I am a bit younger than some of the elders of our merry tribe of Viking diehards. I don't know the disappointments of Super Bowls lost, but I know the heartbreak of the NFC Championship very well. '87, '98 and '00 - I approached with an unwavering confidence - arrogance really. There is no way we could possibly lose. The game was simply a check in the box in a march to a world championship. I am officially stating that I have learned my lesson.
I kept quiet all week. People were trying to bait me for predictions and outlandish statements of purple dominance. I am now too wise to their games. Everyone that asked I said the same thing. The New Orleans Saints represent the worst possible match-up for this team. The line of -4 is exactly correct. It will probably be a shootout; decided by a late play by either of the elite QBs. Let all the national media who doesn't believe in this team make all the statements about how the 'Ain'ts are going to mop the Superdome with us. The Superdome will absolutely be as big an advantage as the Metrodome was for us.
But, Leslie Frazier will have something for the creative Saints offense and Brees. He can't be happy about losing the Bills job and is anxious to start sticking it to teams that have passed on him in recent years. The national media continues to pick against the Vikes; giving them all the motivation they need. Sharper has been getting all this pub about his "advantage" over Favre because of his familiarity with him and the Vikings. We here know the truth about Darren - he is a step slow and absolutely prone to guessing the wrong way - he will prove it today. Above all else, we beat this team with their dynamic offense last year in their house on Monday night, spotting them 2 punt return TDs. And oh yeah, Gus Frerotte was our starting QB. The 'Ain'ts D may have improved, but the leap from Gus to Brett outpaces any of those gains.
I can't help but believe that by Chilly selling his soul for a season of Favre that the Bearded One and the Purple Jesus will save all of us. (You see, I told you I was younger than most of the diehards.)
Vikings 35, Saints 31
Save me a spot on the plane to Miami!