IMG, you may remember when times weren't so tough, a wonderful weekend when The Pittsburgh Steelers exposed the minnesota vikings via a 15 point victory.
Well, that event took place not too long ago and very little has changed with the vikings. This week they are on the road again, this time in Baltimore. Baltimore is a team that is catching its stride late in the season. Their defense is much healthier and recent performances are backing that up. Their offense is also healthier and beginning to show continuity in both the running and passing attack. Ed Reed is back to top form and is capable of single-handedly disrupting NFL passing attacks. Minnesota will have great difficulty scoring in this contest just like last week. The Raven offense will feature Jamal Lewis and he will see this as an excellent opportunity to somewhat salvage his season from a statistical standpoint. He is rounding into form and has 743 yards on the season with 2 games left. A 1000-yard season translates into contract leverage for him and he needs it. With Minnesota and Cleveland remaining for him, he should be able to clear the hurdle easily. Kyle Boller is also showing improvement since his return to the starting lineup and Minnesota should find it difficult to pressure him into mistakes. Without those mistakes, Minnesota has no chance of winning.
This is my gift to you on Christmas Day 2005 my friend.
Baltimore wins the game by no less than 6 points.
