The Saints' victory over the Colts on Sunday night in the Super Bowl probably made many Vikings fans -- not to mention members of the organization -- feel even worse about what happened two weeks ago at the Louisiana Superdome in the NFC title game.
Of course, there is no need to go back over territory that has been well covered in this blog and so many other places. But it appears that there is a very good chance the Vikings aren't going to be allowed to forget about the Saints for long.
In fact, it would not be surprising to see the Vikings open the 2010 season onThursday night, Sept. 9 at the Superdome. That is the dateon whichthe NFL season istentatively scheduled to begin with a prime-time game on NBC. The NFL hasopened its season with a Thursday night game since2002 and starting with the 2004 season it became the custom for the Super Bowl champion to play host to it.
The Vikingswouldappear to be the likely opponent given the fact they played the Saints for the conference title and also the fact thatgamewouldkick off Minnesota's 50th season in the NFL. If Brett Favre decides to play a 20th season that would make the matchup that much more attractive.
The home-and-road opponents for each NFLteam already are set and if you look at who else the Saints will play host to in 2010 there isn't another gamethat appears as attractive.The other teamsthat will visit New Orleans include St. Louis, Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh andNFCSouthfoes Atlanta, Carolina and Tampa Bay.
The Steelers, who won the Super Bowl last season, are the only foe that comes close.
Assigning the Vikings the Thursday night opener would mean they would starton the road for the third consecutive season (at Green Bay in 2008 and at Cleveland in 2009), but Minnesota opened with road games for a six-year stretch from 1990 to 1995.
Although the complete schedule(with dates and times)for the 2010 season will notbe announceduntil April, a few of the marquee matchups, including the Thursday night opener,should be revealed at the NFL owners meetings in late March in Orlando, Fla.