dome that will not be easy with the crowd noise and lack of Snap Count Advantage.

 

That's because the Eagles sacked Ben so many times they knocked him out of the game late. They completely dominated the Steelers offense in that game.

[dhockster 0]

All good points. Although I seem to remember the Leftwich was in that game as well. He has stats in the box score. Also Minny will have Fat Pat back and they are the #1 run d in the league. Philly will have to pass and in the Dome that will not be easy with the crowd noise and lack of Snap Count Advantage.

 

You are right about the Vikings have the home field advantage. To take advantage of it, they need to get out to an early lead. It will be very hard for the Eagles to come back with the Dome crowd noise. However, if Philadelphia gets up early, that will probably take the crowd out of the game and somewhat nullify the home field advantage.

[NewbieJr 541]

Dallas is not the same team that played Philly at the beginning of the year. This team was a shell of itself and was coming apart after the Baltimore game.

Funny, just one week before teh Baltimore game, the very same Dallas team beat the Giants, 20-8. I don't remember anyone talking about how terrible they were then.

 

I also don't remember anyone saying the Eagles were lead-pipe locks to beat Dallas last week. Of course, after DESTROYING them, 44-6, Dallas was suddenly a terrible team and teh game doesn't really count. That's funny stuff.

[jgcrawfish 232]

Dallas is not the same team that played Philly at the beginning of the year. This team was a shell of itself and was coming apart after the Baltimore game.

 

 

Also Philly matches well with Washington (suspect qb and a one dimensional O) and they got smoked two weeks ago. What changes this week?

 

Washington's defense is MUCH better against the pass, which counters Philly's WCO style. Campbell > Jackson IMO as well. Plus that's a nasty division game. Minny is poorly coached and doesn't have the skill players outside of ADP that Skins have.

[Tricky Williams 0]

Funny, just one week before teh Baltimore game, the very same Dallas team beat the Giants, 20-8. I don't remember anyone talking about how terrible they were then.

 

I also don't remember anyone saying the Eagles were lead-pipe locks to beat Dallas last week. Of course, after DESTROYING them, 44-6, Dallas was suddenly a terrible team and teh game doesn't really count. That's funny stuff.

 

 

Good Point. You got me there.

[Tricky Williams 0]

Washington's defense is MUCH better against the pass, which counters Philly's WCO style. Campbell > Jackson IMO as well. Plus that's a nasty division game. Minny is poorly coached and doesn't have the skill players outside of ADP that Skins have.

 

You got me there. I notice that no Vikings fans have defended their team on this post . Sad state of affairs in Minny. Division Champs and no one even cares or at least thinks there team has a realistic chance. Just look at the ticket sales for the game.

[NewbieJr 541]

Good Point. You got me there.

Dude, that stuff doesn't fly here. You're not suppossed to actually consider other posters' opinions and facts. When backed into a corner and proven wrong, you must turn to insults, name-calling and threats.

 

Now, pay attention!

[The Hood 9]

Also Philly matches well with Washington (suspect qb and a one dimensional O) and they got smoked two weeks ago. What changes this week?

Philly doesn't not match up well with Washington at all and really got killed by them both times this year. Has nothing to do with Skin's offense and all to do with their #4 overall defense this year. Eagles just match-up terrible against it. Don't think it translates over to the Vikings with a poor pass D.

[Tricky Williams 0]

Philly doesn't not match up well with Washington at all and really got killed by them both times this year. Has nothing to do with Skin's offense and all to do with their #4 overall defense this year. Eagles just match-up terrible against it. Don't think it translates over to the Vikings with a poor pass D.

 

Was referencing more of that Washington and Minny's offense are more alike. And Washington still won. Washington's Pass D is better than Minny's. But Minny rushes the QB much better than Washington thus creating less time for Mcnabb to expose Minnys Pass D.

[Darb33 0]

I'm a Vikes fan and think they can win. Why not? Both of these teams are about as inconsistent as it gets from week to week. Philly has a tie to Cincy on their resume and a loss to Wash. just 2 weeks ago. The Vikes fumbled away a game against Atl. and then had to have a 2nd half comeback to beat the NY Giants in a game that meant nothing to them. A few takes from me:

 

1)Pat Williams is vital to stopping the run. Without him I don't think they win.

2)TJack had better forget about how he played Sunday and move on. He was great the 2 1/2 games prior but last week looked like the guy who got benched after the 0-2 start.

3)Get in McNabb's face with a relentless pass rush and get the crowd into the game.

 

I see a game in the low 20's, probably 23-20 or something like that. I will take the Vikings at home. I just can't pick Philly after a month ago everyone was writing obituaries for Reid and McNabb in Philly. Now after a big win against Dallas all is well? I don't see it.

[Tricky Williams 0]

I'm a Vikes fan and think they can win. Why not? Both of these teams are about as inconsistent as it gets from week to week. Philly has a tie to Cincy on their resume and a loss to Wash. just 2 weeks ago. The Vikes fumbled away a game against Atl. and then had to have a 2nd half comeback to beat the NY Giants in a game that meant nothing to them. A few takes from me:

 

1)Pat Williams is vital to stopping the run. Without him I don't think they win.

2)TJack had better forget about how he played Sunday and move on. He was great the 2 1/2 games prior but last week looked like the guy who got benched after the 0-2 start.

3)Get in McNabb's face with a relentless pass rush and get the crowd into the game.

 

I see a game in the low 20's, probably 23-20 or something like that. I will take the Vikings at home. I just can't pick Philly after a month ago everyone was writing obituaries for Reid and McNabb in Philly. Now after a big win against Dallas all is well? I don't see it.

 

 

All right some backuP!!

[BMoney 0]

too much stock in what each team did against other teams..those teams arent here....

 

im not so sure the viking fans think they have a shot..20k were left to be sold as of this am.....

 

why are people on the eagles? like the giants last year..they were near the edge of the cliff and have since turned it around and got hot...

 

AP can go wild..but with 5 fumbles in the last 4 games..he could also stop a drive...phily can cause a turnover better than anyone right now...

 

i like brad childress from his days in wisconsin..then again, i like andy reid from his days in gb..who knows who more? any edge there?...

 

mcnabb gets an edge and if he runs into trouble..he has westbrook..a game breaker..

 

plus the eagles have been in this spot before.....

 

i wouldnt say a rout but i think the eagles win...right now they are playing better than minny...

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Also Philly matches well with Washington (suspect qb and a one dimensional O) and they got smoked two weeks ago. What changes this week?

 

Dude, do you smoke alot of angel dust?

 

You're all over the bored.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

You got me there. I notice that no Vikings fans have defended their team on this post . Sad state of affairs in Minny. Division Champs and no one even cares or at least thinks there team has a realistic chance. Just look at the ticket sales for the game.

 

Didn't think they had any fans on this site.

 

Weird.

[9-Route 0]

well, both teams made last day pushes to get into the playoffs. minny actually did well and finished 4-1 over the past 5 games, as opposed to their normal december swoons. philly was written off for dismantlement and the non-playoff abyss until things went their way sunday morning and they put everything aside to make it into the tournament.

 

as far as the match up, minny does have 2 ingredients of playoff football teams---strong/best running game with a gamebreaker, and a rush defense; however, their weakness is an equally important one---a qb who can make timely plays under increased pressure and stakes. philly has the tools of a veteran qb, ferocious blitz defense, and also a gamebreaker in westbrook. their issue is consistency this season.

[eagles115 23]

Eagles beat the Vikings.....walk into Giants Stadium and beat them as well.....Who cares if they got Jacobs dude is a ######, we knocked his ass out of the game last time we played them and it will happen again

[The Hood 9]

Was referencing more of that Washington and Minny's offense are more alike. And Washington still won. Washington's Pass D is better than Minny's. But Minny rushes the QB much better than Washington thus creating less time for Mcnabb to expose Minnys Pass D.

Well since Wash only managed 10 points in that last game against the Eagles so I don't know how that comparison helps show how Minny "should" win with a lesser defense than Wash.

 

But yes if Minny gets consistent pressure on McNabb he can get rattled and start throwing balls at his guys feet and to the other team. Peterson has a big day and I could see Minny winning.

 

Problem is the Philly D is even a little better than them at getting pressure and can also cover a whole lot better. Even with his faults McNabb is still much, much better than Tavaris and I just think it's much more likely he gives away the game than McNabb.

[Hagy34 0]

Minnesota deserves to be the dog in this one. But people need to understand that they are one Peterson game away from beating anyone.

[Giants Fan 85]

LAST WEEK!

 

Minny was favored by 7 over the Giants who played DAVID CARR in the second half. Prolly the best pro game of his career. They did not cover the spread.

 

Philly .... absolutely destroyed the Cowboys, pre-season Superbowl favorites, conference rival, in a game that mattered .... etc.

 

It's called momentum. My money is on the Eagles.

[mambokings 0]

The Vikings have not looked very good, despite their record. Meanwhile, Philly has been on fire lately. I will be surprised if the outcome is even close.

 

McNabb > Jackson

Westbrook > Peterson

Reid > Childress

Eagles D (especially lately) > Vikings D

Eagles offense > Vikings offense

+ Eagles playoff experience

+ Eagles hot streak

 

Outside of the fact Minnesota is playing at home (which has proven to mean very little given their awful performances at home) they have no advantage.

[Giants Fan 85]

I'll be routing for Minny. If there's one NFC team that can come to New York and win .... it's Philly.

[Mephisto 15]

Can someone please explain to me why the entire world has basically decided that Philly is going to crush Minny in the first round? Hear me out on this.

 

1. Philly blew out a Dallas team that had clearly quit and was overated to begin with at home. Good win for the Eagles but it seems that the media is giving them too much credit for beating a team with the wheels flying off already.

 

2. Philly looked awful against a Washington team that was already out of it the week before on the road.

 

3. Philly freaking tied Cincy with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm earlier in the year.

 

So explain the logic to me that every media and NFL expert has when they all say that Tavaris Jackson is so overmatched against the Philly D at home.

If that is true are we saying the Tavaris Jackson is worse than Ryan Fitzpatrick? or Jason Campbell?

 

If you compare Cincy and Washington to Minny, wouldnt you agree that Minny has better run game then both, a better D than both. Yet no one mentions this.

 

4. Look at the wins for both teams throughout the year. Philly beat Dallas twice, a Pit team without Rothlisberger at home, The entire NFC West (OOHH IMPRESSIVE), The Giants with out Jacobs in a game where the Giants had almost locked up everything (there most impressive win.) and F'ing Clevland late in the year.

 

On the other hand the Vikings beat the Panthers, Saints, Bears, Giants (washes out Philly's win), Packers, Jags, Arizona at AZ (Washes out Philly again), and a hot Houston team. I wont mention the Lions wins as they dont even count. Not to mention they handed wins back to the Colts and Falcons and Packers late in the 4th quater.

 

5. Andy Reid and Brad Childress are both horrible coaches so that washes out too. It's not like Bill Belicheck is coaching the Eagles.

 

6. Not two weeks ago Mcnabb was being traded in the offseason and Reid was being fired. What gives? He completes 50% of his passes and 175 yards in the Dallas game. That game was a blow out because of Dallas turnovers. Not because he was amazing.

 

I am not saying by any means the Vikings are going to destroy the Eagles, I just have a hard time beliving that the Eagles are such overwhelming favorites becasue of one game.

 

Please prove me wrong..

 

1 reason - The Vikings are 1-dimensional. Stop AP, Stop the Vikings. Not to mention that you conveniently gloss-over or ignore the realities regarding both teams... or just flat-out have it wrong.

 

- The Eagles beat the sh!t out of Rothlisberger when we played Pittsburgh. They weren't "without him."

 

- The Eagles beat-up on the Giants knocking Jacobs out of the game. They weren't "without him."

 

- The Vikings beat a SUCKY Saints team. A Packers team without a defense to speak of. A Jags team with a patchwork offensive line (at best) having lost almost their entire starting offensive line early in the season (if not earlier), the fraud of an Arizona team, DETROIT twice.

 

The question really boils down to which Eagles team is going to show up and with what game plan. If Reid goes back to a 70/30 pass-run ratio, they're doomed. If they put in a creative offensive scheme like they did against Dallas and the Giants that involves much more balance... well, then it's on the defense to stop Peterson.

[phillybear 366]

Also, remember that Vegas sets the line of a game, not because they think that is what is going to happen, but because they want to get equal amounts bet on both sides of the line. Since Philly is the hot team coming in, more people will put money on them. It is not an insult to the Vikings; it is Vegas making money.

 

Sportsbooks rarely see equal action on a game. More typically, people are on one side or another 60-75% The offshore books are much more relevant than Vegas anyway. There are times when the books take a stand and decide to back one team over another. They will make the line very tempting for one side because they want to sucker you into a trap game, and even with overflowing action on one side, will not move the line. Anyway, that's enough about that...

 

I believe the stat is that a home dog playoff team is 11-1 ATS the last 12 times it happened. I'm not sure if they won straight up every time of those 11 situations, but the home dogs typically perform very well recently in the playoffs. Good news for Minnesota.

[Stewburtx8 67]

I'm a huge Eagles fan, and no way will I see they definitely will win this game, but they SHOULD win this game. As other posters have pointed out, if the "good" Eagles team shows up and the game plan is an acceptable balanced offense, then I like the Eagles chances very much. Looking at the numbers, everything points to Philadelphia. The Eagles have the #9 offense by yardage and the #6 scoring offense. Minnesota has the #17 offense by yardage and the #12 scoring offense. The Eagles have the #3 defense by yardage and the #4 scoring defense. Minnesota has the #6 defense by yardage and the #14 scoring defense. The Eagles also have a big advantage in turnover margin. Then looking furthur, the strength of the Eagles offense is clearly throwing the ball. The weakness of the Minny defense is stopping the passing game. On the hand, the strength of the Minnesota offense is running the ball, while the Eagles have a pretty strong run defense. I just think if the Eagles can slow down Peterson and force Tavaris to make plays, this game could get ugly. Jim Johnson will attack Tavaris all day and can create turnovers. BUT if Peterson isn't slowed down and Andy Reid goes back to his all pass offense, then I could definitely see the Vikings winning an ugly game...like 13-10. I don't see the Vikings winning this game though if the scoring approaches 20 or more. My pick would be Eagles 23 Vikings 16, but again, with this Eagles team, we fans all know...nething could happen.. cuz we never know which team will show up.