Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
When » Today, 4:30 p.m.
Where » Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minn.
Line » Eagles by 3
TV » Fox
Why you should watch » To see which quarterback gets benched first. Minnesota’s Tarvaris Jackson (1,056 yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs) and Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb (3,916 yards, 23 TDs, 11 INTs) each have seen time on the pine this season. And it’s not like the receivers are complaining: Minnesota receiver Bernard Berrian (48 catches, 964 yards, 7 TDs) might need reconstructive surgery at the end of the season because of all the errant passes that have struck his feet. Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson (62 catches, 912 yards, 2 TDs), however, has suffered from numerous drops, leading team officials to believe there is too much cheesesteak grease on his hands. The game also features two talented running backs in the Eagles’ Brian Westbrook (1,338 total yards, 14 TDs) and the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson (1,760 yards, 10 TDs)
Best Minnesota win » Nov. 9, vs. Green Bay, 28-27. Both teams entered the game at 4-4 and looking for control of the NFC North Division. The Vikings led by as many as 11 in the third quarter, but the Packers rallied late to take a 27-21 lead with minutes remaining. Peterson, however, saved Minnesota’s season when he exploded for a 29-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes remaining for the decisive score.
Worst Minnesota loss » Oct. 19, at Chicago, 48-41. This game put the Vikings’ weaknesses on display for the entire league. It started with horrid special teams — a blocked punt and a muffed punt returned for touchdowns — and continued with dumb penalties (eight for 50 yards) and finished with poor quarterback play (four interceptions).
Best Philadelphia win » Dec. 28, vs. Dallas, 44-6. In a must-win game to make the playoffs, the Eagles did all their scoring in the first three quarters by forcing five turnovers, including two fumbles returned for touchdowns. McNabb was nearly flawless in throwing for 175 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for another score to lead an offense that gained 303 yards.
Worst Philadelphia loss » Nov. 9 at Baltimore, 36-7. McNabb committed three turnovers and was benched. His replacement, Kevin Kolb, didn’t do much better, as he threw two interceptions.
Who would win if the mascots fought to the death » Viktor the Viking against Swoop the Eagle. The dirty bird from Philly might have an edge in quickness, but Viktor has a helmet for protection and swings a huge stone hammer. This fight is close at first, but ends with Viktor eating eagle wings around a campfire.
Game comes down to » Can Jackson get Berrian the ball? The receiver has been one of the team’s biggest deep threats and also returned a punt for a touchdown. If he can make three plays of at least 30 yards, the Vikings win.
Carey predicts » Vikings 27, Eagles 24
