Opinion Corner: Peterson chasing record, MVP
If Adrian Peterson wasn’t a household name before, he is now. The Associated Press continues its onslaught of Adrian Peterson stories and deservedly so. He stands 294 yards away from breaking the NFL single-season rushing record. He should have the NFL’s comeback player of the year award locked up (my apologies Peyton Manning) and the MVP award will be dependent on these last two games. He’ll have to do something special.By: Chris Aarhus Sun Sports Writer, The Jamestown Sun
If Adrian Peterson wasn’t a household name before, he is now.
The Associated Press continues its onslaught of Adrian Peterson stories and deservedly so. He stands 294 yards away from breaking the NFL single-season rushing record. He should have the NFL’s comeback player of the year award locked up (my apologies Peyton Manning) and the MVP award will be dependent on these last two games. He’ll have to do something special.
If he gets 2,000 yards rushing, it could be close. Ultimately, I think Peyton Manning will still win if that happens. If Peterson breaks the single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson, I think he’ll move ahead of Manning and win the award.
A running back so good that he nears 2,000 yards and could eclipse it with the next game. His team not great, but fighting for a playoff spot with a record that’s only a couple of games above .500. Not much for quarterback play or weapons, making his accomplishments that much more amazing.
Did Barry Sanders come out of retirement?
The picks:
Atlanta (12-2) at Detroit (4-10): Don’t be surprised if the Lions put up some kind of a fight here. Falcons 34, Lions 13
Minnesota (8-6) at Houston (12-2): If this game were in Minnesota, it might give the Vikings a fighting chance. He may not look like Adrian Peterson, but expect Arian Foster to put his stamp on this game. Texans 31, Vikings 27
St. Louis (6-7-1) at Tampa Bay (6-8): The Bucs need to rebound after a late-season slump. Bucs 17, Rams 13
Washington (8-6) at Philadelphia (4-10): RG3 may or may not play. Watch Philly steal this one at home. Eagles 23, Redskins 20
New Orleans (6-8) at Dallas (8-6): Dallas desperately needs this game, but Drew Brees is having a phenomenal season. Saints 34, Cowboy 31
Indianapolis (9-5) at Kansas City (2-12): Andrew Luck shouldn’t have many problems here. Colts 27, Chiefs 6
New England (10-4) at Jacksonville (2-12): Expect the Patriots to take out last week’s frustration on the Jaguars. Patriots 34, Jaguars 13
Cincinnati (8-6) at Pittsburgh (7-7): The Steelers can’t seem to get it together, but they enjoy spoiling other teams’ seasons. Steelers 24, Bengals 20
Buffalo (5-9) at Miami (6-8): The Dolphins are more consistent across the board. Dolphins 27, Bills 20
Oakland (4-10) at Carolina (5-9): The Panthers looked like a playoff team last week, and that should carry over. Panthers 36, Raiders 24
Tennessee (5-9) at Green Bay (10-4): The Packers are trying to secure a first-round bye. They’re finely tuned and ready for the playoffs. Packers 31, Titans 20
San Diego (5-9) at N.Y. Jets (6-8): Does anyone know what’s going on with the Jets? Chargers 21, Jets 10
Cleveland (5-9) at Denver (11-3): This might be the lock of the week. Broncos 27, Browns 10
Chicago (8-6) at Arizona (5-9): We’re about to find out if the Bears have really dropped off from early-season form. Bears 24, Cardinals 17
N.Y. Giants (8-6) at Baltimore (9-5): Who knows what to expect from these two teams from week to week? Giants need it more. Giants 27, Ravens 24
San Francisco (10-3-1) at Seattle (9-5): The Vikings and Packers are both rooting for the Seahawks here. As good as the 49ers are, they’re due for some kind of letdown before the playoffs. Seahawks 20, 49ers 17
Last week: 10-6
Season: 119-75
Sun sports writer Chris Aarhus can be reached at (701) 952-8462 or by email at caarhus@jamestownsun.com
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