Are you completely disgusted with the actions of the Vikings during the bye week? To recap, they rented two boats to go out on a lake, invited several strippers, then proceeded to have such a wild sex party that the boat company and it's captains decided enough was enough. The turned around, went back to the dock and party over. Criminal charges are now being discussed against a few of the 17 players among 90 on those two boats. Disorderly conduct and lewd behavior would be potential charges. Lewd behavior from a pro athlete? Say it ain't so! Let me just quote Fred Smoot from before this incident even happened. "We're not all church rats in here." He's accused of organizing the boat trip but his agent denies that charge. Whatever the case may be, it' s still only sex. The actions of some players are an embarrassment to the community of Minneapolis, but it could be much worse. Barrett Robbins wasn't there taking bullets from police officers. Ken Hamlin wasn't there, getting his skull fractured in a bar fight, then having one of his assailants turn up dead a few hours later. I am not condoning the conduct of the team, but before we expel these guys from the NFL, try and remember they are not priests who have taken vows of celibacy. They are young men with money, and on a boat, in a hotel, or at a strip club, these things will happen. Anything that is done to these men should be in house by the Vikings, and should not include suspensions or reductions in playing time.

The question now becomes what will happen of the rest of the season? Sunday Minnesota walked into the locker room trailing 17-0 to the lowly Green Bay Packers, and all looked lost. All of the sudden, the team found the two things it had been missing all along: a defense, and the ability to hold on to the football. If you are a Vikings fan, you know this team is only one game out of first place with 10 weeks to go. It's also the worst division in football, so clearly there is hope, right? Sorry Vikings fan. The team I picked to go to the Super Bowl will not even make the playoffs. The schedule is the problem. This week they are at Carolina. They do have the benefit of several division games, including Detroit twice, but 3 out of their last 4 are Pittsburgh, St. Louis and at Baltimore. Daunte Culpepper does not play as well outdoors, especially in cold weather. Expect them to be in contention with 4 weeks to go, but then return to the mediocrity we have come to expect from Mike Tice.

FANTASY ADVICE

I have the bye week blues this week with Shaun Alexander in my 2 most important leagues. Good thing I am into drafting running backs. Always attempt to get 3 guys who are number one options on their team. Bryan Westbrook gets the call this week for me. Not a bad substitute. I still like Devery Henderson for a waiver wire pickup, and remember Charles Rogers? He was picked number 2 overall, and is currently serving a suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. The Lions have pretty much no one left at receiver. Roy Williams and Eddie Drummond are hurt. Kevin Johnson is out for the season. The top pass catcher for the Lions this week could be Scott Vines! By next week, most fantasy players will know Rogers is coming back. Get a jump on the competition and pick him up now.

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