GREEN BAY at MINNESOTA

* The line: Minnesota by 5.

* 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--OUT: CB Keith Thibodeaux (shoulder). DOUBTFUL: WR Cris Carter (ankle). QUESTIONABLE: S Orlando Thomas (hamstring). PROBABLE: QB Jeff George (ribs).

* Key elements: Packer defense held Carolina to 13 yards rushing last week, but gave up 373 yards passing in a loss. Vikings have totaled 1,213 yards in last three games vs. Packers.

* Story line: With Detroit’s loss to Chicago on Sunday, the winner of this game can move into a tie for second place in the NFC Central. The loser? “I think you can stick a fork in [the loser],” said Packer defensive back LeRoy Butler, analyzing the playoff picture.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

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GB Min Points scored 21.4 (11) 24.4 (5) Points allowed 20.3 (15) 21.6 (23) Passing O 257.6 (7) 274.8 (2) Rushing O 94.2 (21) 109.0 (16) Total O 351.8 (11) 383.8 (2) Passing D 222.0 (14) 259.7 (31) Rushing D 117.2 (26) 109.1 (19) Total D 339.2 (18) 368.8 (29)

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The pick: Minnesota.