Vikings vs. Eagles: What to expect

The oddsmakers figure this game to be one-sided, with the Eagles a 91/2-point favorite after steamrolling the rest of the NFC on the way to a 13-3 record while the Vikings struggled at 8-8. And the Eagles beat the Vikings 27-16 in the second week of the season. But Philadelphia is without injured star receiver Terrell Owens, and the Vikings are coming off one of their most impressive victories in years, so a victory in Philadelphia would be no more improbable than the one the Vikings pulled off Sunday.

EAGLES STARS

• Donovan McNabb finished second in the NFC in passing behind Daunte Culpepper, completing 300 of 469 attempts (64.0 percent) for 3,875 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. McNabb is also a threat to run, gaining 220 yards on 41 attempts (5.4 average) and three scores.

• Brian Westbrook gained 812 yards on 177 carries (4.6-yard average) and three scores despite being injured part of the year. Westbrook is a huge threat out of the backfield, catching 73 passes for 703 yards (9.6-yard average) and six scores.

• Safety Brian Dawkins was named All-Pro after making 95 tackles (second on the team), four interceptions and three sacks.

INJURY REPORT

• Owens is out for possibly the rest of the playoffs because of ankle surgery, which is a big blow to the Eagles, who have scored only three touchdowns in the 10 quarters since the injury. Owens caught 77 passes for 1,200 yards (15.6-yard average) and 14 scores.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Eagles are a balanced squad, finishing third in the NFC in scoring at 24.1 points per game (the Vikings were second at 25.3). They were first in the NFC in scoring defense at 16.2 points per game. The Vikings were 13th at 24.7.

• With Owens out, the Eagles' most productive wide receiver is Todd Pinkston, with only 36 catches for 676 yards (18.8 average) and one touchdown.

• The Eagles' strong point on defense is their backfield, with three players -- Dawkins, safety Michael Lewis (a team-leading 129 tackles, including 88 solos) and cornerback Lito Sheppard (five interceptions, two touchdowns) making the Pro Bowl.

• Six other Eagles made the Pro Bowl: McNabb, Owens, tackle Tra Thomas, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, kicker David Akers and special teamer Ike Reese.

THEY SAID IT

"I think we're a much better defense than we were then. We're playing pretty good ball right now, and we have everybody healthy. It's going to be strength against strength. Their strength is their offense, and I think our strength right now is our defense."

-- Philadelphia linebacker Ike Reese, to the Philadelphia Inquirer

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

"There was no doubt which team had the championship-caliber quarterback in this game. Daunte Culpepper was outstanding, throwing for four touchdowns without an interception. He improvised for the first score, scrambling and flipping the ball to running back Moe Williams.

His two touchdown passes to Randy Moss came on plays he changed at the line of scrimmage. The second, a 34-yard rainbow, came when the Vikings were most in danger of losing their grip on this game."

-- Phil Sheridan, Philadelphia Inquirer columnist

An assortment of sources was used in compiling this report.