AP Sets His Sights On 2,000

I was on Twitter earlier today, just before the Vikings-Bears game in the Metrodome began, and I saw one of these guys making his "bold predictions" about what would happen in the game.

This guy (and I wish I could remember his name) said, "The Bears will hold Adrian Peterson under 50 yards rushing today." As you might have guessed, I laughed that one off.

And I was in hysterics right after the first play from scrimmage happened. Christian Ponder handed off to Adrian Peterson, and AP ripped off a 51-yard gain.

How about that: AP blew up this guy's prediction on the Vikings' first play from scrimmage!

It was another banner day for the NFL's best running back, as he rushed for 154 yards on 31 carries. He also scored the Vikings' first two TDs. Peterson now has 1,600 yards rushing, and needs an average of 133 yards per game in the three remaining to reach the magic mark of 2,000 for the season. Truly astounding for a player who badly blew out his knee late in the 2011 season.

The Vikings had a 14-0 in the first quarter and the defense took over. It was also another rough day for Ponder, who went 11-for-17 for just 91 yards with one interception. He was booed lustily by the Vikings fans, even during the pregame warmups.

The Vikings scored their third TD in the 3rd quarter, on a 56-yard interception return by Notre Dame's own Harrison Smith, which made it 21-7.

Chicago scored their second TD with less than 2 minutes left, as backup QB Jason Campbell threw a 16-yard TD to Brandon Marshall. Campbell came in late for the injured Jay Cutler. But it was too little, too late, as the Vikings recovered an onside kick, ran out the clock and had a 21-14 win.

The win makes the Vikings 7-6, with 3 games remaining. They are still alive for a playoff berth, but they may have to run the table to ensure it, as 9-7 may not get them in. Nothing easy in those games, as they go to St. Louis and Houston, and then the season finale at the Metrodome against Green Bay.