SNF win over the Bears 34-14 moves Vikings to within striking distance of playoff berth

The game was much closer than the score would indicate as the Vikings downed the Bears 34-14.

After a no-call on a roughing the passer, Minnesota had to settle for a field goal. The next possession, Minnesota forced a Chicago punt... which they didn't have to do because one of our DBs got a stupid (and I can't say that enough), stupid personal foul. He got bailed out by four stops from the two-yard line. The first play of the next Vikings' drive was a 99-yard, perfect pass to Berrian that resulted in a TD (and 15 points for anyone playing Berrian in fantasy football--the most you can have on one play in a non-point-per-catch league).

The Vikings rolled from there, getting three interceptions in the fourth quarter against Orten and three sacks out of Jared Allen. The win moves them to 7-5 and in sole possession of the top spot in the NFC North while Chicago sits one game back and Green Bay sits two. Even with the trip to the maneless Lions' den next week, the division is still up for grabs.

AP and Taylor did their job in moving the ball, each having some highlight type runs even if those runs didn't go on the scoreboard. Frerrote had 190 passing yards at halftime (99 from one play). He slowed down, having only 15 yards in the third quarter and the defense and ground game did most of the fourth-quarter work.

Overall, a good and much needed win for the playoff hopes of the Vikings.

However, discipline almost cost the Vikings this game. When Benny Sapp, a five-year player out of Northern Iowa, committed that stupid penalty, he almost cost us the game. The resulting swing was 14 points in the favor of the Vikings, and I know they won by 20, but the difference in play calling from up 10-7 to down 14-3. The Vikings lead the NFL in penalties and penalty yards--if they make the playoffs, this stat is a recipe for a first-round exit. A top-notch QB would be nice, but take away all those penalties and this team could have three more wins from all those one-possession losses. This flaw falls on the shoulders of Childress

The Vikings looked good from the middle of the second quarter on. Depending on the ruling for the Williams Wall duo, the Vikings have what they probably fear the most--a hold of the wheel with four games left. If they prove they deserve to be in the playoffs, I see a trip to the Meadowlands in January.

My Top-Five NFC Power Rankings:

1. New York Giants (11-1) - Outside of a hiccup against the Browns, this is has stopped everyone they have faced. Only allowing a TD on a trick play, this team proved they can keep good backs in check and keep the pressure on the opposing QB.

2. Dallas Cowboys (8-4) - I know other teams have a better record and the past two opponents have been cream-puffs for the 'Boys, but with Romo back at the helm (and with two games experience after his injury), Dallas has been winning and winning well. If Barber reestablishes himself, this team can beat anyone.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3) - With Jeff Garcia under center, this team can beat anyone. Sitting in a tie for first in the NFC South, this team is close to having a first-round bye and a home playoff game (which they are 6-0 at home this season). Throw in Dunn and Bryant and you have a mini triplets that aren't to be taken lightly.

4. Carolina Panthers (9-3) - This team also has mini triplets in Delhomme, Williams, and Smith. But the thing that impresses me about this team is they find ways to win close games. Week one against San Diego (even though they are struggling, they shouldn't have lost that game) and this week against a stumbling Packers team. I'd like to see how this team plays when they fall behind quickly. I give the edge in the division to Tampa Bay but see the Panthers and Cowboys as my wild card teams.

5. Atlanta Falcons (8-4) - First off, rookie coach, rookie QB, and a guy who had to sit behind Tomlinson have changed the course of this franchise's history. I'm personally rooting for this team but think they are the first team on the outside looking in--sad considering they would be winning the NFC North and West.