Packers looking for payback in Vikings' house

Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minn.,
Sunday, Nov. 22

AT A GLANCE: When the Vikings visited Green Bay in Week Five, they humiliated the Packers 37-24 on national TV. The Vikes could virtually lock up the NFC Central title with another win over Green Bay, but the Packers are out for revenge.

The Packers’ loss to the Broncos in last season’s Super Bowl was heartbreaking, but their 37-24 loss to the Vikings in Week Five was just plain humiliating.

The Vikings destroyed the Packers on "Monday Night Football," in front of the Green Bay faithful. The loss ended the Packers’ streak of 29 straight victories at Lambeau Field and served notice that the Vikings had their sights set on the NFC Central crown, which the Packers have owned for three consecutive seasons. If they win the rematch with the Packers, the Vikings will take a commanding three-game lead in the division.

The Packers would love to get revenge this Sunday in Minnesota, but they haven’t done well there in recent years. Before last season, when they came away with a 27-11 victory, the Packers had lost five straight games in the Metrodome.

Since 1992, when Mike Holmgren took over as the Packer head coach and Dennis Green became the Viking head coach, Minnesota has won eight of its 13 games against Green Bay. However, the Vikings have covered the spread in only six of those games.

WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL:

Packer QB Brett Favre is worshiped as a god in Green Bay. But, if Favre’s career were to be judged entirely on his performances in the Metrodome, it would be no more memorable than the careers of former Packer QB’s Jerry Tagge, David Whitehurst or Randy Wright. In six road games vs. the Vikings, Favre has thrown three TD passes and nine interceptions, and he has never passed for more than 198 yards in a single contest.

Favre faces a Viking defense that is coming off a stellar performance in a 24-3 victory over the Bengals. Viking CB’s Corey Fuller and Jimmy Hitchcock will try to neutralize dangerous Packer WR’s Antonio Freeman and Robert Brooks. The feisty Fuller is the Vikings’ top cover man, and he’ll line up over the slot receiver when the Packers use a three-WR set. Hitchcock has been inconsistent this year. The Vikings must be wary of Packer TE’s Mark Chmura and Tyrone Davis. Davis had two TD catches last week, including a 60-yarder.

The Packer offensive line must contain Pro Bowler John Randle, who lines up at a number of different DL spots. The disruptive Randle excels at shooting gaps and getting into the backfield quickly. Keep an eye on the matchup between Packer OLT Ross Verba and Viking DRE Derrick Alexander, two talented youngsters.

The Packer running attack has sputtered for much of the season, but recently acquired RB Darick Holmes ran for 111 yards last week in his first extensive action with the team. Viking LB’s Ed McDaniel and Dwayne Rudd, who are both having fine years, will try to stop the Packer ground game, as will Viking SS Robert Griffith, who is frequently used on run blitzes.