NFC Wild Card Preview and Prediction: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers

Longtime divisional rivals set to face each other in playoffs for only the second time

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers will face off for the second time in less than a week when their NFC Wild Card showdown kicks off on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. The Vikings (10-6) beat the Packers (11-5) last Sunday 37-34 in Minneapolis to secure their playoff berth, while costing the NFC North champions a first-round bye in the process. Even though these teams have played each other 104 times, this marks just the second postseason matchup. Minnesota beat Green Bay 31-17 in an NFC Wild Card game at Lambeau Field on Jan. 9, 2005.

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Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview and Prediction

Vikings can secure wild-card berth with win, Packers playing for first-round bye

The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings each have something to play for when the long-time NFC North rivals meet up at 4:25 p.m. ET this afternoon on FOX. For the Vikings (9-6) it’s win and they are in the playoffs for the first time since 2009, while the Packers (11-4) can earn a coveted first-round bye with a second win over their divisional foe this month. If the Vikings fall to the Packers for a sixth straight time, they will need Chicago, Dallas and the New York Giants to all lose to extend their season by at least one more game.

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Week 13 Injury Updates: Percy Harvin, Jarius Wright, Danny Amendola, Mikel Leshoure

Percy Harvin, Jarius Wright, Danny Amendola, Mikel Leshoure Updates

Depending upon your fantasy league setup, this is likely the last week of the regular season for you. If not, then you have a two-week push left to get into the postseason. Here are some updates on injured players, their status for the Week 13 games or the outlook for their replacements.

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Week 12 Injury Updates: Willis McGahee, Ronnie Hillman, Dwayne Bowe, Percy Harvin

Willis McGahee, Ronnie Hillman, Dwayne Bowe, Percy Harvin Updates

No more bye weeks. It’s all up to health and strategy from here on out to get you to a fantasy football championship. Here are some updates on injured players, their status for the Week 12 games or the outlook for their replacements.

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Injury Updates Week 9: Brandon LaFell, Kenny Britt, Percy Harvin

Who's healthy enough to start for your fantasy football team

The fantasy season is nearing its postseason. The weeks are winding down; the injuries are piling up. You need to stay ahead of everything in order to make that playoff push. Here’s some information on those that are on the Week 9 injury report or those stepping in for the injured.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview and Prediction

Adrian Peterson and the Vikings host the Bucs at Mall of America Field tonight.

Two NFC foes with drastically different 2012 results will meet on Thursday Night Football, when the Minnesota Vikings host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 8:20 p.m. EST on the NFL Network. The Bucs have struggled to a 2-4 record this season, and they travel to Minnesota coming off a heartbreaking last-second loss to the Saints.

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Fantasy Football 2012: Breaking Down the Minnesota Vikings

A fantasy football perspective on the team

What can the Minnesota Vikings do for you this fantasy season? Check out Athlon Sports' team report as we break down the rookies, veteran players to watch and avoid, fantasy playoff schedule and more to help you get ready for the 2012 season.

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NFL Fantasy Football Start or Sit: Week 6

-by Braden Gall (@AthlonBraden on twitter)

Complete Week 6 NFL Fantasy Rankings

Week 6 NFL Byes: Arizona, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Seattle, Tennessee

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New kickoff rules don't hinder scoring, exciting plays in NFL's opening week

There were a record eight kickoffs and punts returned for TDs in Week 1

by Mark Ross

When the NFL announced in March that kickoffs would be moved from the 30-yard-line to the 35-yard-line, it was not well received. Everyone from players, coaches and team executives to analysts and fans voiced their displeasure at a decision the league said was made to address player safety concerns. The general consensus among the dissenters was this — moving the kickoff five yards would result in basically eliminating any sort of return.

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Minnesota Vikings 2011 NFL Team Preview

An in-depth look at the Vikings offense, defense and special teams this year.

The Vikings’ expectations for 2011 can be found somewhere between promise and denial. Several talented pieces remain from a 2009 team that was one botched play from a Super Bowl berth, but those pieces are either aging or still wondering what the heck happened during last season’s 6–10 meltdown.