Vikings-Giants: A Playoff Preview?

I have used the “most important game” cliche for about the last two months, so I hesitate to use it again. Whatever dull phrase I choose to use, this upcoming game could really be the biggest game of the season for the Vikings. No, this time I’m serious.

Last week, when the Falcons marched into the Dome, I applied the “for all the marbles” label. Minnesota obviously lost, and many marbles were taken away…but not all. Although the chance at postseason play is much less than what it could have been had the Vikings won, (100 percent), Minnesota still controls their own destiny.

Lets go over some playoff scenarios. Obviously, one Vikings win or one Bears loss sends Minnesota into the playoffs as the third seed in the NFC. That being the case, they would host whoever their opponent would be in the good ‘ol Metrodome.

As to opponents, the most likely one is Dallas. All they have to do is beat the Eagles and they earn the six seed. If Dallas losses, Tampa Bay is the next-most-likely. The Buccaneers need to beat the Raiders (which is almost a foregone conclusion) and hope for a Cowboys loss. The Eagles could even squeak in as the six seed, but would need to beat the Cowboys, and hope the Raiders and Texans can both win.

Finally, the Chicago Bears could be our first playoff matchup. They would need to win and hope that Dallas and Tampa Bay both lose. (Minnesota can conceivably earn the six seed in the NFC, but would need to tie the Giants and hope for a Dallas and Tampa Bay loss. Of course, all this would be for naught if the Vikings lose to the Giants.)

Instead of counting on the Texans to take care of business, the easier way would be to simply beat the Giants. With New York already having the one seed and home-field-advantage in the playoffs, what do they have to play for?

Momentum, for one. If the Vikings were in that situation, wouldn’t you want to win the final game of the regular season so the momentum can thrust you into postseason? If the Giants win, there will probably be no gaping holes or questionmarks on their roster. I would rather compete, (”Play to win the game!”), than roll over and die.

Pride is probably another reason the Giants will show up on Sunday. Last year, the Vikings destroyed the Giants in New York. Of course, they went on to win the Super Bowl, but I’m sure they haven’t forgotten how we humiliated them.

Although coach Coughlin claims that he won’t back down from the challenge, he certainly will use this opportunity to rest some of his starters. As most of you know, if the Vikings are forced to play against the brunt of the New York Giants, who don’t rest a single starter, Minnesota will probably be forced to become “scoreboard-watchers.”

Of course, should the Giants do what NY Daily News writer Gary Myers suggests, benching Eli Manning in the second quarter, and not playing Justin Tuck, Fred Robbins, and Brandon Jacobs. Wouldn’t that be sweet?

A poll on that same page suggests that a large majority of Giants fans want their team to do the same thing, even if that means a Week 17 loss.

After the numerous fumbles last week, I’m sure Adrian Peterson slept with a football tightly tucked into his elbow every night. He also probably had several ball-control drills and should have no problem with that against the Giants. 

Tarvaris Jackson should have another good day. He doesn’t have much to fear, except his career. If the Vikings lose, and end up without a playoff position, Jackson’s tenure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes might be up.

It all comes down to this. For all the marbles. Win or go home. Whatever cliche you prefer, this game remains very important.