ike1024:

malaisej:

ike1024:

Well, it's actuallt 2300 or so with Favre.

They actually have MN favored in 15 of the 16 games (only not favored against AZ).

 In week 7 Minny is AT Pittsburgh, I would be shocked if the Steelers would be less than a 3 point favorite.  My guess would be Steelers -4.5.

 Did the sim miss that game?  Or did it have the Vikings favored?

Without Favre, it has MN winning 55% of the time with an average score 18-18.

With Favre, it has MN winning 51% of the time with an average score 18-18.

It seems like the engine really thinks that whatever Favre does above TJ and Sage, that it will be canceled out by his turnovers (especially against high TO defenses) and the decrease in running game.  No idea if that's true obviously, but it's interesting that an unbiased computer comes out that way.

EDIT: They have the Steelers 2nd in their initial power rankings and MN 8th (the Packers are 25th and the sim is clearly not a fan of the defense).  It must like how the Vikings match up with the Steelers, which actually makes some sense, even though the Steelers are probably the better overall team.

Either way, it is an interesting site, that I have checked out from time to time.  Since it is computer based there are a lot of things it cannot consider, but it serves its purpose in entertainment value. 

I still find it odd that it would have the Vikings favored.  I would assume it would take something out of the ordinary for it to favor a team lower in its ratings over another, especially when the teams were separated by 6 spots in its own rating, and the Steelers are home. 

Are the Vikes favored over Carolina also?  The site must like the Vikings more than their own ratings indicate.

malaisej:

ike1024:

Well, it's actuallt 2300 or so with Favre.

They actually have MN favored in 15 of the 16 games (only not favored against AZ).

 In week 7 Minny is AT Pittsburgh, I would be shocked if the Steelers would be less than a 3 point favorite.  My guess would be Steelers -4.5.

 Did the sim miss that game?  Or did it have the Vikings favored?

Here ya go.  Steelers - 5 1/2

For you gamblers

Week 1  Bengals - 1 1/2 vs Broncos

Week 2  Steelers - 2 1/2 at Bears

Week 2  Colts - 2 1/2 vs dolphins

Week 13  Bengals - 6 vs lions

Week 17 Texans + 3 1/2 vs Pats

Week 17  Redskins + 4 vs Chargers

Good luck