[Bette]

Practically empty just three weeks ago, the Vikings' bandwagon is suddenly filled to overflowing, with national analysts from ESPN's Bill Parcells to the NFL Network's Steve Mariucci touting them as the favorite to claim the final NFC wild-card spot.
One of three 6-6 teams in the running for that sixth seed, along with Arizona and Detroit, the Vikings could have it to themselves as early as Sunday evening, if the Cardinals lose at Seattle and the reeling Lions bow to heavily favored Dallas.
The only thing standing between the Vikings and a four-game winning streak is a 3-9 San Francisco team, but coach Brad Childress is putting little stock in his club's rising national profile.
"It doesn't make any difference to me," he said Monday. "We're under the radar as far as I'm concerned at 6-6 and playing San Francisco. I don't get into the whole thing. Count 'em up at the end."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_7627892