Monday Night Football Preview with Caveat

The vast majority of people are sick to death hearing about a quarterback that has worn the number four in Green Bay and for one season in New York. Because my bosses demand I write an article about tonight’s Minnesota at Houston matchup, they didn’t tell me I had to mention this person from Mississippi by name. In staying with the theme from Sports Illustrated this week (100% F_ _ _ E Free Issue), I’ll avoid using his name.

Minnesota’s newest quarterback played only briefly last week and reports are he will see considerable action on this televised contest. (The rumor is untrue John Madden will come out of retirement to do this game) The worldwide leader in sports newest NFL reporter Adam Shefter has reported there is a "schism" in the Vikings locker room concerning what teammates think about the veteran quarterback, compared to those already on hand. Upon further review, those close to the team have found this not to be the case, with a few dissenting voices, but hardly the next Civil War to start in Minnesota.

The Vikings have won and covered both their preseason encounters and will have to settle on a backup quarterback. Sage Rosenfels missed last week with an ankle and Tarvaris Jackson, thought to be the goner when the Wrangler jeans pitchman was signed, took full advantage of the situation, completing 12 of 15 passes against Kansas City for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns. DiamondSportsbook.com has the Vikings as 3.5-point road underdogs, with a total of 39.

Houston hasn’t had the drama seen in the Twin Cities, but there was a many long faces after the Texans were blasted by 38-14 by New Orleans as three-point home favorites last week. The Houston defense was scorched for 420 yards by the Saints and some members of the defensive line are on the firing line. In particular, starting defensive tackle Amobi Okoye has come under scrutiny. Now in his third season though only 21 years old, the Nigerian hasn’t progressed as some would like to see for the 10th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. A solid game against a good Minnesota offensive line would help quell dissatisfaction.

Quarterback Matt Schaub leads what should a potent Houston attack, with numerous weapons like Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter. The Texans are 6-4 and 4-3-3 ATS playing at home in August football since 2004 and have covered their last three Week 3 assignments.

Minnesota is 24-13-1 ATS in their last 38 underdog roles and is 16-5 ATS when they score 22 to 28 points in the preseason. From situational perspective, the Vikings could be in a hole, since they are 0-7 ATS on the road versus opponent off a 10 or more point loss.

ESPN will have the first ever preseason meeting between these teams at 8 Eastern. Don’t you wonder what one of the main story lines will be?