This week all eyes will be on the Metrodome as Adrian Peterson tries to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL Single Season Rushing Record (and the Minnesota Vikings play for a spot in the playoffs) against the Green Bay Packers.  Peterson only needs 208 yards to break the 28 year old record of 2,105 yards. 

Less than one year removed from reconstructive knee surgery, Peterson has surprised everyone; leading the league with 1,898 rushing yards and is second with 11 touchdowns. While the Vikings need a win against the Packers to get into the playoffs, you have to believe their offense will be very one dimensional as they lean heavily on Peterson in pursuit of history. 

Ever since losing wide receiver Percy Harvin to injury earlier this year, the Vikings have shifted to a much more run-heavy offense, with Peterson averaging almost an extra 10 carries per game since.  In a Week 13 loss at Green Bay, Peterson had his first of two 200-plus yard rushing games in three weeks with 210 yards on the ground and one touchdown.  When you add in his one reception for ten yards, Peterson’s 220 all-purpose yards accounted for two-thirds (67 percent) of the Vikings’ total offense.  The Packers have always had a hard time containing Peterson, who averages 113 yards per game in his career against Green Bay; the most by any running back ever with at least five games against them.  There really isn’t any reason to believe that Peterson can’t break the record against the Packers. 

Despite the likelihood of Peterson breaking the record, the Vikings’ defense won’t be able to contain Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ potent passing game.  The Packers are determined to get a first round bye and home field advantage for at least one game, and we should see a similar outcome to the last time these two met.