If the Vikings think that Fran Tarkenton is going to come running through that door then they are in for a sucker-punch to the kidneys. The last time I checked they have something called Tarvaris Jackson starting at QB.

Not that I don't think the Vikings will have a solid team next year, but the Superbowl favorites....c'mon. Yes, they improved defensively with the addition of one of the best, if not the best defensive end in the NFL, Jared Allen. However, in todays NFL, you can't move through the playoffs without a solid passing game. Defensive backs are not allowed to be as physical with WR's as they were even just a few years ago. 100 receptions for a receiver used to mean that you probably led the league in receptions and undoubtedly made the Pro Bowl. Did you know that Brandon Marshall had over a 100 catches last year? Did you know that Derrick Mason had over a 100 catches last season? Neither of which made the Pro Bowl and if you said "yes" to either of those questions your lying.

Just look at the final four teams in last year's playoffs - obviously they are all solid teams but all have fully capable QB's:

Chargers - Phillip Rivers
Packers - Brett Favre
Patriots - Tom Brady
Giants - Eli Manning

Rivers is the questionable one of the group, but after what he did in the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Colts, you can't question the fact that he can play this game at a high level.

This is why I have such a hard time coming to grips with Sports Illustrated picking the Vikings winning the Super Bowl much less winning more than 9 games.The last time I checked....the Vikings had the 28th ranked passing attack last year. The last time I checked the Vikings also had the 28th ranked quarterback in the league. It didn't help Tarvaris that they had the worst receiving core in the NFL, which they had no choice but to upgrade in the offseason and they did.

Free Agent WR Bernard Berrian signed with the Vikings in March to try and improve a terrible receiving core to a below average receiving core. Lets face it, if you put Jeff Garcia on the Dolphins they will still be the Dolphins. Berrian will definitely help their passing game but will not help Tarvaris Jackson and the Vikings go to the Super Bowl. There is no chance - period.

After reading Dr. Z's Sports Illustrated article I received a little clarity with my utter confusion. Dr. Z picked the 7-9 Saints to win it all last year. It's still a ridiculous notion to pick the Vikes to the big show, but you still have to respect a man willing to put his name on the line with an underdog pick. So, props to you Dr. Z. for not going with a logical choice and going with the gut. Sometimes a man has to throw 'caution to the wind'.

My Super Bowl favorite: Chiefs

Just kidding. I'm a homer but not an idiot......well....I'll wait an see how Croyle looks in training camp.