Weekend Break: Concert Promoter McLean Dies | She Benches 200, Eyes NCAA Title | DeRusha Eats | Forecast

Tale of the tape

Week 17: Green Bay Packers At Minnesota Vikings

Packers

Vikings

A year ago, the Packers were finishing off a stellar regular season that left them as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. This year, they didn’t play at the same level, but they clinched the NFC North. They are now playing their best football of the year. The key once again is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off a three-TD performance in the Packers’ 55-7 triumph over the Tennessee Titans.	Quarterback	It’s been a tough year for Christian Ponder, but he is coming off one of his best performances of the years. Ponder threw for 174 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings 23-6 victory over the Titans. This was Minnesota’ best win of the year.
The Packers have developed a decent running game in recent weeks and that has made things much easier for Rodgers. Veteran Ryan Grant rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns against the Titans. James Jones, Randall Cobb and Greg Jennings give Rodgers one of the best trios of the receivers in the NFL.	Offense	It has been the Adrian Peterson show and he will make an effort to get past the 2,000-yard mark and also challenge Eric Dickerson’s record against the Packers. Peterson has been sensational, and his performance is even more notable considering how underwhelming Ponder’s performance has been.
The Packers head to the postseason playing their best defensive football of the season. Clay Matthews is an explosive difference maker who can turn the corner and sack the quarterback. Free safety Morgan Burnett and linebacker A.J. Burnett are hard-hitting tacklers who don’t let ball carriers slip through their grasp.	Defense	The Vikings were very aggressive against the Texans, but don’t expect that tactic to work against Aaron Rodgers. If the Vikings attempt to blitz Rodgers on a regular basis, he will pick them apart with quick passes. Outside linebacker Chad Greenway has had an excellent year and leads the Viking in tackles.
The Vikings have gotten a remarkable year from rookie kicker Blair Walsh. He has made 9-of-9 field goal attempts from 50 yards and beyond, which is a new record for most field goals of that distance without a miss. Chris Kluwe is averaging 44.7 yards per punt.	Special Teams	Cobb has been an explosive returner as well as a big-time receiver. He has the ability to string together quick moves to make tacklers miss. Punter Tim Masthay is averaging 43.7 yards per punt and he has put 29 of his punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

We'll just call it a tie

The Vikings are going to try to come up with the victory over their archrivals so they can finish with 10 wins and earn a spot in the playoffs. While containing Rodgers will be difficult, the presence of Peterson and the Vikings’ loud home crowd could mean the difference. The Packers will earn a first-round bye if they can come up with the win.

More Tales of the tape

NCAA Championship Game: #1 Louisville Vs. #4 Michigan
Rick Pitino has been here before, after making his 7th Final Four appearance, he’s now in his third go-round in the title game. He’s got plenty of experience on the big stage and he has the Cardinals playing high level basketball at the right time.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #4 Michigan Vs. #4 Syracuse
No. 4 Michigan and No. 4 Syracuse square off in Atlanta this weekend with the winner getting a shot to play for the National Title.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #1 Louisville Vs. #9 Wichita State
Rick Pitino and No. 1 Louisville take on No. 9 Wichita State in Atlanta this weekend for a shot to play in the National Title game on Monday.