Of course, last year the Vikings had the benefit of a favorable schedule.  Their first two games were on the road, but against abysmal Cleveland and feeble Detroit.  They then got the tough 49ers and formidable Packers at home, before facing the atrocious Rams in St. Louis.

2010 saw them again beginning their season on the road, but not against the Cleveland Browns.  Instead they faced the Saints, on the day New Orleans raised their first ever championship banner, ratcheting up emotions in the already hostile Superdome to a fever pitch.  The Vikings gave a valiant effort but were ultimately unable to put their offense together, and wound up on the short end of a tough, low-scoring game.

Now they have returned to Minnesota to make their home debut.  Last year, they rode into the Metrodome for the first time already 2-0.  This year, they limp in at 0-1, and riddled with issues.

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