Ten & Six With Mike Otto: Week 11 - Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks (Plus Picks!)

I read Seattle Times, I watch Seattle news...

Well hello again, fooball fans! Welcome to Ten & Six: Week 11!

The Vikings are riding high after defeating the Redskins last Thursday night.  This week they find themselves in Seattle, the sight of last season's lowest moment of the year.  They'll be squaring off against former teammate Percy Harvin, All-American boy Russell Wilson, and head coach Pete Carroll, history's greatest monster.

Mikey, what do we have to look forward to this week?

Welcome back football fans!

It was a wild week in the NFL and my picks went 8-6 as a result. Not terrible but well below the accuracy I strive for. That has been the story of my prognostication season thus far, so lets see if I can change some things this week. Lets make some picks!

New York Jets (5-4) at Buffalo (3-7) 

Welcome young and old, to the 2013 Shitbowl Of The Northeast!

This yawner certainly means something to someone somewhere, but absolutely nothing to this guy right here. Almost less than nothing. If you told me tomorrow that the Bills and Jets ceased to exist any longer on our plane of reality, I would shrug my shoulders and go about my day without any second thought of it.

One thing I have learned. If anything goes wrong in your life, it makes you feel better to blame Rex Ryan. Jets win (tries to scrub dirt off, can't scrub hard enough) 20-16.

Atlanta (2-7) at Tampa Bay (1-8)

The Falcons and Texans fanbases should play a pick up basketball game with the winner being awarded the Saddest Fan Base Of 2013 trophy.

Expectations for the Falcons was sky high this year and don't look now, but they have no more wins than our beloved Purple.

The Bucs are riding a high after their win against the controversy-maligned Dolphins. It would have been funny if the Bucs fired Shiano after his first win just to shake things up and further confuse their elderly fan base. I saw what a Mike Glennon looks like without a helmet on for the 1st time on Monday night and Jesus Christ! He looks like one of Santa's elves spawned with a Scandinavian farm hand. Falcons win 19-17.

Detroit (6-3) at Pittsburgh (3-6)

So Big Ben might be unhappy in the Steel City? Maybe what's really bothering Ben is the fact his second kid is on the way and his days of groping 4-out-of-10's are long gone. His rape scope is dusty and on the shelf. His hands aren't nearly as clammy as they used to be. He just isn't the same guy anymore. Sure, he's still a big tall idiot, but that's not unique! God, I'd want a change of scenery too. Stay the fuck out of Minnesota, Rapistberger! Lions win 27-17 and strengthen their hold on the NFC North lead. Nobody has had to write that sentence since 1991.

Washington (3-6) at Philadelphia (5-5)

The NFC East is pathetic and still very much up for grabs mainly because everyone in the division is marginal at best. I can't wait for the Cowboys to choke this division away in December, and that will happen. It doesn't really matter who comes out of the NFC East, they are going to be one and done.

Personally, I think it's going to be the Eagles, which may upset a certain great bulk buying mind I know, but hey, the truth hurts, I keep it real. Disregard the last sentence if you were at all confused by it. Also, frig off, ten people who read this column and didn't understand that. WE DON'T NEED YOU. Just kidding, I desperately need you, don't judge me IT'S JUST A COUPLE DRINKS OK?!?!? I HAVE CATS I'M NOT REALLY DRINKING ALONE! Eagles win 28-27.

Arizona (4-6) at Jacksonville (1-8) 

Could it be two in a row for the Jags? No, no it can't.

Worth noting: The Jaguars last 2 wins have come against the Titans though. Getting owned by the Jags hurts. 

The Cards defense is far to good to lose this game, and the Jags defense could make Scott Tolzien look like a decent QB. Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer could probably win this game by themselves without an offensive line. I think the Jags got their only win of the year last week. Cards win easy 24-10.

Oakland (3-6) at Houston (2-7)

I kind of like this scrappy Raiders team. They aren't going to the playoffs or anything close, but they seem to be heading in a positive direction. They've been in most every game, some of them against quality teams. 

They run into a Texans team that is hungry for a win and starving for decent quarterback play. Detective Case Keenum can't seem to solve an NFL defense, or the mystery of the Central Park Strangler. You're about to ride the pine, Keenum! Texans pull out a win 16-13.

Baltimore (4-5) at Chicago (5-4)

Jay Cutler looked like an old man last week. Bum groin, bum ankle, bum brain, just BUM. He was obviously playing hurt and didn't get the win he so desperately wanted. I would bet Josh McCown starts this weekend and, going up against Joe Flacco, I actually like his chances.

The Ravens have struggled to string together multiple wins all year, and Flacco has looked pedestrian. Almost like they are still celebrating their championship from last year. Bears get the "W", 24-21.

Cleveland (4-5) at Cincinnati (6-4)

I really used up my reservoir of Ohio jokes the first time these two teams met. Amateur mistake. Can't blow the whole load at once, daddy might get called on again later. Yeah, shit just got weird.

The Bengals lost a game that the Ravens tried to give them a few different ways. Every time I see Marvin Lewis patrolling the Bengals sideline, I am, at first, fucking amazed, and second, impressed. He has held an icy, death-like grip on an often terrible franchise through all the bullshit, Chad Johnson Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Carson Palmer, Akili Smith...ok not Akili Smith but it sure seems like it! Good on you, Marv. Bengals win 26-20.

San Diego (4-5) at Miami (4-5)

Richie Incognito should have acted more like his name suggests. The Dolphins offensive line is in shambles and it was easily noticeable in their loss to the lowly Buccaneers. Tannehill was under constant pressure to produce, and not just by that wife of his. The result was about what you would expect, abject failure. Tannehill is a poor man's Phillip Rivers at best, and that isn't a great recipe for success. Chargers win one on the road, 23-16.

Green Bay (5-4) at New York Giants (3-6)

The only good news for the Packers is Clay Matthews doesn't have to wear that ridiculous club on his right hand that rendered him about as useful as you would expect a one-armed linebacker to be. Aaron Rodgers said he finally was able to sleep through the night. It's unknown if he was being woken up due to pain from his injury or from the Mike McCarthy sexually-based night terrors he has suffered from since being drafted. Eli and the Giants win a close one, 20-19.

San Francisco (6-3) at New Orleans (7-2)

The Niners could easily be looking at their second loss in a row if Colin Kaepernick can't find a way out of this sophomore slump he has been mired in ever since dominating the Packers in the opening week.

Drew Brees is definitely not a sophomore and not in any sort of slump. the man is five feet ten inches of unstoppable quarterbacking fury. What would the Dolphins be like today if they had went after Brees instead of Daunte Culpepper all those year ago? Ha ha, sorry to twist that old rusty knife Dolphins fans, but Christ, your team fucked that one up. Kaepernick can't find his stride, saints win 31-20.

Kansas City (9-0) at Denver (8-1)

The game of the week! Peyton Manning took a beating last weekend and got an MRI that came back negative for any type of personality.

Dwayne Bowe, on the other hand, now there's a guy with some edge to him. Bowe was picked up for littering and, littering and, littering and...SMOKING THE REEFER. A little pot. Big deal. Wait, it was how much pot? Damn Dwayne! Wassup big dog holler, at your boy!

Alex Smith is going to have to throw a couple passing touchdowns to hang with the Peytie Manny and well, he certainly is due for a multi-touchdown game. It's going to be a close one and fun to watch, I think Manning gets knocked around early and thrown off his game, but battles back in the 4th to get the "W". Broncos win 29-27.

New England (7-2) at Carolina (6-3)

That Panthers defense has been playing out of their minds ever since the Vikings game, their Front 7 in particular. Not to mention they have the best "guy that sounds like a horse" in the league, Captain Muderland. Annnd DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!!!

If Killa Cam can upstage Captain America on national TV, the Panthers will all but solidify their status as a legitimate threat to make some noise in the playoffs. I'm as shocked as anybody that Ron Rivera is finding success this season, but I don't think there is another team in the league where said success has so little to do with coaching. With the Panthers defense flying around like it is, you don't need the gameplan to be as sound as say, the Cleveland Browns do, to win a game. The Panthers hot streak keeps rolling and they win 20-17. 

That's it, folks. On to the main event!

 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-7) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-1)

The Vikings actually managed to win a game! The streets were rich with purple celebration after last Thursdays victory and the Vikings got to enjoy a long weekend off to rest up, relax, or get DWI's.

Christian Ponder played his best game of the year and got a little bit banged up in the process. With the long week to heal it looks as though young Mr. Ponder will wear a harness on his left shoulder and give it a go. Yipee. Hooray. WOO-FUCKING-HOO!

Now that I've got my excitement under control I think we're ready to look at some positive(s) and negatives from the game against Warshington. As always, the positive(s) first.

Positive(s):

-Litchfield's Own Jon Carlson!  After his 7 catch, 98 yard performance, Jon Carlson has officially become the most successful thing to ever come out of Litchfield. It only took him two and a half years to produce anything worthwhile for this team so let's all give him a nice pat on the back.

-Adrian Peterson  He is leading the league with 9 rushing touchdowns and really put the team on his back in the 4th quarter. He drained the clock with punishing runs, weakening the defense in the process. Without this guy on the team, the Vikings wouldn't have a single win, much less a gaudy TWO wins. The heart and soul of this team deserves a nod every week.

-Ponder  I begrudgingly add him to this list of positives even though he didn't finish the game, he showed a lot of heart and even a little personality. It was a nice change of pace from the tasteless box of mashed potatoes we usually get from Ponder. Now who knows, if Ponder plays the 4th quarter he might throw a pick six or do something else ridiculously Ponder-esque but we can't necessarily hold that against him. He played his first three solid quarters of football since last year. 

Negatives:

-Same Old Shit  The defense went into some type of zone prevent and was 6 yards away from completely crumbling once again. Erin Henderson got away with holding in the end zone which would have put the ball on the one yard line. This coaching staff does not handle late game situations well at all. What else is new?

-Leslie Frazier's Final-Minute Time Out  I will give him this, it was really fucking gutsy to call that time out. He was watching Washington march down the field with ease and he says his guys were gassed. OK, I believe you. If he takes that time out and the Redskins score on the next play, I don't think Leslie Frazier is the head coach for this game. An unconventional choice for sure, and all is well that ends well, but your goddamn defense should be playing in a scheme that gets a stop before the fucking goal line.

-Josh Freeman's Movember "Mustache"  I've seen thicker hair on a cancer patient. That pube-stache was so very disappointing. I'm just thankful that November is half over already.

Three Keys To A Vikings Victory:

Key #1:  Force Some Turnovers

Seattle is simply going to destroy time of possession unless the Vikings can get some fumble recoveries or interceptions. The Vikings need to average one take away a quarter and finish AT LEAST +2 in the take/give to even have a chance in this game. It would also help if Ponder threw for more than 60 yards this time around.

Key #2:  Score A Special Teams Touchdown

The Vikings need points from every unit if they are going to win. Cordarrelle Patterson or Marcus Sherels need to take a kickoff/punt to the house. Not only is it quick points, but provides a real spark and swings momentum to the Vikings side. This would also be a great game for the Vikings second defensive touchdown of the year so, if anybody wanted to make that happen, it'd be great.

Key #3:  Get Really Fucking Lucky

The Vikings are going to need every bounce to go their way in order to win. Every stupid penalty, missed field goal, dropped pass has to go in the Purple's favor. Aside from all that, the Vikings only need to play a perfect fucking game and they should be just fine.

Two Matchups To Watch:

Matchup #1: Percy Harvin vs. His Old Squad

Percy last played an NFL game in Seattle ironically, as a member of the Vikings. We all remember that game. Ponder sucked, Percy blew up on Leslie on the sideline and he never took another snap in Purple. Harvin was traded to the Seahawks, and has yet to suit up for them while recovering from hip surgery.

As I predicted in my Vikings Season Preview, this would be Harvin's first game back (That's just about the only thing I predicted correctly in that preview). Well that prediction has come to fruition, and it adds a certain level of intrigue to what would normally be thought of as an easy NFL blowout.

One of the main reasons I think the Vikings have a chance in this one is because a lot of the guys on this team want to stick it to Percy. Spite and revenge are some great motivators. I guarantee all Ponder has been thinking about is out-performing Russell Wilson and showing Percy a thing or two. I think Percy's snaps will be limited in order to ease him back in, but if the Vikings showcase the tackling they did in the first half against Washington, Percy Harvin (and Marshawn Lynch) are going to do whatever they want. It should be interesting, I know I will be watching closely.

 Matchup #2:  Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Richard Sherman & Co.

The rookie is likely to get his 1st start in the NFL due to Jerome "Where's My Mirror" Simpson's arrest and I'm excited to see what he does with increased in-game snaps. I have high hopes for this kid, and I think we are looking at the Vikings future #1 wide receiver. If he can have a solid game against this defense, he can do it against anyone in the NFL. It's a tough first start for the rookie but I think he has a couple big plays on Sunday.

Mike's All-Purpose Flour Lock Of The Week

Adrian Peterson, running back, YOUR Minnesota Vikings!

He went for 180 and two TD's last year in the same stadium and AP has had to listen to comparisons to Marshawn Lynch all week. AP will be out to prove just why he is the best back in football. 120 Yards/2TD. 

Final Takes

On paper, the Vikings are set to get absolutely destroyed by the Seahawks.

This game is going to have a high level of intensity, I think it's going to be closer than many people think, even into the 4th quarter.

The odds are stacked against our beloved Purple an I wouldn't be surprised if they lost by two TD's. I also wouldn't be surprised if they lost on a last second field goal/touchdown. I will however, be very surprised if the Vikings find a way to pull this one out.

Ponder plays better than his last trip to Seattle, but I don't think he finishes the game either. He is going to get hit often and I think one of those hits will knock him out of the contest. Vikings perform admirably, but fall short.

Final Score

Minnesota Vikings: 24
Seattle Seahawks:  27

There you have it, folks!  A tough loss for The Purple in Seattle.  Look on the bright side, though:  At least you don't live in Seattle.

For more Mike Otto be sure to give him a follow on Twitter (@SwervinTaters).  The line between sad & entertaining runs awfully thin on a Sunday.  He can also be found right here on Newest Industry contributing to our Trendsetting column.

For more Newest Industry be sure to give us a follow on Twitter (@NewestIndustry1) to stay up on the work being done by all of our contributors.  More importantly, we have a Facebook page here.  Trivial as it seems, stopping by and giving us a "Like" is a free & legitimate way to support the blog.      

Ten & Six With Mike Otto: Breaking Down The Percy Harvin Trade

Peace out, keep out, take the scenic route...

Well hello again, Vikings fans!  It's been a little while since we've spoken with Mike about the Vikings, but the offseason officially starts tomorrow and the the Vikings jumped the gun today by dealing former Offensive Rookie Of The Year Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks for a 1st round and 7th round pick in this year's draft and a 3rd round pick in next year's draft.

Obviously this qualifies as big news, so we asked Mike to take time out from his busy schedule of Trendsetting and providing Deadspin with jokes to send us his thoughts.  Mike?

 GOODBYE PERCY

 

As you may have heard, Percy Harvin was traded to the Seattle Seahawks today for the 'Hawks 1st and 7th round picks in this years draft, as well as a 3rd rounder next year. Not too shabby for a guy who was only supposed to garner a second round pick at most.

This is the first time a wide receiver has garnered a first round pick in a trade since March 2nd, 2005. Can you name that receiver? The one, the only, Randy Gene Moss! Since then many big name receivers have been traded with none garnering any more than a couple mid-round picks. Let's hope this trade turns out a little better than the Moss fiasco in '05. I mean, I know we all miss Napolean Harris, but let's hope we get more than what the great Napolean brought to the table.

Lets break down just how Rick Spielman milked all this potential value out of Percy, whether it was a good choice, and what the team should do from here.

Whether you think it was a good choice or not, you have to admit it was the best/only choice the Vikings had at this time. I equate the Percy Harvin/Minnesota Vikings relationship to that of a bad marriage, one so far fractured that the differences were irreconcilable, and separation was best for both parties.

Percy was not going to play for the Vikings this year. He was angry enough to waste an entire year of his prime in order to stick it to the Vikings purely out of spite. In this scenario, the Vikings get nothing for Harvin and look like a bunch of fucking morons in the process. Not ideal.

I believe Harvin when he says it wasn't about the money. He just really fucking dislikes Christian Ponder. In a perfect world, Harvin is still in a Vikings uniform, but fact is you simply can't make someone want to be here. Spielman and the Vikings got an insane amount of value for what had become a problem to them. The Seahawks might have gotten the final piece for a championship run. On paper, this trade was a win-win.

There is only one way Spielman pulled this off and it was a brilliant play on his part. He created a market for Harvin where there was none at the beginning of the offseason. How? He forced two fierce rivals into a bidding war for the prized receiver/return man/running back. Keep in mind this is only my speculation on what went down.

Spielman first contacts the San Francisco 49ers and says something along the lines of, "Hey, you guys were almost there last year, how would you feel about giving up your 1st round pick for a young, established talent in the prime of his career?" This undoubtedly sounded like a dream scenario for the Niners, I mean, after all, they aren't going to get a Percy Harvin with the 31st overall pick in this years draft.

Spielman then contacts the Niners' fierce division rival, the Seattle Seahawks and says, "Hey guys, the Niners are gonna give me this for Harvin, and I'm gonna do it unless you can top it." So the Seahawks had to ask themselves, who do we want Percy Harvin to play for, us or them?

Let the bidding begin! Like I said, brilliant.

Where to go from here? The possibilities are endless! They range from the likely - picking up one of the free agents Amendola, Jennings or Wallace while drafting 2-3 WR's this year, to the unlikely - packaging the two first-rounders for someone like Larry Fitzgerald.

I am sure of one thing, this is part of a bigger plan. It's come to light that the Vikings were attempting to acquire Anquan Boldin before the Niners traded for him (revenge trade?) and I'm fairly certain the Purple will aggressively go after one of those big name free agents.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the trade as a fan, even if I am a little sad. I'm sorry to see Harvin go. He was fun to watch and it hurts whenever your team loses a versatile talent who is a former rookie of the year. This is just the way it had to be. Harvin couldn't be a team player, he couldn't fall in line, and he especially couldn't accept Christian Ponder as his long-term QB.

The Vikings had a choice. Percy Harvin or Christian Ponder? Only time will tell if they made the right one, but at least you know there is some conviction behind this choice.

In terms of potential value, I think the Seahawks got fleeced by Rick Spielman. That opinion won't be finalized for a year or two when we find out what the Vikings do with their acquired draft picks, but for now, I think Spielman made the most of a bad situation.

Good luck Percy! When we face you in the future I hope Blair Walsh just kicks it out of the end zone.

(Weird sports fact: On March 11th, 1999 the Minnesota Timberwolves dealt budding star and malcontent Stephon Marbury to the New Jersey Nets for Terrell Brandon's aging knees and a 1st round draft pick. If the correlation between that trade and this one goes any deeper, you will find Percy Harvin playing for the XianJing Dragons in about 10 years. At least they don't drug test Chinese athletes.)

There you have it, folks!  The offseason begins with a bang here at Ten & Six!  Percy Harvin: Out!  Rick Spielman: Savvy!  Mike Otto: Succinct!

As you can probably imagine, Mike will be joining us throughout the NFL offseason to discuss major and minor moves made by The Purple.  Until then be sure to follow him on Twitter (@SwervinTaters) for pigskin rantings and ravings.  He can also be found right here on Newest Industry as  on our weekly news wrap-up Trendsetting.

For more Newest Industry be sure to give us a follow on Twitter (@NewestIndustry1) to stay up on all the work being done by our contributors.  More importantly, we have a Facebook page here.  Trivial as it seems, stopping by and giving us a "Like" is a free & legitimate way to support the blog.

Ten & Six With Mike Otto: Week 9 - Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks (Plus Picks!)

Oh baby, I hear those blues a-calling, tossed salad & scrambled eggs...

Hello again, football fans!  Welcome back to Ten & Six With Mike Otto!

This week Mike stops by to break down Sunday's game between our beloved Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks.  For those who are new to the Ten & Six routine, Mike is a lifelong (read: long-suffering & slightly delusional) Vikings fan.  Each week he stops by Newest Industry to break down the week's game and to give us his professional opinion on the rest of the league's slate of games.

So far this season Mike is sporting a record of 77-59 picking games.  Not too shabby, but still a little too shabby.

Mikey boy, what do you think?

Week 9 is here!  It was a fantastic week of action last week with lots of close games and exciting finishes.

The Browns/Chargers game could have easily been mistaken for an Ivy League football matchup, let's say... Brown vs. Vasser?  Just kidding. Sadly, that was an actual NFL game.  Hey, Philip Rivers!  The only team 6 points will beat is the Detroit Tigers in the World Series!

I predicted the Browns would lose and they won, and yes, I honored my promise to eat some cat food if I predicted a Browns game incorrectly.  The joke's on you, though, because Wellness brand indoor wet food formula promotes lean muscle mass development and a healthy, shiny coat!  The promise to eat cat food every time I predict a Browns game wrong stands for the rest of the season!

(Editor's Note: Michael  does have a disturbingly shiny coat.)

My picks went 8-6 and the Vikings got destroyed... overall a pretty average week for my hopes and dreams.

But I don't think the sky is falling in terms of The Purple.  There have been some troubling trends in the last 3 games, but nothing that can't be corrected.

The Vikings got 5 wins in the first half of the season.  If they duplicate that in the second half they'll be in the playoffs.  More on The Purple later, though.  Now on to the picks!

Arizona (4-4) at Green Bay (5-3)

The Cards are in a free fall and are in real danger of a sub-.500 season unless they turn it around immediately!  The question is if they have enough fight left in them.  The offense obviously does not.  The defense, on the other hand, does have some pride left even after being dismantled by the 49ers on Monday night.

Jordy Nelson has been slowed by a hamstring injury all week and his effectiveness on Sunday will be questionable at best.  Cards make this a close game, but still lose 24-17.

Detroit (3-4) at Jacksonville (1-6)

Matt Stafford finally broke out of his season-long funk and Blaine Gabbert can't seem to shake the fact that he is, indeed, Blaine Gabbert.  It's a harsh reality waking up every morning and being Blaine Gabbert.

Just move the Jags to L.A. already.  Nobody cares that they exist right now and that's just kinda sad.  Lions win 31-13.

Chicago (6-1) at Tennessee (3-5)

The Bears escaped with a victory last week, but in doing so showed they are definitely beatable and prone to the occasional crappy game.

Matt Hasselbeck and Chris Johnson have the Titans playing decent football again and I say, "Good for you, you dumb sumbitches!"  I'd like to see Chris Johnson and Matt Hasselbeck enter a children's spelling bee.  They'd both be out in the first round.  Bears win a close one 21-19.

Denver (4-3) at Cincinnati (3-4)

The SECOND I wrote, "Peyton Manning should have retired" he became an MVP candidate.

This week Lil' Peytie Manny faces off against Most Valuable Snack candidate, Andy "Crystallized Ginger" Dalton.  Time to sit back and watch a real NFL QB with normal skin pigment, you fucking soulless, ginger abomination.  Broncos win easy 27-17.

Carolina (1-6) at Washington (3-5)

Cam can't win close games.  Bob III wishes he could play the Vikings every week.

Is Bob III staring his future in the eyes this week?  Will he hit the same wretched sophomore slump next year?

All legitimate questions and all questions I don't give two shits about.  'Skins win 28-16.

Baltimore (5-2) at Cleveland (2-6)

The Browns are coming off a pathetic victory over the Chargers.  Rarely can you qualify a victory as "pathetic," but in this case, I think it fits perfectly.

Trent Richardson looks like the real deal, but I'm afraid he can't beat the Ravens alone.

Unless Joe Flacco craps the bed, the Ray Lewis-less Ravens will win easily.  I think Flacco does take a baby crap, but not a big enough crap to lose.  Ravens win 26-20.

Miami (4-3) at Indianapolis (4-3)

Florida Philip Rivers vs. Chuckstrong!

Reggie Wayne is a beast and is making Andrew Luck's rookie campaign look good.  Oh, the things I would do to see Reggie Wayne in a purple Jersey!

Oh, the things I would do to Ryan Tannehill's wife... I'd tell her to hit the road 'cause I got the best girlfriend on the planet!  It's just too bad she hates football and won't read this.

Oh well.  Fuck off, Mrs. Tannehill!  Colts win a close one 23-20.

(Editor's Note: The opinions of Mr. Otto regarding Mrs. Tannehill do not reflect the opinion of all of us here at Newest Industry.  Just sayin', Mrs. Tannehill.)

Buffalo (3-4) at Houston (6-1)

Boy, this is a tough call.  Hmmm... Do I pick the worthless pile of garbage team or the 2nd best team in the NFL?

Do I take Ryan Fitz-quack-trick or the Bald Beast, Matt Schaub?

Let the Bills start the game with 14 points and they still lose.  Maybe even 21.  This will be a blowout.  Texans win 38-9

Tampa Bay (3-4) at Oakland (3-4)

Two different types of pirates face off this week and we know one thing: Every yaarrr-d will count.

Sorry about the bad pirate pun, I just care so little about this game.  In fact, I flipped a coin to pick this winner.  It landed heads, so the Bucs win.  Pick your own damn score, jerks!

Pittsburgh (4-3) at New York Giants (6-2)

Finally, a game with a little intrigue!  Should be a hard fought matchup.

If the Steelers could do us all a favor and keep Victor Cruz out of the end zone so I don't have to watch that fucking terrible salsa dance, I know I'd appreciate it.  Every week with this shit!  I saw an E:60 that entirely about that stupid fucking salsa dance!

(Editor's Note: This was actually the most journalistic E:60 ever.  For real, that show is a fucking disgrace.)

I think the Giants win, but, god, I hope Victor Cruz isn't part of the celebration.  Final score 31-26.

Dallas (3-4) at Atlanta (7-0)

The Falcons are the only undefeated team left in the NFL.  The Cowboys are one of many NFL teams clinging to hope that they aren't terrible.

The Cowboys need this one bad.  The Falcons could take it or leave it.  Honestly, I think a half-interested Falcons team is still better than a fully engaged Cowboys squad.

Sorry, Cowboys fans, but you lose this one 31-21.  It's going to be interesting to see how the world reacts to Lil' Dezzy Bryant going into the stands and punching Matt Ryan's mom.

Philadelphia (3-4) at New Orleans (2-5)

Mike Vick's on the hot seat.  Andy Reid's on the hot seat.  The National Wildlife Association just put that thing on Andy Reid's upper lip onto the Endangered Species list.

If Vick can't get healthy against this Saints defense he couldn't get healthy against a defense comprised of the Sisters Of The Poor.

I think Vick and Reid make it a close came and do enough to save their jobs for now, but ultimately lose this game 35-27.

And now, on to YOUR Minnesota Vikings!

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-3) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4-4)

There was much hand-wringing, hemming, and hawing among Vikings fans after last Thursday's disappointing loss to the Bucs.  While there have been a couple disturbing trends, I saw nothing that wasn't correctable.

At the beginning of the year I predicted an output of 20 TD's, 16 INT's, and right around 3,000 passing yards for quarterback Christian Ponder.  Well, halfway through the season he as 10 TD's, 7 INT's, and just over 1,700 passing yards.  All right about where you would expect a QB with only 19 starts to be.  At this point CP7 has an 85.6 QB rating.  Not too fucking shabby!

Has he completed many passes deep down the field?  No.  To be fair, though, the Vikings "deep threat" receivers have left a bit to be desired.  Jerome Simpson has yet to get in a rhythm and Devin Aromashadu just isn't that good.

So I think everyone needs to ease off Ponder a little.  He's not going to turn into a Pro-Bowler overnight.

All that being said, there are some players on this squad worthy of scrutiny and criticism, which brings us to our positives and negatives.  As usual, we'll start with the positives (though kind of heavy on the negatives this time around).

-Adrian Peterson: Showed that breakaway speed for the first time this year and really looks like he never had major knee surgery.  He'd be Comeback Player Of The Year if it weren't for Peytie Manny.

-Harrison Smith: The rookie continues his impressive first year efforts with a 13 tackle game.  He really looks like a future Pro-Bowler at safety, which is rare for someone so young.  Big credit to Rick Spielman for a spectacular draft in his first year as "The Guy."  Harrison has a nose for the ball and he is showing it on a weekly basis.

And, unfortunately, the negatives.

-The Linebackers (Jasper Brinkley in particular):  The run defense has been getting gouged in recent weeks primarily because the linebackers haven't been controlling their gaps and have been failing to get off their blocks.  Chad Greenway leads the NFL in tackles with 81, and, although he needs to work on his consistency, Erin Henderson makes plays in the backfield.

Jasper Brinkley is THE ONLY middle linebacker in the NFL without a tackle for a loss.  He looks slow and overwhelmed on running plays and he often bites on play-action passes.  This needs to get better!

-Chris Kluwe: He has flat out sucked the last two weeks.  You only have one job, Kluwe, and you're fucking it up right now.  Maybe Coach Frazier should pull a Childress and bring some othe rpunters in to workout next week if this pathetic streak continues.

(Editor's Note: We vow to spend every waking hour trying to figure out how to work the term "pulling a Childress" into everyday life.  Bear with us.)

-Chris Cook Broke His Arm!: This really hurts.  It forces Antoine Winfield and his 36 year old body to play more downs.  Not only that, Chris was our most physical corner.  Suddenly there is an incredible amount of pressure on rookie corner Josh Robinson.  It'll be interesting to see how he responds.

-Play Calling: There comes a point in every season where adjustments need to be made.  I want to see more parity in how Bill Musgrave calls the early offensive possessions for the Vikings.  Call some four-wide quick slants early in the game and build Ponder's confidence!  Help him get into a rhythm.  Everyone loves the Percy Harvin screen, but come on!  Musgrave's dialing that one up a bit too often.

Three Keys To A Vikings Victory:

Key #1: Make Russell Wilson beat you.

If the Vikings run defense does not improve this week they will lose this game as they have lost the last two.  Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seachickens have the 31st ranked passing offense in the league.  Not to say they can't strike through the air, but you'd rather have that passing attack try to beat you than Marshawn Lynch and their 8th ranked running game.

Key #2: Hang onto the ball!

The Vikings need a turnover-free game if they want to win.  No interceptions, no fumbles, no bumbles, no stumbles!  At the beginning of the year the Vikings were playing confident-yet-cautious football.  They had very few turnovers and... what do you know, they were 4-1!  The time is now to turn around the turnover battle.

Key #3: Build a time machine and go get E.J. Henderson-circa 2007.

Jasper Brinkley suddenly looks just as bad as I feared at the beginning of the year.  It seems to me like it took teams a few weeks to notice something on tape involving Brinkley's technique or positioning, but now that they have, it's being fully exploited.  He has been a complete non-factor and looks like he could be the worst middle linebacker in the NFL.  OHH... I SWEARS, BRINKLEY... YOU BEST START MAKING SOME TACKLES!!!

Two Matchups To Watch:

Matchup #1: Adrian Peterson vs. Marshawn Lynch

Though they won't be facing each other directly, the success or failure of these two players will greatly affect the outcome of this game.

If Marshawn Lynch gets into "Beast Mode," this is going to be a long day.  Also, Adrian Peterson having a big day is imperative to a Vikings victory.  The Seahawks have a good secondary and the only chance Ponder has to beat them is if they play-actoin is working.

Fuck, that's a lot of "if's."  IF a kangaroo starts at running back for the Seahawks they are going to be tough to beat.

Matchups #2: Hypothetical Kangaroo Running Back vs. The Vikings Defense

As we all know, kangaroos are big, fast, and don't like being tackled.  Try to limit his touches.  The less the kangaroo gets his weird little mitts on the ball the better.  If the kangaroo does, in fact, get loose, there is no hope.  Just let him score.  At least you won't be getting any angry calls from PETA this week.

Mike's All Purpose Flour Lock Of The Week:

Adrian Peterson, running back, YOUR Minnesota Vikings

You guessed it!  AP goes for 125 yards and a TD.  Here's hoping for a big day from All Day.

FINAL TAKES

The Vikings could win this game if they play their best football.  They have had 10 days now to watch film and practice in an effort to fix the mistakes that have occurred these last two games.

If Ponder can be a game manager and not turn the ball over they have a chance to win.

If Jasper Brinkley shows up at all they have a chance.

The Vikings are not a great road team right now and playing in Seattle will be a lot to overcome.  

The Seahawks match up very well against the Vikings as both teams run very similar offensive gameplans.  We'll all know who does it better after Sunday.

Ultimately, I think the Vikings lose a heart breaker to the Seahawks on Sunday, but still not a back breaker.  Last I checked the Vikings were 1-0 in the division!

5 of the Vikings final 8 opponents are NFC North contests.  Win or lose on Sunday, the fate of the Vikings season will be decided in December.

FINAL SCORE:

Seattle Seahawks: 16

Minnesota Vikings: 14

 BOOOOOO!

Well there you have it everybody, a healthy bit of skepticism from Mr. Otto regarding his beloved Purple.

For more of Mike's thoughts on the Vikings, Cat Power, and cars exploding outside of his house be sure to give him a follow on Twitter (@SwervinTaters).  No, really.  Cars blew up outside of his house.

Newest Industry also has a Twitter page (@NewestIndustry1) which you should probably give a follow to stay up on the work of all of our contributors.  More importantly, we have a Facebook page here.  Please, stop by and give that one a "like" if only because you know Golden Tate caught that pass legally.

Ten & Six With Mike Otto: Week 7 (Thursday Bonus!)

Well hello again, football fans!  Welcome to Ten & Six: Week 7 (Special Thursday Bonus!)

For those of you who haven't been following along, Mike Otto  is a diehard Vikings fan and our resident football expert.  Each week, in his Saturday Ten & Six column, Mike breaks down the upcoming Vikings game.  He also makes his picks for the rest of the league.  Since the NFL has decided to have a Thursday game each week this season we've had to adjust our schedule accordingly.

Mike's been making his predictions for these Thursday games over on our Facebook page.  However, since the column has been such a hit we decided to make a full post of his Thursday pick.

So, without further ado, here we go:

Seattle (4-2) at San Francisco (4-2)

Tonight's game should be a great one and a surprise battle for 1st place in the tightly-contested NFC West. At this point only one game separates the king of the mountain and the cellar dweller. If you ask me about the NFC West, it seems Rams DE Chris Long should always be kept in a cellar and fed a bucket of fish heads each day. CAVEMAN HUNGRY, NEED FOOD, IMPRESS CAVEMAN DAD HOWIE.

Anyway, I like Seattle's chances to keep this game close, which is a safe bet, because they have kept every game close this year (and I'm all about taking risks, people). Much like Alex Smith was all about taking risks in the Niners trouncing last Sunday. Terrible, terrible risks. Stop playing the game of "Risk," Alex Smith, and stick to "Stratego," seems more your style. Face it, you're never gonna take over the world, and if you want to take over New Orleans come February it's time to stop sucking.

All in all I think the Niners bounce back with a 20-16 victory.

Boom!  Niners with the win and sole possession of first place for at least 10 days since the Cardinals are going to be thrashed this weekend at the Metrodome.

For more of Mr. Otto's commentary, be sure to give him a follow on Twitter (@SwervinTaters).  Trust us, he goes off on Sundays.

Mike will be back with the rest of his predictions this Saturday along with his preview of the Vikings/Cardinals game.  Be sure to check back.

This blog also lives on Twitter (@NewestIndustry1) and, as mentioned, has a Facebook page.  Stop by and give that one a "like" if you have the time.  It would really impress our dads.