Ball control key in Chicago/Minnesota game for lead in NFC North

So it might not come down to this, but the Vikings (6-5 overall, 2-2 in the division) need to win on Sunday Night Football this weekend against the Bears (6-5, 3-1) to win the NFC North.

Yes, if they lose they will be a game back with four games to go; however, we would have lost both games to Da Bears and lose any tie-breaker, essentially being two games back with four to go. Throw in the fact that the Packer face a Carolina team that can be beat and the Vikings could fall to third in the division quickly (fortunately they can't drop to fourth--thank you Detroit). Green Bay is 3-1 in the divison, 5-6 overall.

You may recall the Viks lost 48-41 in Chicago earlier this season with a late Gus interception sealing the deal. Since that loss, the Vikings are 3-1, the only loss coming to 8-3 Tampa Bay. After a so-so, road win against a struggling team in Jacksonville, the Vikings are a three-point favorite (depending on what online betting site you use). This is a pretty accurate spread, considering Vikings wins in the division have been by two and one points while losses have come by seven and five.

The Vikings are lucky to be in this situation after starting the season 1-3. A 5-2 stretch will cure a lot of headaches in this league. But these last five games are all important with the biggest being the next one.

So what will it take for the Vikings to take a hold of the wheel in the NFC North and their playoff destiny? Two words: ball control. Avoid costly turnovers via a tipped passed that goes the other away or one of our two-headed feature backs putting the ball on the ground and the Vikings have a great chance to win. The Vikings have a hard time putting points on the board and each possession is crucial. If we have ten possessions and eight end up in field goals, we can win. The problem is Chicago's defense is not just good at stopping teams, they are good at creating take aways. So that ball control thing is very much important because what we don't do in trying to give them the ball they will do in forcing the ball out of our hands. Keep in mind Minnesota won the turnover battle 5-1 last week and only one by 18 points (and keep in mind the Jags missed two, very make-able, second-quarter field goals that would narrow that margin).

The good news? We also have a strong defense. We stop them on a couple of those possessions and make them pay for it in points makes the Dome louder. The hidden downside is that the Bears' defense and special teams are their teams best offense.

So, a big game, on a big stage, with playoffs implications on the line--sounds like a night to watch and throw stuff at your TV. A very win-able game but don't be surprised if Da Bears give the Vikings another tally in Da Loss column. I'm going to predict a Minnesota victory 30-27.