NFC North Roundup for NFL Week 12
By Dean Holden
Minnesota Vikings Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) makes a leaping catch as Green Bay Packers cornerback Micah Hyde (33) looks on during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Tied: Vikings 26, Green Bay Packers 26
Last week, I called the Vikings one of the NFL’s sneakier spoiler candidates. I’m not sure if a tie counts as playing spoiler, but the Packers would certainly have liked to get a win at home against one of the NFL’s worst teams to pull even with the Lions and Bears.
The Vikings did not allow it, and now have almost as many ties this season as wins. It’s a little surprising that two teams with defenses as bad as the Packers and Vikings allowed only 26 points each (only 23 of those in regulation), but I suppose that’s the power of having Matt Flynn and Christian Ponder in at quarterback.
The Vikings appear to have decided on Christian Ponder to be their guy for the rest of the season (or until he gets injured again), and that’s understandable. They want as much data as possible on him to see if he’s worth trying to salvage in 2014. Since their draft position seems to climb higher each week, they might be in for a prize QB at the top of the 2014 draft.
Next Game: 12/01 vs. Chicago (6-5)