Last night, I wrote about the schedule being released with a specific eye on teams' first four games.

I slotted the Vikings as one of the teams with a favorable opening quartet, and it just so happens that it might be a terrific break for a team that could be breaking in a new quarterback and facing the prospect of being without its premier pair of defensive tackles, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.

The Williams Wall, as they are know, still could be suspended for four games apiece in the banned-substance case that now has a June 15 hearing. Remember, the pair received suspensions last season, but those were reversed in time for both to play in the playoffs based on a judge's decision. That said, both still could be suspended this summer.

If they are, the Vikings might have caught a break. Their toughest games come and the end -- and it's a hearty stretch -- but opening at Cleveland and at Detroit is about as kind a road trip as you'll find in the NFL. The two games that follow, at home vs. San Fran and Green Bay, is hardly killer.

The Vikings have led the league in run defense the past three seasons, and though that will be tough to repeat, it doesn't hurt that the Browns (29th in rushing), Lions (30th), 49ers (27th) and Packers (17th) are not exactly the best rushing teams the Vikings will face.

I wouldn't go so far as to say the league did the Vikings a favor, but it certainly didn't stick it to them either.