Last week’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers is an instant classic.  All eyes were on Minnesota as Adrian Peterson looked to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL Single Season Rushing Record and the Vikings needed a win against Green Bay to make it into the playoffs.  The Packers headed into hostile territory at the Metrodome a bit overconfidently, looking to lock up the No. 2 seed for the NFC and a first round bye. 

The Vikings shocked everyone (well, me anyway) and didn’t just pound the ball endlessly with Peterson.  Quarterback Christian Ponder had an incredible day; throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions and a 120.2 passer rating. 
Aaron Rodgers had another dominant day (which I covered earlier this week), but lost a key fumble late in the game that led to a Vikings score, and ultimately the game.  In the end Peterson finished just seven yards short of the record, but more importantly; the Vikings won the game and are headed to the playoffs. 

This Week, for just the second time in their 51 year (104 games) history; the Vikings and Packers will meet in the playoffs at Lambeau Field. Despite the Packers leading the series with a 54-49-1 record and 29-23-1 record at home, the Vikings won the only other game they’ve played against each other in the playoffs: a 2005 beat down at Lambeau Field, 31-17.

Ponder and the Vikings have proven that they’re the real deal.  After losing to the Packers in Week 13, Minnesota has won four games in a row, including three against teams with records of 10-6 or better and two playoff teams.  But, Green Bay won’t make the same mistake of underestimating them again, and we should be in for a real treat. 

A few key things that will greatly influence this game:

Healthy Players - The Packers have activated safety Charles Woodson, but no one knows how much he will play or how effective he will be.  The Packers are also expecting receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb to play, which will be the first time since the beginning of the season that Rodgers will have all of his receivers available in the same game.

Offensive Line - The Vikings offensive line did a great job last week, only allowing the Packers to sack Ponder one time and will need to step it up big again.  Conversely, the Packers offensive line needs to do a much better time of protecting Rodgers, who was sacked five times last week. 

Blitzing - It’s safe to assume the Packers will use Woodson primarily in blitzing package, which will be a huge boost for the defense.  The Packers will need to do a much better job of getting behind the line and putting pressure on Ponder.  He doesn’t do nearly as well when defenders are in his face all day. 

Run Game - Obviously the Vikings have no problems here.  Peterson, the best running back ever against the Packers, is sure to have another huge day.  DuJuan Harris, who was selling cars in Florida just a few weeks ago, has given the Packers’ running game a huge boost.  He’ll need to have another 65-plus yard rushing game for the Packers to be as effective as possible in the passing game. 

In the end, I think Rodgers’ career domination in the playoffs, and against the Vikings; will prove to be too much for the Vikings to overcome on the road.  Minnesota has proven that they’re a legitimate offense, but their defense needs quite a bit of work still. 

Final score: Packers 34, Vikings 27.