NFC North Standings:
1. Detroit Lions 6-2 (2-0)
2. Green Bay Packers 5-3 (2-1)
3. Chicago Bears 3-5 (0-1)
4. Minnesota Vikings 3-5 (0-2)
With Detroit escaping out of London with a 22-21 win over Atlanta, they stand on top of the NFC North in sole possession of first place. The Green Bay Packers went to the Superdome on Sunday Night and found that there was truth to what folks have been saying for some time now: “The Saints are a different team at home.” The sleeping giant that was the Saints’ offense, woke up and ran 44 points against a vulnerable Green Bay defense for the win. And over in Foxboro . . . the Chicago Bears continue to unravel as they had no answer for Tom Brady and the Patriots, losing 51-23.
This leaves the Minnesota Vikings who after beating the Bucs in Tampa last week in overtime, are the only NFC North team scheduled to play this week. The Vikings play host to the Washington Redskins this week. As of now, Vegas has no line on the game and the reason for this, is quite obvious.
The Washington Redskins expect their starting quarterback Robert Griffin III to start what would be his third game of the season. RG3 has become somewhat of a lightning rod of controversy within the Washington Redskins organization. The Redskins have gambled their future on an explosive player who has a hard time staying healthy. In his absence, Redskins saw the rise and fall of back-up Kirk Cousins and they also witnessed their third string quarterback, Colt McCoy under center. McCoy is coming off an emotional win over the Cowboys on Monday Night Football and for what it’s worth, his two game stat sheet looks better than RG3’s. . .
For all the talent on this Redskins offense, one thing is certain: Somebody, anybody – needs to take the reigns of the quarterback position.
The Vikings needed over-time and a “strip and score” touchdown courtesy of rookie linebacker Anthony Barr, to beat the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs last week – yet with a win this week, they can move to third place in the North and shove the Chicago Bears into the basement, for the time being.
The Vikings defense is only allowing 212 yards a game through the air and it will be tested by the wide receiver / tight end talents that the Redskins have. Washington’s pass defense is just as good as the Vikings, the only difference is, the lack of talent on the Vikings roster. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t been able to stretch the field and in the five games he has played, he has only thrown two touchdown passes.
Truth is, if the Redskins decide to give RG3 another week to recover, they won’t miss a beat with McCoy. There is too much talent on this offense for the Vikings to slow them down for four quarters. The Redskins defense had a lot of success blitzing a good offensive line and quarterback on Monday Night against Dallas and Tony Romo – expect more of the same to throw the rookie quarterback Bridgewater into fits early.
Prediction: Redskins 33, Vikings 13
G.W. Gras
twitter @GeeSteelio
