Vikings vs. Steelers Preview

Vikes vs. Steelers

The Vikings look like they are about to run into a buzz saw named the Steelers. This will be the best team the Vikings have played, and to play in Pitt will be a huge challenge. Here's what I see as the two keys to the game for Minnesota to win this game.

1) Vikings Offensive Line. For the Vikings to win they are going to need a superb game from their fat bottom boys up front. I think they're going to need a big game from AP, which will require some solid blocking to open up holes for him to run through. If they can get AP going early, Pitt will be forced to stack at least 8 in the box, this should open up opportunities for the passing game.

More important than blocking for AP, the line needs to protect Farve like he's an 85 year old grandma this week. The Steelers are going to blitz Favre consistently this week. They know it's the only way to beat him. Also, he's not able to run away from the blitz and will go down as soon as someone lays a hand on him. If the line can pick up the blitz and give Favre a couple seconds in the pocket he should be able to exploit it for some big plays.

2) Vikings Secondary. The Steelers haven't had a lot of success running the ball this year, and have been nicked up at the running back position with neither Mendenhal or Parker at 100%. The Steelers will likely be throwing early and often. With Winfield likely not playing this week the secondary is going to need to really step up. Big Ben is an underrated quarterback, something that sounds strange for a guy already with two rings. If our secondary bites on his pump fakes we'll be in big trouble. Ben is also very difficult to bring down, meaning even if we have pressure on him he can get away and find an open receiver.

If the Vikings can find a way to win this one they will have proven themselves as one of the best in the league, right behind New Orleans.

However against an AFC opponent like this in their house, I'd be happy just getting out of there healthy. This could be a very dangerous game for Favre, if he goes down so do the hopes of the Vikings making a playoff run. Not to mention AP, who already tweaked an ankle last week. Hopefully the Vikes can run away with it and sit our franchise players.

Pessimistic Prediction: Steelers 31 Vikings 24