You Might Be Cheering for the Packers in 3 Weeks

At the time upon a time, the Minnesota Vikings were being pegged by NFL pundits for 8 to 10 wins in the 2022 NFL year. Fast ahead to early November, and the franchise owns a 7-1 file, eying a home playoff match in January — and maybe even a first-spherical bye.

And to attain a very first-spherical siesta, the Vikings ought to end 1 game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles, who presently have an 8- history, the NFC’s No. 1 seed, and a tiebreaker more than the Vikings.

What does that mean? Perfectly, the Vikings will have to retain successful even though hoping the Eagles drop a sport or two — or 3.

Insert the Eco-friendly Bay Packers.

The Eagles ought to have cakewalks in the subsequent two months as opposed to the Washington Commanders and at the Indianapolis Colts. But then the Packers will summon the Eagles to Wisconsin the weekend soon after Thanksgiving. Philadelphia could come upon a Environmentally friendly Bay crew like the modern, a person which is missing five straight online games. Or the Eagles could possibly locate a Packers squad hellbent on or amidst revitalization. Who is familiar with? Anything at all is probable with Aaron Rodgers and pals.

Meanwhile, the Vikings continue their ostentatious earn streak, totaling 5 consecutive triumphs after acquiring thrashed by the aforementioned Eagles in Week 2. If Kevin O’Connell’s club finds a way to defeat the Buffalo Charges this weekend — Josh Allen may or may well not enjoy — and win one particular or equally of the Cowboys and Patriots matchups thereafter, then it’s a total arms race with Philadelphia to the No. 1 seed.

It’s unlikely that the Eagles will lose to the Commanders or Colts, but the Packers, Titans, Giants (twice), Cowboys, and Saints still lurk on Philadelphia’s docket. Appropriately, assuming the Vikings really don’t squander the subsequent three video games, Vikings fans would morph into Packers enthusiasts for a night time when Green Bay hosts Philadelphia.

This to start with-of-its-variety [at least in a long while] “I will not cheer for the Packers” sensation is rational. The Vikings have such a chokehold on the NFC North that it doesn’t really subject if Inexperienced Bay gains a video game or two. This does not often materialize, not when Environmentally friendly Bay offers Hall-of-Fame quarterback enjoy for a few straight a long time. By trade, Vikings loyalists in no way cheer for the Packers, but it may possibly just make perception on November 27th.

Normally, the trade-off for those also standoffish to cheer for Green Bay would be an endorsement of the Eagles to have homefield benefit through the playoffs — and the Vikings to slide a recreation or two short. Which is a lot more evil?

So, could you cheer for Matt LaFleur’s team in that state of affairs? Food items for believed.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the College of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his day by day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Shown responsible pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Product, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doorways (the band).