Wild Card Weekend Schedule Set

by Christopher Gates on Jan 3, 2010 10:01 PM CST in NFL

Saturday, 9 January

4:30 PM Eastern - New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals (NBC)
8 PM Eastern - Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys (NBC)

Sunday, 10 January

1 PM Eastern - Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots (CBS)
4:30 PM Eastern - Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals (FOX)

As far as the NFC, the Vikings will host the highest remaining seed. So, if Dallas beats Philadelphia, the other game doesn't matter. . .the Cowboys will come to the Metrodome to face the Vikings. If Philadelphia wins, then we'll automatically host the winner of Packers/Cardinals.

Should be an interesting weekend, to say the least. The only team we can't potentially face in the Divisional playoffs is the Eagles.

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i would

have liked a second shot at the eagles

but of the remaining teams i would like to play the cowboys

i fear the cardinals passing attack may overwhelm us, and they know how to play in the postseason

and beating a division rival, or any team 3 times is tough

by YanksVikes on Jan 3, 2010 10:16 PM CST reply actions

Evidence?

“…and beating a division rival, or any team 3 times is tough…”

Can anyone supply any statistical evidence to support (or refute) this meme?

by Midnight Rambler on Jan 4, 2010 6:56 AM CST up reply actions

I think

the stats would refute the claim that that it doesn’t happen a lot. I’m fairly certain that the third game goes about 50-50. That said, I think beating a team 3 times in one year is still ‘tough,’ no matter what the stats say.

by tuckerbjt on Jan 4, 2010 9:35 AM CST up reply actions

The stat is as follows:

This has occured 19 times in NFL history. The team that won the two previous matches is 12 – 7.

The ’boys are 0 – 2. (Caught during the radio broadcast yesterday. 100% Joe Buck free!)

Added bonus stat: In games where two teams play each other in two consecutive weeks, the team that won the first game is 5 – 8. (ESPN’s NFC North blog)

When you go to somebody's house, you don't crap on their floor. Being a fan of one team does NOT give you license to be a dick to fans of another.

Corollary: When people are visiting your house and behaving themselves, them being a fan of a different team is NOT a reason for you to piss in their beer.

Brought to you by Carl's Jr.

by Robert Rence on Jan 4, 2010 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

Good stuff

Saw that earlier today, glad you mentioned it here.

by Eric J. Thompson on Jan 4, 2010 3:22 PM CST up reply actions

No evidence, but I agree with Yanks. I'll happily take the Self-destructaBoys.

by Anthony Carter on Jan 4, 2010 9:02 AM CST up reply actions

Hmmmm...

Round 1:
Dallas Wins, GB Wins.

Round 2:
GB v Saints and GB wins
Vikes v. Dallas and Vikes win…

Vikes v. GB in the Metrodome for the NFC Title game…
= MORE REVENGE FOR FAVRE!!

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Jan 3, 2010 10:22 PM CST reply actions

+1

Man we have to win our next game but R4F may have been correct all along. Not that I am complaining!

it is better to be thought of as dumb then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Ben Franklin

by montana vikes fan on Jan 3, 2010 10:41 PM CST up reply actions

Good guess ArizonaVikingsFan

I believe that’s how its going to play out also.

by iowaron on Jan 3, 2010 11:23 PM CST up reply actions

Wow

I can’t argue that, very high probability of that I think

"If you're gonna shoot, shoot, don't talk."
"You men are only risking your lives, while I am risking an almost-certain Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor!"
"We have clearance Clarence. Roger Rodger, what's our vector Victor?"

by VikesFaninNM on Jan 4, 2010 7:12 AM CST up reply actions

I'm pretty sure R4F might spontaneously combust

If that scenario happens.

by Eric J. Thompson on Jan 4, 2010 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

You forgot one...

SUPERBOWL
Vikes v. Jets (Farve’s team last year)

by the-reaper on Jan 4, 2010 6:34 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't mind seeing a GB/MN NFC championship, just to get all the talking heads off of the NFC easts nuts for a while, in addition to seeing aaron rodgers get lit on fire again by the mullet.

I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.

by IABerserker1 on Jan 3, 2010 11:07 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Each of the WC round teams make for an interesting match up. I don’t know who I’d rather the Vikings faced. Of the four teams, I think the Cowboys offer the stiffest competition because they’re playing the most balanced football. The Eagles big play ability is scary, but they’re not consistent; their O-Line is a great match up for the Vikings. The Cardiac Cardinals would be tough (though they were banged up pretty good this weekend), but I think at home we would have a completely different performance and result. Some say beating a team three times in a season is blah blah blah. I was running scenarios by my sister who admittedly cares very little about the game and she had this to say: “Maybe I don’t get it, but I’d rather play the team I already beat twice.” Sage.

by LoveHate on Jan 3, 2010 11:23 PM CST reply actions

interesting article on NFC playoff picture

NFC features classic collection of QBs

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-nfcplayoffpreview010310&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

by medicineball on Jan 4, 2010 12:31 AM CST reply actions

I think that...

The Cowboys got a bit banged up vs. the Eagles, if they do beat the Eagles again, I think we’ll have enough of an edge at home to defeat them. The Dome-Field advantage mixed with injuries and the emotional let-down after they beat the Eagles, a fierce division rival, once again, should set the stage for us to win that game.

However, I suspect the Eagles WILL win that game. Thus it’ll come down to Packers vs. Cardinals. I could NOT care less that the Packers whomped the Cards today. The Cards didn’t really seem ready to play that game seriously. This is going to be a tough game to call. My gut says that the stupid Packers are red-hot right now and I believe that they’ll ride that fiery wave to a victory over the Cardinals.

That’ll set-up the Eagles to take on the Saints. Saints probably win but it’s (again) not an easy call. And I have to believe that despite the Packers recent resurgence, we’ll defeat them yet again – though that’ll be a tougher game than the first two victories and may come down to the wire.

After that, we’d have to travel to the Superdome (and listen to the media go on and on and on about how tragic Katrina was, how the poor people of New Orleans deserve this..blah, blah, blah.) and that’ll be a crazy game. The Dome setting, despite the atmosphere and noise, could help us as we play well on turf. However, I think we’ll fall prey to the Saints there, unfortunately. If they get rolling again, it’s not going to be pretty for us unless our Pass Rush somehow really has a huge day there and our Secondary somehow steps up. If the Saints somehow get upset though, I could see us having a real shot to make it to the Super Bowl.

This’ll be an interesting post-season. SKOL VIKINGS!!

by Wytefang on Jan 4, 2010 1:07 AM CST reply actions

interesting take on the Katrina angle....

But didn’t they already get their Katrina game when LSU won the national champinoship in 07/08?

by dsludo on Jan 4, 2010 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

Farve might choke

It would be a shame if Brett chokes in the playoffs again. If the Vikings deep six him like the Pack did, then who can he play for? Maybe Detroit?

by packersforever on Jan 4, 2010 1:32 AM CST reply actions

No, actually I think that it would be great to see Favre choking Ted Thompson in the Metrodome after a playoff game in which Favre makes so many people in Wisconsin wish that they had never been born. Please bring Ted on over for us. I’ll be quite happy to to watch his humiliation.

by Elgar on Jan 4, 2010 1:54 AM CST up reply actions

you better start praying...

that he ‘chokes’ before the Packers come to MN – because I think he will destroy your team AGAIN.

He’s playing with the best team he’s EVER been on (8 Pro Bowlers) and he’s having the BEST year of his CAREER!
I’m astounded that you think he’s going to ‘choke’ based on his play this year.

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Jan 4, 2010 8:38 AM CST up reply actions

There's never been

any reason to think he would choke in the playoffs before, either. Yet he did it over and over. Favre has followed good seasons by choking in a playoff game a few times, so I’m not sure you can rule it out simply because he had such a great year.

But it does help having all the weapons he has. Rice, Harvin, Shiancoe, Peterson, Taylor, Berrian have made things very easy for a good QB like Favre. So…I guess I’m saying I wouldn’t be ‘astounded’ either way.

by tuckerbjt on Jan 4, 2010 9:39 AM CST up reply actions

Ignore that Cheese-Troll...

ArizonaVikingsFan, he’s just trolling because his team is stuck in Wild-card hell and our Vikings destroyed them twice this year and stole what they feel is their rightful limelight (which is typical Packer-fan behavior – entitled and pompous).

by Wytefang on Jan 4, 2010 9:51 AM CST up reply actions

hi troll!

So … just asking … if Packers do not get a Lombardi this year, does that make Rodgers a choker too?

Or if Packers do not get at least as far as NFC championship game? Because you know, then Rodgers career playoff winning percentage will be worse than “choker” Favre’s (who still has a winning postseason record). Even if Packers get to the Superbowl and lose, even then Rodgers’ posseason record will barely be better than Favre’s (and Favre compiled that record with teams that were typically worse than what Rodgers has this year).

If you’re gonna take this position, then accept the consequences of what you say.

by puddnhead on Jan 4, 2010 9:41 AM CST up reply actions

"What is best in life?"
"To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."

by cryhavoc on Jan 5, 2010 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

LOL

Looking like that would only be slightly more revealing than his username ;)

by puddnhead on Jan 6, 2010 10:36 AM CST up reply actions

33TDs - 7INTs on the season and you Packer fans think Favre is going to throw an INT to cost the Vikes their season.

The Vikes have a more talented offence than Favre’s last year with the Pack, so he doesn’t have to force things as much.

7INTs on the season is the lowest in his career for a reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bernard, Percy and AP oh my!

by VikesPma on Jan 4, 2010 7:00 PM CST up reply actions

lol

another duplicate account. I’m thinking this could be one of the mods over at Acme Fantasy World

by Salty on Jan 5, 2010 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

ah yes i just saw that

Kinda pathetic that some people create an account to make ONE post. On an anonymous chat board!

A gutless troll

by puddnhead on Jan 6, 2010 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

Teams that won the first 2 games are 12-7 in the third game

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/319153-beating-a-team-three-times-in-one-season-easier-done-than-said

by MSA on Jan 4, 2010 8:58 AM CST reply actions

Thanks for the link

So much for the “you can’t beat a team three times in the same season” meme.

It didn’t sound right to me, but I was too lazy to look it up and prove it.

Of course, I do remember 1994 (or 1995) when the Vikings beat the Bears both times in the regular season, and then lost to them in the playoffs. Grrr.

by Midnight Rambler on Jan 4, 2010 9:48 AM CST up reply actions

But I also remember 2004

When the Packers beat the Vikings both times during the regular season, and then this happened:

And you were right, it was the ’94 season when we lost to the Bears.

by Eric J. Thompson on Jan 4, 2010 3:27 PM CST up reply actions

Since the merger...

The team that has won both games, when facing the same team for a third time are
19-12 in the playoff match-up. Not so scary.

Bernard, Percy and AP oh my!

by VikesPma on Jan 4, 2010 7:03 PM CST up reply actions

I think its 12-7. Occured 19 times, with the three peat happening 12 times

"We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-Bram Stoker

by NMVike on Jan 5, 2010 10:08 AM CST up reply actions

You may be right

I quickly heard the stat on Total Access. Usually have my facts straight. I heard 19 and I heard 12. I gotta lay off the expired egg nog.

Bernard, Percy and AP oh my!

by VikesPma on Jan 5, 2010 12:51 PM CST up reply actions

I dont want to face the packers this post-season. I REALLY dont want to have to swallow that pill should they catch some lucky packer BS and knock us out – especially if its in the NFC Championship game.

Not the worth the risk. I’d rather face the eagles again or go to the saints.

But would be awesome if it happened and we won. I just dont know if my heart could handle the pressure for an entire week of anticipation and fear of that game.

We are the vikings.......resistance is futile.

by Hoss-Drone on Jan 4, 2010 9:04 AM CST reply actions

If Favre Bowl II happens in the NFC championship game

It’s quite possible that the ratings for that game could be of Superbowl proportions … my god, the ratings for their regular season matchups were highest for reg season games in decades!

by puddnhead on Jan 4, 2010 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

doh -- Favre Bowl III (typo)

by puddnhead on Jan 4, 2010 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

Setting up for disaster

Getting beat by the packers in the championship game would be a choke job in epic proportions and would be talked about for decades. As a Viking fan you should know how this is all going to play out.

by Heech on Jan 4, 2010 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

oh now your back after we have a good regular season typical you as well

by clinton p on Jan 4, 2010 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

It's a 2-way street.

I’m sure the Packers wouldn’t be too-excited about playing the Vikings in this years NFC Championship game neither, especially this year with all the Favre drama. Both the Packers and Vikings know the outcome would be remembered for Decades & Centuries to come. Nobody wants to be on the losing end of that scenario…lol

The Packers will be hoping for the Vikings to lose in the Divisional round, and the Vikings will be hoping the Packers lose as well…Go Vikes, Screw the Packers. :)

by chaosg on Jan 4, 2010 2:34 PM CST up reply actions

I think it would be talked about for decades. If they were to beat us....and

especially if GB were to somehow win the superbowl. But I just don’t see that happening. And if Favre Bowl III ends up happening the Vikings will dominate them again. They just don’t match up well with us.

by dsludo on Jan 4, 2010 3:26 PM CST up reply actions

As a Packer fan you should know

That Rodgers was sacked 50 times this year and will get killed by the team that leads the league in them!

Bernard, Percy and AP oh my!

by VikesPma on Jan 5, 2010 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

Sadly

I don’t think we’d get as many sacks this time around. I don’t know what it is (more coaching, more experience, better schemes, Rodgers learning to just throw the darn ball away sometimes for the good of his team, instead of protecting his QB rating, or maybe just plain resigning Tauscher?) but things have gelled quite a bit in passing protection.

by puddnhead on Jan 6, 2010 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

I agree.

The Packers are a better team than when we met them earlier this year.
Their 3-4 defense has improved and their OLine problems do seem to have been corrected.
At this point, I’ll be glad to see an Arizona team step up this week and eliminate them.

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Jan 6, 2010 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

One tackle, Clifton, got healthier

and Thompson was forced to bench his choices and play Tauscher and Wells. I agree with you on hoping the Cards punch them in the mouth.

by Salty on Jan 6, 2010 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

My Pick/Hunch

I don’t believe both the Packers and Cowboys will win their rematch games next week.

In spite of how bad they looked yesterday, I think the Eagles will beat Dallas. Philly didn’t show everything they had, and Dallas was going all out.

That means I think Green Bay will again beat the Cardinals, setting up a Vikings-Packers rubber match in the Dome.

by Midnight Rambler on Jan 4, 2010 9:51 AM CST reply actions

I think you are right

But I am hoping you are wrong. I would rather have Cowboys next week, then get the dome rubber match in championship game after Pack knocks off Saints.

by puddnhead on Jan 4, 2010 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

I Missed A Good Week

I was miffed that I had to work yesterday, damn I sure did miss a good week of football. I was wondering have has there ever been this many rematches 2 weeks in row from week 17 to wildcard weekend??

by GB Nordic on Jan 4, 2010 10:14 AM CST reply actions

13 times - not sure if BOTH WC tilts have gone this way though.

From ESPN:

To that end, let’s note that there have been 13 occasions in NFL history when two teams have faced each other in the final week of the regular season and then the following week in the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Stats & Information. (Both games were played at the same site on seven of the 13 instances.) Overall, the team that won the first game is 5-8 in the second game.

I BELIEVE...

by ArizonaVikingsFan on Jan 4, 2010 10:19 AM CST up reply actions

He was asking if there had been this many at one time

Not if it had ever happened. I think it is safe to say this has never happened before. Three games out of four is just … eerie.

Well, give the NFL schedule makers credit. They were looking to pit teams they expected to still be in it against each other in week 17, trying to avoid a team slipping into playoffs because their opponent had packed it in. They were a little too successful, if anything, because they created this weird rematch scenario. The only ones facing a team that had really packed it in already were the Vikings.

by puddnhead on Jan 4, 2010 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

Cheeseheads

2009 regular season has just ended. Favre and Vikes had swept Packers and sitting pretty as the 2nd seat in the NFC.

And many of Green Bay’s fans are still crying….how pathetic!

by tofu on Jan 4, 2010 12:47 PM CST reply actions

Haha what are crying about? We made the playoffs..Favre has been great for you guys but so has Rodgers for us. Only difference we’ll have him for 10 years compared to the 1 or 2 years you’ll have Favre. There isn’t much to be sad about in Packer land.

by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 3:04 AM CST up reply actions