The Vikings Take Long, Ugly Road Through October

If the Vikings can survive the October schedule, maybe this team is bound for a deep playoff run. Because the next four games will feel like the playoffs.








The schedule doesn't get much steeper: at New York Jets on Oct. 11, Cowboys at home on Oct. 17, at Green Bay on Oct. 24 and at New England on Oct. 31. Since 2000, these teams have combined for almost 400 wins, 22 playoff victories and, thanks to New England, three Super Bowls.







Here's a quick resume breakdown based on their NFL statistical ranking.







Jets (2-1)



26th passing (172 yards per game), 9th rushing (132.7 ypg), 21st total yards (304.7 ypg), 11th touchdowns (seven), 20th total defense (336.3 ypg), 27th pass defense (274.7 ypg), 4th rush defense (61.7 ypg)







Cowboys (1-2)



4th passing (311.2 ypg), 26th rushing (80 ypg), 5th total yards (391.7 ypg), T-18th touchdowns (six), 8th total defense (299.3 ypg), 14th pass defense (215.7 ypg), 7th rush defense (83.7 ypg)







Packers (2-1)



11th passing (246 ypg), 22nd rushing (95.3 ypg), 12th total yards (341.3 ypg), T-4th touchdowns (nine), 2nd total defense (260.7 ypg), 3rd pass defense (144 ypg), 18th rush defense (116.7 ypg)







Patriots (2-1)



10th passing (247.3 ypg), 10th rushing (123.3 ypg), 7th total yards (370.7 ypg), 1st touchdowns (12), 27th total defense (379.3 ypg), 25th pass defense (260.3 ypg), 20th rush defense (119 ypg)