Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans quietly going about their business | News, Sports, Jobs

Steve Brownlee

I had this nice concept to say a pair of groups which have quietly gone about their enterprise with a whole lot of success this season.

However now I see that one in all them, Minnesota, has been entrance and heart since their commerce for Detroit’s main tight finish, T.J. Hockenson, on Tuesday.

The opposite crew is Tennessee, which I feel nonetheless doesn’t get a lot consideration, particularly when the speak is in regards to the elite of the NFL.

So for the report, the Vikings are 6-1 — tied for the second-best report within the league — whereas Tennessee is 5-2, tied for second greatest within the AFC.

The groups they match information with are A LOT increased profile — the one different one-loss crew, additionally 6-1, is Buffalo, whereas the opposite 5-2 crew within the AFC is Kansas Metropolis.

Each the Vikings and Titans are profitable shut video games, as evidenced by their points-for and -against totals this season. Minnesota has outscored its opponents by solely 29 factors, 173-144, regardless of their sterling report. As compared, the Payments have a plus-105 differential, 203-98.

And Tennessee is a fair stranger case. Regardless of a 5-2 mark, they’ve been OUTSCORED by six factors, 138-132. Once more, compared the Chiefs are a plus-51 in factors, 223-172, with the identical report.

In order that’s acquired to be a part of it. I’ve additionally heard that the wins by each Vikings and Titans aren’t precisely coming in opposition to the elite of the NFL, however actually, if you happen to can beat anyone on this league, you’ve acquired to be good. Simply ask the Lions or Packers.

Lastly, I feel each groups don’t throw a whole lot of lengthy bombs, as an alternative taking part in good protection whereas operating the ball within the Titans’ case and throwing dinks and dunks up in Minnesota.

Simply control them, which shouldn’t be too onerous to do if you happen to’re a Packers or Lions fan, since they’re in our division.

Now onto the picks for this week, which has solely 13 video games as a half-dozen groups are on the bye, largely notably Dallas, the Giants and San Francisco:

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Right this moment, 8:15 p.m.

Philadelphia at Houston — Just like the Vikings and Titans, the Texans don’t get a whole lot of consideration, however that’s rather more deserved with their 1-5-1 report. Eagles, 34-20.

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Sunday, 1 p.m.

Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta — The Falcons acquired a present final week as Carolina ought to’ve overwhelmed them twice earlier than Atlanta lastly got here by and did win it in additional time. I don’t see the Chargers as being in such a gift-giving temper. Chargers, 23-20.

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Miami at Chicago — The Dolphins’ offense in all probability regarded higher than it truly is by taking part in in Detroit final week. This week, Miami’s protection will look ferocious going up in opposition to a clumsy Bears’ offense. Dolphins, 26-12.

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Carolina at Cincinnati — Supposedly, if you happen to can rush quarterback Joe Burrow, you may beat Cincy. Can Carolina do something near that? Nah. Bengals, 31-24.

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Inexperienced Bay at Detroit — Simply the tonic the Packers have been on the lookout for. Persons are going to surprise why every one of many new Inexperienced Bay crop of receivers haven’t been in comparison with Davante Adams by the point this one’s over. Packers, 37-23.

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Las Vegas at Jacksonville — The Raiders are misplaced, in order that they actually gained’t have the ability to determine how they ended up in north Florida. Jaguars, 19-15.

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Indianapolis at New England — A rudderless crew is prime fodder for Invoice Belichick’s trickiness nearly every week after Halloween. Patriots, 24-9.

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Buffalo at New York Jets — The Jets appear like they’ve been doing it with bubble gum and baling wire. That gained’t work in opposition to the upstate New Yorkers, even whereas taking part in in north Jersey. Payments, 30-19.

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Minnesota at Washington — The Commanders are a pleasant story, however Minnesota ought to have the ability to management the ultimate drive and pull out a detailed victory. Vikings, 27-24.

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Sunday, 4 p.m.

Seattle at Arizona — OK, I’ll drink the Seattle Kool-Help, particularly in opposition to a proficient however dysfunctional-looking Cardinals outfit. Seahawks, 28-24.

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Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay — Two groups trending the improper means. However right here’s considering this L.A. unit is able to snap out of it. In the meantime, Tom Brady continues to be 45 and barely holding onto that, for the reason that years appear to get shorter and shorter the older you get. Rams, 27-20.

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Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

Tennessee at Kansas Metropolis — That is the Titans’ one likelihood to boost their profile on a nationwide stage. Me thinks it’s the improper crew to do it in opposition to. Chiefs, 33-24.

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Monday, 8:15 p.m.

Baltimore at New Orleans — The Ravens simply added a bit to their protection. Not a very good factor to listen to for a Saints’ crew with a messed-up QB scenario. Ravens, 34-23.

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Final week — 10-5, 67 p.c. Season — 68-54-1, 56 p.c.

Steve Brownlee might be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 252. His e-mail tackle is sbrownlee@miningjournal.web.