Since it appears that the Minnesota Vikings will finish second in the NFC North this season. . .I don't think that Detroit can pass us in that category, anyway. . .it looks like all of the Vikings' opponents for the 2008 regular season have been determined. Here's who we're looking at:
Home Games
Chicago
Detroit
Green Bay
Atlanta
Carolina
Houston (Houston's first ever trip to Minneapolis)
Indianapolis
New York Giants
Road Games
Chicago
Detroit
Green Bay
New Orleans
Tampa Bay
Jacksonville
Tennessee
Arizona
If Detroit does somehow pass us for in the division standings, the only games that would change would be the game against the Giants (replace them with Washington) and the game at Arizona (replace them with San Francisco). Next season we're matched up against both South divisions, and if you throw in our divisional home-and-homes, 14 of our 16 games are set in stone.
Hell, if we stay in second place, we might not play a cold weather game all season long, depending on when the schedule makers send the Beloved Purple to Green Bay and Chicago.
And come hell or high water, I WILL be at the game in New Orleans. Okay. . .maybe "hell or high water" isn't an appropriate metaphor to use for New Orleans. I apologize. But that doesn't change the fact that I WILL be at that game.
I would love to get up to Minneapolis for a game in '08, too, but making travel arrangements are a huge pain in the butt, never mind trying to schedule leave and all that other good stuff. But if it does happen that I can get up there for a game at any point, I will pass that along. . .maybe we can have a big ol' DN get-together at some point.