There's five count 'em FIVE big games in the NFL this weekend, and all four NFC North teams will be going at it. The Green Bay Packers play the Philadelphia Eagles in a game we hope ends in a tie. The Dallas Cowboys play the New Orleans Saints so we can cry about Teddy Bridgewater on Sunday Night. The Detroit Lions host the Kansas City Chiefs and reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes. The New England Patriots travel to upstate New York to Play the 3-0 Buffalo Bills. Our Minnesota Vikings play the Chicago Bears in a huge divisional clash.

This week presents a huge opportunity for our Vikes to move up in the NFC standings. And they're healthy for it, after getting back Pat Elflein and Mike Hughes Week 3. Anthony Barr and Mackensie Alexander could be back too. Josh Kline was the only Viking to miss Wednesday practice due his concussion. Chad Beebe got hurt, but the Vikings brought back Marcus Sherels or Laquon Treadwell to replace him. Maybe Jordan Matthews would have been better?

On offense, Irv Smith Jr, Kirk Cousins and Brian O'Neill are all streaking. We've gotta love how O'Neill is developing, even though he's got a tough match-up coming up against Khalil Mack. We're not sure yet about Garrett Bradbury, and we're hoping Akiem Hicks doesn't play.

On defense, the more Sack Daddy the better. Throw in Danielle Hunter too. They've got to lead the way to victory against Charles Leno. And you know what? Can we please get some more Eric Wilson? Let him chase down Tarik Cohen and David Montgomery.

Minnesota has a huge opportunity to strike back in the NFC North. 3-1 or 2-2 will look very different early on. All they need is their best players to STEP UP.

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