Q: One of these teams is starting 0-2. What will be the reason?
A: In the first half, the answer to the question would be the Colts decimated offensive line. Peyton Manning would drop back to pass and he'd be flushed from the pocket before he could complete his full drop. Combine this with the Colt's inability to run, and this was looking like an 0-2 start for the team.
However, lurking around the corner was the Vikings' inability to score TDs. Up 15-0 after five Ryan Longwell field goals, the team was still just two scores ahead. Who didn't think Manning and co. wouldn't punch at least one more score in. When Longwell missed his first FG on his sixth attempt, one couldn't help thinking it was going to be critical.
To blame is a passing game that just isn't very good. QB Tavaris Jackson has the arm but not the touch. His receivers can't get to his passes, and the ones who do (yeah you Visanthe Shiancoe) drop obvious TD passes.
While this inability to score TDs makes Longwell a valuable fantasy kicker, it does not make the Vikings much more than a play-off contender. Equally puzzling is the lack of involvement of RB Chester Taylor. He caught a pass for -2 yards and had four carries for 18 more. He has to be more involved.
Fantasy Player To Watch: WR Anthony Gonzalez. With a healthy Marvin Harrison, Manning sought out Gonzalez seemingly every time. Watch to see if Harrison is the actual loser in the game of musical receptions amongst him, Gonzalez, Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark.