Packers (7-6) at Vikings (7-6)
9 p.m. ET, ABC
Line: Vikings by 4
Preview | Baxter's Bits | War Room Preview
Ron Jaworski's Monday night breakdown

	Green Bay's Antonio Freeman has just six TD catches this season.

Why to watch:
These teams were the preseason favorites in the NFC Central, but they're both now fighting for wild-card spots. Green Bay beat Minnesota 23-20 in Week 3 as Brett Favre pulled off an amazing comeback in the final minute. If the Packers, who already have lost the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Cowboys and Panthers, can sweep the Vikes, Green Bay finally will earn an advantage over one of its many competitors in the wild-card hunt.

Minnesota has lost two in a row after looking terrific during a five-game winning streak. The Vikes come off a 31-28 loss at Kansas City -- a game in which explosive WR Randy Moss tied the score on a punt-return touchdown with 1:38 remaining, only to have the Minnesota defense collapse down the stretch and allow a game-winning field goal.

Green Bay also is coming off a demoralizing loss, a 33-31 defeat to Carolina on the final play at Lambeau Field. That tough loss snapped a three-game winning streak. Packers coach Ray Rhodes got plenty of heat for his team's poor clock management down the stretch and will be scrutinized even more if his team fails to make the playoffs.

The Packers obsessed about trying to catch up with Minnesota last offseason after relinquishing their NFC Central crown in '98. Green Bay's three rookie defensive backs held up pretty well against Moss and company in the first meeting, but the trip to the Metrodome will be the true test.

	MORE COVERAGE
	ABC MNF Online MNF Scouting Report

Who to watch:
In all likelihood, Vikings WR Cris Carter will have his streak of 110 consecutive starts snapped by a high ankle sprain. That means Moss must step up as the team's No. 1 target, Jake Reed will start in Carter's spot and Matthew Hatchette will be the No. 3 receiver.

Jeff George, who is certain to miss Carter, starts against the Packers for the first time as the Vikings quarterback. Vikings RB Robert Smith has played extremely well since his return to the lineup, amassing 393 total yards in his last three games. Minnesota has been trying to establish Smith early before using the play-action pass to set up big plays to its wideouts. Watch for backup RB Leroy Hoard in short-yardage and goal-line sets.

Packers RB Dorsey Levens, who has missed the last two games because of a broken rib, is expected to return to the lineup. Favre threw for 304 yards and one TD in the first meeting, and the three-time MVP has been sharp over the last three weeks as his thumb injury continues to improve.

	INJURY REPORT
	Packers: DOUBTFUL S Scott McGarrahan (hamstring). PROBABLE: WR Corey Bradford (ankle); LB George Koonce (shoulder); RB Dorsey Levens (rib); DE Keith McKenzie (ankle); CB Mike McKenzie (hip); TE Jeff Thomason (knee); T Ross Verba (knee); LB Jude Waddy (neck). Vikings: DOUBTFUL: WR Cris Carter (ankle); CB Keith Thibodeaux (shoulder). QUESTIONABLE: S Orlando Thomas (hamstring).

Packers WRs Antonio Freeman, Bill Schroeder and Corey Bradford could put up some big numbers against the NFL's worst pass defense. Favre will definitely pick on struggling Vikings CBs Jimmy Hitchcock and rookie Kenny Wright. Plus, Vikings S Orlando Thomas is battling a hamstring injury.

Green Bay's young secondary also will be on the spot. Packers rookie CB Antuan Edwards had two interceptions in the first meeting -- but that was when Randall Cunningham was quarterbacking the Vikes. Rookie CB Mike McKenzie and Tyrone Williams will try to contain Moss, who has scored four TDs in his three career games against Green Bay. With S LeRoy Butler forced to help more in the secondary, the Packers' run defense has suffered.

Packers' numbers to know:
Green Bay has won only once in its last seven trips to the Metrodome. Since 1992 (including playoffs), the Packers are just 12-28 on artificial turf.

Vikings' numbers to know:
After the Packers' victory at Lambeau in late September, Minnesota now owns just a one-game edge (38-37-1) in the all-time series between these heated rivals. ... The Vikings are allowing 247.2 passing yards per game and have given up at least 24 points in each of their last four games.

What it means:
Both these teams are 1½ games back of the first-place Bucs (9-5) and a half-game behind the Lions (8-6) in the NFC Central. They're also involved a tight pack of several teams battling for the NFC's thre wild-card berths. Needless to say, the loser of this game will face an uphill climb to the postseason. The winner should be in pretty decent shape.