Vikings vs. Packers: The Call

WHEN THE VIKINGS RUN THE BALL

RB Michael Bennett will get the first crack at carrying the load today, but in a game of this magnitude, the Vikings will search for a hot hand until they find one. The return of C Matt Birk should help settle down the team's interior run blocking, but much of the team's success will depend on how much the Packers sell out to stop the Vikings pass offense. Green Bay has given up 390 rushing yards in its past two games, both at Lambeau Field. If the Vikings are patient, something they haven't always been, they should be able to run today. ADVANTAGE Vikings

WHEN THE VIKINGS PASS THE BALL

The Vikings' aerial game has returned to full strength. WR Randy Moss is running past defenders, Bennett has re-energized the screen play and QB Daunte Culpepper is making every throw. The Packers secondary, which Culpepper torched for 363 yards and four touchdowns last month, has come under fire recently. But the key matchup will be Green Bay's pass rush against the Vikings' injury-limited offensive line. If the Packers can prevent Culpepper from stepping into his throws, they can all but eliminate the deep ball. ADVANTAGE Vikings

WHEN THE PACKERS RUN THE BALL

In the teams' past two matchups, Green Bay has simply outmuscled the Vikings defense. There is no other way to describe how Green Bay has rushed for a combined 467 yards in those games. A few runs were aided by alignment mistakes, but the Vikings haven't shown they can stand up to Green Bay's offensive line or FB William Henderson. This matchup could well decide the game; the Vikings can't win if RB Ahman Green gets into a productive rhythm. Looking for hope? Detroit's 113 rushing yards Sunday was the lowest by a Vikings opponent in eight games. ADVANTAGE Packers

WHEN THE PACKERS PASS THE BALL

QB Brett Favre will be the most battle-tested, big-game player on the field today. And even though he has thrown more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (three) in his past three games, Favre was born for games like this. The Vikings have tweaked their nickel and dime personnel once again for this game, and their defensive line is rushing the passer as well as it has in three years. They may well be able to trick Favre into throwing a few poor passes. But with the NFC North on the line, would you rather have Favre or the Vikings defense? Thought so. ADVANTAGE Packers

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Packers special teams won the first meeting but has lost arguably its best all-around player in WR/KR Robert Ferguson. Out because of a concussion, he also is one of Green Bay's top coverage men. Former Vikings TE Ben Steele has 15 special teams tackles. While the Packers still have the best specialist on the field in PK Ryan Longwell, the Vikings' trio of kickers has hit its stride. KR/PR Mewelde Moore gives the Vikings their best chance of the year to break a long return. ADVANTAGE Even

COACHING

In one game for all the marbles, would you rather have the reserved Mike Sherman, known for his even-keeled personality and innovative schematic work? Or do you choose the volcanic Mike Tice, who without a doubt will have his players in a frenzy today? Sherman is more likely to introduce a wrinkle that could impact the outcome of the game. But in a game between teams so familiar, emotion and willpower are more critical variables. Memo to Tice: Just don't overdo it. ADVANTAGE Vikings

PREDICTION

For four months, momentum has been building for this game. Yet it's clear that neither team is exactly peaking for it. Today's game will feature as many mistakes as it will brilliant plays, as many questions as it does answers. But after watching last week's improbable finish at Detroit, we think the Vikings have locked in to their destiny. Vikings 30, Packers 24