Vikings Manage To Get Flexed Into Prime Time After All

by Christopher Gates on Dec 13, 2010 12:48 PM CST in Minnesota Vikings 2010 Season

It's not every year that a 5-7 team that's been widely considered to be a disappointment gets flexed into a prime time match-up. . .unless, of course, that team is going on the road to face a team that's battling for the number one seed in the NFC playoffs and has a couple of glamor players on offense. Oh, and it comes in a game that could set a significant NFL milestone as well.

Yes, per the Minnesota Vikings' website, the game between the Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles on 26 December has been "flexed" into a prime time slot. That game was originally occupied by a game between the San Diego Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals, but the folks at NBC apparently thought Vikings/Eagles was a more attractive match-up.

I'm sure the fact that that game could. . .potentially. . .mark Brett Favre's 300th consecutive regular season start had nothing to do with the decision.

So, with tonight's game, the game next week against the Bears on Monday night, and now this game, the Vikings have three consecutive prime time match-ups. Do you like this idea? I'm not sure if I do, to be honest, but we can discuss that below.

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Comments

If the Bears can beat them, the Vikes sure as heck can.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 12:51 PM CST reply actions

Why? Did the Vikings beat the Bears?

by JimmyK on Dec 13, 2010 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

Get Em Jimmy

I hate when people try to pull that card…they obviously dont kno anything about football or ANY sport….ANY TEAM can beat ANYONE at ANY TIME….you would think this season has spoken for that but apparently not….mayb Jepps a “fairweather only looks to see if the Vikes win on espn” kinda fan

as jim mora said it best “IT DOESNT MATTER WHO YA PLAY”

"if you’re going to act like bitches, then I will treat you like bitches". - AR

by theaction on Dec 13, 2010 1:56 PM CST up reply actions

...?

Why so serious? I’ve been on these boards long enough dude where I don’t have to defend my fandom from the likes of you. We are saying the exact same thing idiot, and you’d realize that if you would have read my post clearer.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

What is an Eagle's fan doing

Questioning me on a Viking’s blog?

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

Oh wait...

they are Eagle’s fans….NVM.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

Relax old timer you jus came across as one of those guys that dont kno diddly squat about football

all im sayin is any1 can beat any1

"if you’re going to act like bitches, then I will treat you like bitches". - AR

by theaction on Dec 13, 2010 2:33 PM CST up reply actions

...

1) I’m 26
2) We are portraying the same message.
3) Why is it, once again, that Vikings fans have to defend themselves on a Viking’s blog for thinking positive about their own team? This seems to be a common occurrence here regardless of the visiting poster’s fandom.

/end rant.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

how are we portrayin the same thing?

You said the bears beat em so the vikes can….all i was sayin is that it doesnt work that way….thats it….youve got some other built up emotions….WOoOOO SaaAaaAa

"if you’re going to act like bitches, then I will treat you like bitches". - AR

by theaction on Dec 13, 2010 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

I understand what that statement means..

Bears beat the Eagles, so that means the Vikings should be able to do so as well. Considering that many of us believe that the VIkings have just as much talent (if not more) than the Bears… We have the potential to beat them.

It would be rather stupid to make the assumption that we could beat the Eagles based upon the idea that we (if we had beaten the Bears). Because it doens’t work that way. We’re making the point that we believe we “can” beat the Eagles, because a team with what we believe to have less talent than us was able to beat them.

In other words, to paraphrase what was said… “Eagles are beatable” but that statement holds true with any team..

by Deek on Dec 13, 2010 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

I don't live in MN

so more prime-time games are great!

by vikedawg on Dec 13, 2010 1:15 PM CST reply actions

When..

The Vikings played the Redskins, they proved that they win on the road (especially with a new HC).

But the Vikings have always struggled in the following:
Away games, out-door games, and cold games.
The Philadelphia game will likely match up to all 3 of those I listed above.
A pure challenge for the Vikings…. However, if the Vikings bring their A-game, anything is possible.

by Deek on Dec 13, 2010 1:32 PM CST reply actions

Man...did you leave anything?

Indoor, at home and warm – We managed to lose to Miami. We have nothing to lose now. Make them all Prime time is what I say. At least NFL will value our team some.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

Well

despite the in-door theory:
We lost to the NO Saints
depsite the home-game theory:
We lost to the Miami Dolphins (a game I attended) & the GB Packers

My point was…. We have seemed to "always’ struggle on the road in outdoor stadiums in colder weather. Usually one of those 3 always makes it a challenge, but to come to a game where all 3 are likely present could pose a really hard challenge.

With that said, if we win that game…. Which I surely hope we do, I’ll be extremely excited.
I also believe that the Eagles game is the hardest out of all our games that remain.

by Deek on Dec 13, 2010 3:18 PM CST up reply actions

0 for Prime Time

Coach Frazier hasn’t played a prime time game this year yet, but the rest of the games played in prime time this year have been losses. Here in the NY Metro Area all games shown here – prime time or regional have been losses. Hopefully we can break that streak tonight!

by mlrn06 on Dec 13, 2010 1:35 PM CST reply actions

The Vikings and primetime

go together like California and fiscal responsibility. Oh, and it’s an outdoor road game on grass, in December!!

Sweet.

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

"A parent's only as good as their dumbest kid. If one wins a Nobel Prize but the other gets robbed by a hooker, you failed."

by Ted Glover on Dec 13, 2010 1:40 PM CST reply actions

Hey!

That just means a whole LOT more for the Vikings and the rest of the team if they walk away w/ a big W… Right?

by Deek on Dec 13, 2010 2:02 PM CST up reply actions

My thoughts too

There is just something about putting the Vikings on prime time that is like the kiss of death. I don’t know why, but there is nothing like a big, national stage for throwing things off.

Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin

by Skol Girl on Dec 13, 2010 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

I get the same feeling.

I’m just hoping, since we don’t have the home field advantage anymore, that the Giants are in a big daze because of all the travel troubles.

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Dec 13, 2010 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

Since SB is a prime time thing, lets get over this mental hurdle in a (largely) inconsequential game.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 3:10 PM CST up reply actions

If everything falls into place, don't we still have a shot?

I would usually say that most of the problem is that Favre needs to be in bed by 9:00 PM, but that may not be a factor in this game for more than one reason.

1. Game over by 9:00
2. Favre doesn’t play

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Dec 13, 2010 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

It was better when we had Moss.

At least he would show up.

It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...

by Grime on Dec 13, 2010 3:09 PM CST up reply actions

Enjoy the ride, even though recent history does not bode well

by solafide on Dec 13, 2010 2:05 PM CST reply actions

Got Skepticism?

Look at it this way:
Lezlie F. is nor Chilly.
We have nothing to lose but everything to gain – Publicity, street cred, braggin rights
We find out how Lezlie F trains his team: Are we getting another Chilly or Belichik style…a guy who would make them practice in snow so that they don’t lose to Bears.
My hope is that LF will make them wear long cleats and tell them to brave it out in the cold…during practices.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 2:10 PM CST reply actions

Also, like someone mentioned..

Good for fans not in the MN area.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

I 'd like it much more if we were preparing a QBOTF

Of course, that would require us to have one on the roster.

by Jshore on Dec 13, 2010 2:17 PM CST reply actions

Tonight's game might be "Prime Time"...

…but only Minnesota and NYC will get to see it. That doesn’t feel like a Prime Time game to me. ~~-sigh~~-

by kcskol on Dec 13, 2010 2:19 PM CST reply actions

Yeah I'm on board with this.

We aren’t nationally telivised so it’s not really prime time.

It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...

by Grime on Dec 13, 2010 3:09 PM CST up reply actions

When the Vikings play at Prime Time

they lay eggs. So no.

by Shawn Gillogly on Dec 13, 2010 2:22 PM CST reply actions

Tonights game Vikings vs Giants

anyone who bought NFL package,you can see the game on channel 710 at 6:00 pm.heard bears game will be in gophers stadium

by subzero on Dec 13, 2010 2:25 PM CST reply actions

So if I climb on the roof of newly opened Buffalo Wild Wings, I can watch the game for free?

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 3:12 PM CST up reply actions

SHHH

Don’t talk about b-dubs. One more mention and I’m blowing off studying for my anatomy final for those delicious nuggets of breaded chicken.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 3:14 PM CST up reply actions

In 30 minutes

they will decide if Favre is playing tonight or not.

Keep the streak alive!

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Dec 13, 2010 2:52 PM CST reply actions

Shoot the streak in the face.

Twice.

Then stab it in the heart, stick it in an autoclave, dunk it in a tank of hydrochloric acid, and shoot it into the sun.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

Keep the streak alive!

@ NFL: Don’t listen to Jepp.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

No one ever does.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 3:09 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think that you've actually done enough there to end the streak.

I submit replacing a black hole for the sun, but only after you’ve used it as a prop on a Michael Bay movie. Also, may I suggest removing the streaks central nervous system, just to make sure it doesn’t try to walk onto the field at any time.

"Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend."
Bruce Lee (1/27/40 - 7/20/73)

by Marcus.Grayson on Dec 13, 2010 3:10 PM CST up reply actions

The Streak

HAS no CNS. It is a killing machine made from liquid metal.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 3:19 PM CST up reply actions

I want to WIN first, while keeping the streak alive. Whatever it takes.

Wouldn’t it be great if Favre played an unexpectedly perfect game tonight? Maybe watching T-Jack from the sidlines has him all fired up.

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. - John Lennon

by JethroBoViking on Dec 13, 2010 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

That day he didn't look happy for sure.

maybe it was the pain (?)

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 4:02 PM CST up reply actions

Something's wrong with me?

This perfectly sensible suggestion had me in stitches.

by kcskol on Dec 13, 2010 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

I like since I wont have to put up with finding a stream

You that live in MN don’t know how lucky you are. It is painful to watch a game on a stream that is behind the live action or cuts out altogether. The more games on national TV the better. We just have to start winning them again. Maybe LF will change the karma around. Seems to have worked so far.

by SouthernNorseman on Dec 13, 2010 3:04 PM CST reply actions

HEAR HEAR!!!!

Can’t even do game threads anymore because it ruins it for me.

It's a lot easier to love the Vikings when they win...

by Grime on Dec 13, 2010 3:10 PM CST up reply actions

I tried nierva for Thursday night. Seemed to be working fine.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

splain?

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 3:15 PM CST up reply actions

Me goggled. It gave me nierva dot com

There were a couple of screens on it and I chose the one which seemed to be a few seconds ahead of others. Closed all other windows (including DN) and watched the game. It was not perfect but not bad.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

1st person

to put up a decent quality stream gets internet cookies. I’m SO glad the Sioux Falls FOX affiliate is playing re-runs of How I Met Your Mother…

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 3:07 PM CST reply actions

I still don't get why we're getting flexed

But I’ll take it. Not like the Vikings every play at noon on Sunday anymore anyway, right?

Proud contributor to Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota

by Eric J. Thompson on Dec 13, 2010 3:29 PM CST reply actions

Ratings.

NFL wants to milk the teat of that cow named Brett Favre to it’s last drop.

by izziefans on Dec 13, 2010 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

Probably...

considering his #s of games is coming to an end (likely)..

by Deek on Dec 13, 2010 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

And i think it has a lot to do with the Eagles as well. They have 3 of the top 4 TV rated games of this season. The NFL will want to exploit that as much as possible…..

If you dont like Big Red, then F#%@ You!
-Ricky Bobby

by GreenInBaltimore on Dec 13, 2010 4:42 PM CST up reply actions

If Farve is out...and it is looking like it.....

Then who is the Back up? Hopefully BF will not be in-active, if so that leaves us with an injuried Spiderman (Joe Webb).

by NCviking on Dec 13, 2010 4:17 PM CST reply actions

how about sidney rice or maybe we can borrow Sage for a little while ? :0)

Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
~Mark Twain

by meno on Dec 13, 2010 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

How ironic....

If Manning goes down, it could be TJ against Sage….The fun continues.

by NCviking on Dec 13, 2010 4:29 PM CST reply actions

now that i have thought about it, it is worrisome that we possibly will have an injured backup if TJ starts.....

maybe that is why frazier wants to give Favre a shot?

Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
~Mark Twain

by meno on Dec 13, 2010 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

Per Jud Zulgad

BF is inactive tonight. Streak=dead.

by Jepp The Viking on Dec 13, 2010 4:53 PM CST reply actions

Yep he's out, saw it live on NFL network

Hope TJ can learn from last week, Hope the hell the O-line understands that if TJ goes out, we are screwed. Heard Harvin is out…can anyone confirm????

by NCviking on Dec 13, 2010 4:56 PM CST reply actions

Re: The Flexing of the game

First of all, no matter how you spin it, this is a much better matchup than the Bengals v. the Chargers.

Secondly, NBC is limited on what games they can flex into the spot. Fox and CBS can protect some of their games and some teams are ineligible for flexing as they are only allowed to play X number of Sunday night games in a season (can’t remember the number but I want to say 3?). They might not consider this the best matchup but apparently it’s the best of the ones they had available to choose from.

by Cobra312004 on Dec 13, 2010 5:28 PM CST reply actions

tonight's game

I think it is truly a shame that such a small audience will see tonight’s game. I hope the free tickets in Detroit are enough to produce a good-sized crowd. Also too bad that Favre can’t go — I think it would have been nice for him to get to a nice round 300 number. At least the fans who care the most will be able to see the game. Of course, I am rooting for the Vikings due to playoff implications. But I think it’s pretty clear that the Packers are not going anywhere even if they make the playoffs.

by Ben T on Dec 13, 2010 5:44 PM CST reply actions