In general, I don't do predictions. I don't believe in them.

In this case, however, I REALLY don't believe in predictions. I think this is a particularly difficult game to predict.

I will say this. The game will and should significantly affect both teams' power rankings.

• If the Vikings win, they will consolidate their position as a contender.
• If the Vikings lose, they will drop a few levels and face a serious challenge to climb back up. Significantlky, their intimidation factor will be reduced.
• If the Rams win, then I think you are talking about an unambiguous ascension to title contention status. (I don't think we have really earned that rep yet.)
• If the Rams lose, well, it won't be a disaster, but it will indicate a significant limit in our ability to win big games against our top competitors. We did not do that well last year, and we cannot claim elite contender status until we show we can win a game like this.

It's a big game. A really big game. We'll see tonight.