TODAY’S GAMES

* The line: Minnesota by 7.

* Story line: With the Rams’ loss to the Redskins on Monday night, the Vikings are in the driver’s seat in the NFC, setting their sights on gaining home-field advantage through the playoffs. One more loss for the Cowboys and they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.

* Keys to the game: Viking RB Robert Smith versus Cowboy linebackers. Always a threat to break a long run, Smith has become even more dangerous this season because of his improvement as a receiver. Minnesota’s offensive line vs. Dallas front four. Despite losing two Pro Bowl linemen in the off-season, the Viking offensive line is still one of the best in the NFL. Look for them to dominate the undersized and banged-up Cowboys at the point of attack. WR Randy Moss has 14 catches for 381 yards (27.2 average) and six touchdowns in three career games vs. Dallas. WR Cris Carter needs seven receptions to become the second player in NFL history with 1,000 in his career.

* Injury report: MIN--FB Jimmy Kleinsasser (hamstring, questionable). DAL--C Mark Stepnoski (knee, out); S Darren Woodson (arm, out).

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THE MATCHUPS MINNESOTA DALLAS Points scored 25.4 (5) 20.6 (13) Points allowed 21.4 (19) 22.4 (22) Passing offense 251.9 (6) 176.5 (24) Rushing offense 143.4 (1) 119.0 (15) Passing defense 228.6 (25) 174.3 (3) Rushing defense 97.9 (10) 171.1 (31) Time of possession 31:16 (9) 28:46 (25) Turnover ratio -10 (27) -8 (T25) Red zone touchdown % 47.2 (17) 54.6 (9)

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The pick: Minnesota. Baltimore didn’t have any trouble scoring on the Cowboys. Now watch Carter and Moss vs. that secondary and Smith against the Cowboy run defense.

--Research by ROY JURGENS; picks by ROBYN NORWOOD