Season at a Glance: Brett Favre's Vikings

How many games will Brett Favre win with the Vikings? That is one of the exciting storylines of the season, and the reason we will just have to watch it play out. But it is sure fun to speculate about it. I waited for the first game to get a real feel of what a Brett Favre led Viking team could do. We all knew that they could beat the Cleveland Browns anyway, but now I'm ready to make my predictions.

There is no doubt that Brett Favre is a future Hall of fame quarterback inductee. No wonder his fellow Vikings voted him as a captain. He has had some great wins in his history. If you didn't believe in his longevity before, then his stint with the New York Jets last year should have convinced you that he can be a force, even later in age. His run of wins before re-injuring a sore arm was remarkable. But did that prove that the ware of a long season is too great on his aging frame. He would contest that surgery was not detrimental to him continuing a football career, but rather will be all the difference in making it through his next season back, now with the Vikings. In fact, maybe the old guy can learn new tricks. Perhaps a shortened season, due to injury, was just enough to settle him into managing the game, rather than taking it over. I think Favre knows the difference is that he is with the Vikings, not the Jets, and not the Packers. Favre just has to manage the tools. Hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, toss it over to Bernard Berrian (once they get their timing worked out) a few times, and to Percy Harvin or Visanthe Shiancoe, to keep teams honest. Give your back-up the fourth quarter to handle, and let that mad defense do the rest. Assuming Favre can make it through every game of the season unscathed, though he did get sacked four times on Sunday, a Favre led Viking team could go far.

So how many games will Brett Favre win with the Vikings? Will he go the length of his two-year contract? Instead of focusing on two seasons, let's examine the season ahead. It may be hard to determine exact outcomes, and I may get some wrong, but given Brett's track record with a quality team around him (averaging 10 wins or more), we may be able to surmise a good idea of what the final record or outcome of this season might be. It is looking good for Minnesota Viking fans. Green Bay Packers beware. Here's the schedule with my predictions:

Game 2--@ Detroit Lions

Vikings win 38-24 (2-0)

The Lions are still the whipping team in the NFC North. But they start to find themselves in garbage time to make this one closer than it really was.

Game 3-San Francisco 49ers

Vikings win 28-20 (3-0)

The 49ers defense holds off the Vikings and slows down the rush, but still lack a good pass rush. Favre takes advantage for four touchdown passes. Twenty points was enough for the 49ers to take out the Cardinals but won't be enough in this one.

Game 4-Green Bay

Vikings win 24-14 (4-0)

The Packers have to come to Minnesota. This one starts out as a defensive struggle as both teams want to show their muscle; the offenses are a little too frenetic. More than bragging rights, this game establishes early the team to beat in the NFC North. The Vikings pull away in the fourth quarter.

Game 5--@ St. Louis

Vikings win 44-41 (5-0) OT

The Rams start out cruising on offense and creating turnovers on defense. But this shootout goes to the Vikings. The Vikings defense does just enough, as the Rams can't keep up with the balance of rush and pass options on display. Though the stats are one-sided, the home team forces overtime, but the Vikings win field position again to close it out with a field goal.

Game 6-Baltimore

Vikings lose 17-30 (5-1)

The Ravens take advantage of a beleaguered Viking's team. A staunch defense rushes Favre into submission. He avoids being forced into interceptions, but is forced to throw the ball away, along with the game. A couple rushing scores only serve to run the clock down, and stop the bleeding, a little quicker. The Vikings suffer their first loss-an ugly one for the home crowd to witness.

Game 7--@ Pittsburgh

Vikings lose 20-21 (5-2)

The Steelers give the Vikings a chance for redemption. Both teams bring a tough defense and mindset. In the end, the Steelers won't be denied at home.

Game 8--@ Green Bay

Vikings win 34-31 (6-2)

Another away game for the Vikings, but Favre has played many a game at Lambeau field. Favre was happy with an ugly win against the Pack earlier in the season, but won't be satisfied if he has to split games with his old team. He comes out on fire in this one. Green Bay makes it interesting, but concede the loss as Peterson runs wild. The Vikings turn around the skid just in time to prepare for the second half of the season.

Bye Week (39 year old Favre is inspired by how well he feels at midpoint)

Game 9-Detroit Lions

Vikings win 38-10 (7-2)

The Lions have no answers. The Vikings score at will just like before, but this time the defense is on to anything the Lions throw at them. Turnovers bounce the Vikings way at home. Excitement is boiling over inside the Metrodome despite freezing temperatures outside it.

Game 10-Seattle Seahawks

Vikings win 35-24 (8-2)

The Seahawks play hard but get a cold reception in Minnesota. The Vikings slowly pull away and so does Seattle's hopes, until the game is out of reach.

Game 11-Chicago Bears

Vikings win 28-7 (9-2)

The Bears roar is louder than their bight. Lot's of talk out of Chicago leads up to the game, but the Vikings have settled into a routine at home. They send the Bears packing. This one is over by halftime.

Game 12--@ Arizona Cardinals

Vikings win 31-21 (10-2)

The Cardinals just haven't been the team of last year that went to the Superbowl. They mesh better at home and keep things close for a while. The Vikings keep rolling.

Game 13-Cincinatti Bengals

Vikings win 49-13 (11-2)

The Bengals are wondering if they'll ever have a good team. They wish this game were at home. It isn't. The end.

Game 14--@ Carolina Panthers

Vikings win 24-23 (12-2)

The Panthers take the lead early and hold it through halftime. There are six lead changes in the second half. With two minutes to go, Brett Favre reminds the Vikings how he makes a great team better. The Vikings pull out a last play victory.

Game 15-@ Chicago Bears

Vikings lose 24-17 (12-3)

Having already clinched the division. So the Vikings don't get riled up as much for their rivals as their opponent apparently does. The Bears make Soldier field proud for the last time in this season. But finishing third won't get the Bears into the playoffs.

Game 16-NY Giants

Vikings lose (12-4)

The Vikings start preparing for the playoffs. The Giants still need a win and manage to beat the Vikings reserves. Favre plays minimal minutes and is ready for a playoff run.