Sunday might prove the naysayers right

[Texas Vike]

Way over-exaggerated friend...one game, first game, win or lose, does not make a season, even for the Vikings.
...wisdom

This.

[CbusVikesFan]

For those who don't believe the Vikings will accomplish all that much in 2014, this Rams game is a take it as it comes game. It's a road game against a tough defense in the debut of two new systems a coaching staff and essentially a first start for our QB (as in the sense that he's not afraid to be yanked at any moment). So for those folks, it's very realistic for the Vikings to lose, and wouldn't be that big of a deal to them if it happens. After all this is what the national media believes. They rank us bottom 5 in most NFL rankings, heck they didn't even watch our training camps or preseason games. We are insignificant, and are not worth the time to the national media to pay attention to or even consider. They expect us to lose almost every week.

But for those who think this will be our year and end with a winning record or even a playoff run, and for those of who resent the idea that we keep getting written off by everyone outside of Viking-land, this Rams game is a must win. Mathematically and statistically it has no more meaning than any other game, but as one of the weakest games on our schedule, we have to win this game. If we lose to the Rams and their 2nd string QB, it says that the Vikings really are a long way off from success and will need time to develop. Honestly, if they can't beat the Rams, how could they be expected to come close to beating the Saints, Packers, Patriots, and Falcons? If the Vikings really are a team on the move, if Zimmer really does have this team in the right direction, if Cassel is really going to play like he did in the preseason, then the Rams need to be a "gimme" game.

If the Vikings win, I don't think it means the Vikings are guaranteed anything, and even if we blow out the Rams, it is not a sign of anything either. But if the Vikings lose? Unless it was some bizarre circumstance that caused the loss, I would take back all of my big talk about the Vikings in 2014, because if they can't beat the Rams I can't imagine them winning enough games to take the division or make the playoffs.

I think that all games are must wins and I hope the whole organization feels the same way. If its not a divisional game that definitely counts, conference games matter, and overall wins matter. The path to the SB is much easier the more wins you have. Of course, not guaranteed.

[joe h]

My biggest fear is we only get one season with an elite offensive coordinator, so they have to make this season count. In about two seasons the wheels start coming off again, and we'll yet again have to rebuild the offense.