Packers at Vikings
Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minn.,
Monday, Dec. 20

AT A GLANCE: Green Bay and Minnesota are both trying to close the gap on Tampa Bay in the NFC Central race. Jeff George makes his first start against the Packers as the Vikings’ starting quarterback.

After a five-game winning streak propelled them into a tie for the division lead, the Vikings dropped two straight road games. Jeff George gets his first shot against the Pack as the Vikings’ quarterback in this game.

Green Bay comes off a devastating, last-second home loss to Carolina that snapped a three-game winning streak. The Packers must rebound in their personal house of horrors, the Metrodome. They have won in just one of their last seven trips to Minneapolis (3-4 vs. the spread).

Green Bay won the first meeting in Week Three, when Brett Favre hit Corey Bradford for a 23-yard, game-winning touchdown with 12 seconds remaining.

WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL:

The Packers’ offense has been running more smoothly lately, in part because Favre’s throwing hand is in better shape. Favre has also acceded to coaches’ requests that he throw the ball short more often. That has helped to open up things downfield and has aided the running game.

Favre spreads the ball around to his wideouts and backs, partly because his tight ends have not been consistent. Favre will be working against a struggling Minnesota pass defense. Rookies Kenny Wright and Chris Rogers haven’t done a good enough job of closing on the ball, and FS Orlando Thomas’ hamstring injury hasn’t helped. Thomas sat out last week.

RB Dorsey Levens (rib) has missed the last two games but is expected to be ready vs. Minnesota. The Vikings have struggled to stop bigger backs this season, but Minnesota’s quickness could help stymie Levens.

Injuries have turned the Packers’ offensive line into a patchwork unit for much of the season, but it has played reasonably well. OLT Ross Verba (knee) should be back for this game to face off against a Vikings front four that has not generated enough of a pass rush in recent weeks. John Randle, who moves up and down the line, has only five sacks this season.