Another Precinct Heard From

The Vikings have become the odds-on favorite to win the NFC North, but the Sporting News has taken its brand of man-love one step further.

VU has been pleasantly surprised by the number of national preseason publications that have the Vikings beating the Packers for the NFC North title. But the Sporting News may be putting them all to shame.

In a regional cover that is headlined by Daunte Culpepper and the always-cliche "Daunte's Inferno" reference, the magazine picks the Vikings to finish 10-6 and win the NFC North. But it doesn't stop there.

TSN has the Vikings losing in the NFC title game to Seattle, which shouldn't bode well for the Eagles -- who the magazine has the Vikings taking out in the second round of the playoffs.

But it still doesn't stop. In its awards section, the magazine names Vikings coach Mike Tice as its NFL coach of the year. If that isn't pressure to win, what is?

It's becoming clear that expectations are high everywhere for the Vikings. They won't be sneaking up on anyone this season and with high hopes now comes high expectations. Here's hoping TSN is right (except for that losing to the Seahawks in the title game bit).