Do or Die: Vikings/Packers Wild Card Preview

SKOL.

For a team that could have only dreamed of making the playoffs this year, the Minnesota Vikings are not playing too shabby.  After a big home win over the Packers last week to boost themselves into the 2013 NFL playoffs, the Vikes find themselves playing the Green Bay Packers, again and for the third time this season, in hopes for another win and to play another week of football.

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Offense Objectives:

Christian Ponder has to play, again, an even better game than last week.  He is listed as questionable due to an elbow injury he experienced last week at Mall of America field against the Pack, which leaves Vikings fans thinking about backup Joe Webb.  If Christian plays, and plays well, the Vikes will roll out of Lambeau with a win, if not?  The game is a toss up.  Also, Ponder, reduce the scramble.  Please?

Adrian Peterson.  Unbelievable.

Offensive Line.  Stellar.

Receiving core will also play a huge part in tonight's game.  Kyle Rudolph, who literally does not know how to drop a football, should work well down under for Ponder as well as Michael Jenkins and Jarius Wright, who made big plays last weekend.  Don't be surprised if AP gets the ball as well, it's hard to tank him down whenever he has possession, so give it to him more.

Defensive Objectives:

The secondary needs to play very well.  The Packers don't play as well at home in comparison to an indoor field due to the weather conditions and their style of play, passing.  It's obvious Green Bay will utilize Aaron Rodgers and throw the ball around, they do every week, our secondary cannot have the breakdowns they suffered last weekend or it could cost the game.

I thought the defensive line played well for the most part last weekend.  They must keep pressure on Rodgers at all time but be ready for a run as well.  Easier said than done obviously.  All in all, Jared Allen and Chad Greenway will have huge games.

Fun Facts:

• Vikings haven't been in the playoffs since 2009
• Packers have lost their last 2 home playoff games
• Christian Ponder has had limited practice since last week

Injury Report:

Vikings:

	Issue	Status
Christian Ponder	Elbow Bursitis	Questionable
Brian Robison	Shoulder	Probable
Harrison Smith	Knee	Probable
Adrian Peterson	Abdomen	Probable
Antoine Winfield	Hand	Questionable
Jared Allen	Shoulder	Probable
Tyrone McKenzie	Shoulder	Questionable

Packers:

	Issue	Status
James Starks	Knee	Questionable
Randall Cobb	Ankle	Probable
Jordy Nelson	Knee	Probable
Charles Woodson	Shoulder	Probable

Lets Compare Shall We?

Team Stats:

Vikings		Packers
	Offense
171.9	Pass Yards	253.1
164.6	Rush Yards	106.4
336.6	Total Yards	359.4
	3rd Down Conv.
78	Made	90
210	Attempted	213
37.10%	PCT	42.30%
	4th Down Conv.
7	Made	7
11	Attempted	13
63.6%	PCT	53.8%
	Defense
244.3	Pass Yards Allowed	218.3
105.8	Rush Yards Allowed	118.5
350	Total Yards Allowed	336.8
1075	Tackles	1024
44	Sacks	47
10	Interceptions	18
19	Forced Fumbles	8

Player Stats:

Vikings		Packers
C. Ponder	Passing	A. Rodgers
62.1%	COMP %	67.2%
2935	Yards	4295
18	TD	39
12	INT	8
A. Peterson	Rushing	A. Green
348	Carries	135
2097	Yards	464
6	Average	3.4
12	TD's	0
P. Harvin	Receiving	R. Cobb
62	Receptions	80
677	Yards	954
10.9	Average	11.9
3	TD's	8
K. Rudolph		J. Jones
53	Receptions	64
493	Yards	784
9.3	Average	12.3
9	TD's	14
B. Walsh	Kicking	M. Crosby
25	FG Made	21
28	FG Attempted	33
100%	Extra Pt %	100%
10 for 10	50+	2 for 9
56	Long	54
C. Greenway	Tackles	M. Burnett
98	Solo	88
50	Assist	35
148	Total	123
H. Smith	Interceptions	C. Hayward
3	INTs	6
87	Yards	81
2	TDs	0
J. Allen	Sacks	Matthews
12	Sack	13
63	Yards Loss	84
5	Tloss	5

I think this game will depend on Ponder's decision to play or not as well as secondary performance.  Obviously the vikings haven't relied to much on the quarterback, but it's a very important decision and I believe Ponder is our guy.

GO VIKINGS!!!!!