Yesterday presented a couple of pretty good games, was surprised that S.F. and Baltimore both won to be honest. It's still not the same as if we were all watching the Vikings play, but while watching all four teams battle I thought to myself, "The Vikings can beat any one of these teams when playing their best football." We did beat both of the NFC teams earlier this year too, and in those games (week 3 and 17), I thought were two of our best games all year. In 2010 and 2011 the divide between Minnesota and playoff teams was so wide I was more interested in the off season.

Minnesota went all in the '09 season, giving Favre the keys (and whole lot of money), and turned the league's Headless Norseman into the best in the entire NFL. I, personally feel everyone who watched that championship game knew exactly who the best team was, and I sure as hell don't mean the Saints, but that's over and done. It was a great run that set us back, but I still don't regret bringing Favre in either year. (Yes either year, we're used to getting screwed, but in 2010, we were the Titanic and whoever was captain was going to end up riding that thing all the way to the bottom of the ocean).

It is now 2013 and rising from the ash is the Minnesota Vikings and I'm proud to say even our enemies have to say that name now with respect. This looks to be a contender for years to come. Adrian Peterson is a huge factor, just look at his yards in December; only 18 RBs had more yards than that for the entire year, but Minnesota is an all around good football team (on both sides of the ball). That is what is going to keep the Vikings competitive for years to come. And I would do whatever it took to keep Harvin on board.

Some will say Minnesota is not as good as their record, that's fine with me though; our guys seem to play better as the underdogs. We will be talking about Ponder all off season, but there is at least one thing fans should take into consideration; in pressure situations Ponder has risen to the occasions. The Vikings may end up with about the same record, but they will be a better team especially making the push for the post season. And with so many young guys getting experience this past year (and a playoff game under their belt), that is going to go a long way moving forward.