I am going to get roasted for saying this, but I think the game is meaningless.
It is a game for pride, to make a statement. Will it have an outcome on our season, I dont think so.
I have said it many times, all the nfc east teams I believe will lose to new england and since it is a non conference game I think it has zero importance on our season.
Now it would be an incredible confidence boost and really make this team believe in themselves and their coaches if we were to win, but not the end of the world if we lose, far far from it.
Losing to buffalo would be 5 times as devastating as losing to new england, because I think there is a pretty good chance the bills will lose to one of the other nfc east teams.
SO I agree 100 percent with your post. That minnesota game is a conference game, since we will be battling for playoff spots with det, gb and the nfc east it is a common opponent and important. THen of course the tough part of the season starts with three straight divisional games.