MINNEAPOLIS – It’s do or die for the Minnesota Vikings Sunday when they battle their hated rivals the Green bay Packers at Mall of America Field.
For the Vikings, a victory locks-in a wild card playoff slot. The Vikings (9-6) have not played in a playoff game since a 31-28 overtime loss in the NFC Championship game in 2010.
Adding to the drama for the Vikings, star running back Adrian Peterson needs 208 rushing yards to eclipse Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. Peterson has 1898 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
For Green Bay (11-4), the stakes are high as well.
A victory over the Vikings assures the Packers of home field advantage in at least one playoff game and a first round bye. The week off could allow some players to heal and prepare for the second round opponent. The Packers have already sewn up the NFC North title.
The Vikings still make the playoffs as a long shot if division rival Chicago, Super Bowl Champ New York and Dallas each lose their games.
