FanHouse Antonie Winfield

Whether you win or lose against the Ravens, they are physical enough that you suffer for a couple of weeks afterward.

The Vikings got the win on Sunday, but they also got the bruises that come with it.

The biggest problem for the Vikings is cornerback Antoine Winfield's foot injury. When Winfield left the game on Sunday the Ravens' pass offense suddenly became a world-beater as backup Karl Paymah quickly proved he's not really ready for a starting job. The Vikings are not ruling out Winfield playing on Sunday, but everyone else is.

Antoine Winfield has always been a very good cornerback, but not good enough to earn a Pro Bowl spot. The Vikings corner seems to be conducting a one-man campaign to change that in his chance at a prime-time staring role Monday night.

When Kevin Williams blocked a Saints field goal, Winfield returned it for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. After the teams traded field goals, Winfield sacked Drew Brees, forced a fumble, recovered it and returned it to set up the Vikings go-ahead touchdown.

Because of Winfield, the Vikings are leading a game where they have no business even being close. The offense has been pretty nonexistent in the first half, but the big plays have turned the game around. Winfield also has five tackles, including three for losses, in the first half. It might not be enough to get him a Pro Bowl berth, but it should get him a lot closer.