Keys 2 Sunday
Week 13 Previews
The Vikings are well aware of who the Bills are ranked 32nd against the run. All week running back Adrian Peterson has been limited and questionable for Sunday, but it looks pretty good that he will be on the field. While that is good news for Brett Favre and company it will undoubtedly be a major concern for the Bills.
With Peterson less than 100 percent the Vikings are going to need a big effort from not just their offensive line, but rookie running back Toby Gerhart and quarterback Brett Favre. Peterson’s presence will surely draw a lot of the defenses attention and this game could come down to Favre’s arm.
The Vikings defense won’t be enjoying any strolls through the park on Sunday facing an improving Bill’s offense. The Vikes secondary has had their share of problems this season allowing 18 passing touchdowns. The key for Minnesota’s defense will be to turn the Bills into a pass only offense; ranked 5th against the run they shouldn’t have too much trouble.
If the defense can slow the Bills attack early, the Vikings could look to strike quick and early using Sidney Rice over the top off of some play action. The Bills are ranked 11th against the pass, but have been torched for 20 touchdowns this season.
This one could turn into a slug fight with lots of big plays in the passing games. I expect to see Favre and the boys jump out early and watch the Bills play catch up. With their newly found explosive passing game the Bills could keep it interesting, but in the en a balance of Peterson and the Favre’s arm will be too much to overcome.
My Pick; Vikings 34, Bills 27
When was the last time the Rams played a meaningful game in the month of December? Sunday will be the first in a long time. Big game or not I don’t expect to see anything different than what we have been seeing from the Rams this season; balance on offense and steady play by the defense.
The Cardinals come into this one with some new faces and not quite the same swagger as the 2008 team that lost in the Super Bowl. The Card’s big weapon is still wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, but the key for the Rams defense will not be the secondary.
This season the Ram’s boys up front have been doing a pretty good bringing pressure with 31 sacks this season; that will be key on Sunday. The defense has to pressure Arizona and not give Derek Anderson time to get comfortable and find his man. If the defense can have success there, they’ll be able to control the Cardinal’s struggling offense (just 19 points in its’ last two games).
On the other side of the ball, the Rams will be handing the Cardinal’s defense a huge dose of Steven Jackson. In his last two games against the Cards Jackson has totaled 197 yards rushing. Along with the ground game, the Rams are going to need rookie quarterback Sam Bradford to continue his steady play. In his last six starts Bradford has thrown a total of 210 passes with 11 going for touchdowns and just one interception.
Facing the Cardinal’s 25th ranked pass defense won’t exactly be like easy pickens, but it could be close. Bradford is much improved and the Cards defense has been burned with at least one passing score of 38 yards or more in each of their last three games.
This one could get ugly for Arizona fast if they don’t take care of the ball.
My Pick; Rams 30, Cardinals 20
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