Anthony Spencer (93) and the Cowboys' defense is in for a stiff test against the Vikings on Sunday. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)The Dallas Cowboys defense is the hottest in the NFL, having allowed only 17 points in their last three games combined.
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a 44-7 thrashing of the New York Giants in the final game of the regular season and finished the season second in scoring at 29.4 points game.
The Vikings are led by Brett Favre, who finished the season second in the NFL in passing touchdowns (33), had the best QB rating of his career, all while having his lowest interception total for a full season (7) in his entire career. Favre has a 6'4, 202 pound, Pro Bowl receiver in Sidney Rice (1312 yards, eight TD's) and a tight end who is a beast near the goal line in Vincente Shiancoe with 11 touchdowns on the season.
Favre's efficiency in the passing game is compounded by Adrian Peterson's punishing rushing style, which makes the Minnesota offense so explosive. When Favre isn't throwing the ball around to his many young and talented wide-recievers, Peterson is running it down the opponent's throat. Peterson finished the year with 1,383 yards (fifth in the NFL) and 18 touchdowns (first in the NFL).
Dallas has played some of the best offenses in the last six weeks and held every single one of them to season lows in scoring, but I believe this will be their toughest task of the season at the Metrodome - where the Vikings are 8-0 this season. Minnesota has not scored fewer than 27 points at home this season.
Observations
- Minnesota is 7-1 this season when Adrian Peterson gets 20 or more carries.
- Brett Favre plays much better at home than on the road. Favre has 21 touchdown passes and only two interceptions at home this season and has been sacked only 11 times compared to 23 on the road.
- Favre has faced the Cowboys 11 times in his career, winning only two of those games.
Prediction
I think the Cowboys' defense is playing better than the Vikings offense. Give me the Cowboys in a close one.
Dallas- 24
Minnesota- 20
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