Monday, October 30, 2006

New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings – Metrodome (Artificial)

What is it about Bill Belichick? Despite the fact that key veterans like K Adam Vinatieri and WR Deion Branch left, the New England Patriots still sit atop the AFC East with a very impressive 5-1 record.

The Vikings are second fiddle in the NFC Norris, but only because they’re in a division with the Chicago Bears. Under first year head coach, Brad Childress, Minnesota currently sports a solid 4-2 record.

Everyone knows that the Pats thrive in the elements, but how will they fare in the controlled environment of the Metrodome?

Line: Patriots -1½ (Opening: Pats -2½)

Over/Under: 39 (Opening: 37)

Key Points: Patriots defensive anchor Richard Seymour was at the part of practice that was open to the media Friday, but according to the Boston Herald, he was nowhere to be seen when the media was initially let in. He’s listed as questionable with an elbow injury.

S Eugene Wilson is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury and did not make the trip to Minnesota.

Return specialist Kevin Faulk was upgraded to probable and TE Daniel Graham won't see action at all. Both were listed with ankle injuries.

The Vikes’ receiving corps could seem a tad thin, as Troy Williamson (concussion), Travis Taylor (concussion), and Marcus Robinson (back) are all nursing injuries.

Williamson and Robinson are both 50 percent, while Taylor is 75.

DE Kenechi Udeze is listed as questionable with a hip injury, but reports indicate that he should be able to go.

DT Pat Williams will play despite a foot injury.

Monday Night Numbers and Trends

If the Patriots are impressive in the open air of Gillette Stadium, they will be unstoppable in the cozy confines of the Metrodome. New England has rattled off nine wins in-a-row under domes and sports an 18-1 record in their last 19 on carpet.

Furthermore, Belichick’s boys are batting .781 in their last 32 road games.

Last week the Vikings upset the Seahawks at Qwest Field 31-13. Minnesota is 14-2 against the number when coming off a win where they’ve defied the Vegas books and are also 19-6 when not getting Vegas love on home turf.

New England’s 1-2 RB punch of Corey Dillon and superb rookie Laurence Maroney will be severely tested against the Vikings’ run defense, which is the tops in the league, allowing an average of 70.8 yards a game.

Minnesota RB Chester Taylor won’t have an easy go of it either, as the Pats’ run ‘D’ isn’t far behind, allowing an average of 83.8 yards a game.

Ironically enough, the Vikings—once known for their wide receivers—are being led in receptions by Taylor as well, who has 21.

Minnesota has gone under five out of their last six under the Monday Night lights.

The Pats have gone over in nine out of 12 on synthetic grass.

Winneronline Opinion: I’ve doubted that Pats on many occasions and ended up looking like quite the fool. Take New England in this one.