TONIGHT’S GAME

* The line: Minnesota by 9.

* Story line: With a victory over Detroit tonight, the Vikings can clinch their fifth consecutive postseason appearance. The Lions are two games behind the Vikings in the NFC Central and are fighting for a playoff berth as well. The Vikings have won 11 consecutive regular-season games. The Lions are 3-0 since Gary Moeller took over for Bobby Ross on Nov. 6.

* Keys to the game: Viking WRs Cris Carter and Randy Moss vs. the Lion secondary. CBs Terry Fair and Bryant Westbrook must be counted on to shut down Minnesota’s high-octane passing game using man coverage schemes as the Lions need to commit at least one safety to stopping RB Robert Smith. Turnovers and ball-control. The Lions are second in the NFL with 33 turnovers, so they must cut down on those, and RB James Stewart must have a big game to keep the Viking offense on the sideline.

* Injury report: DET--WR Germane Crowell (foot, out). MIN--LB Dwayne Rudd (shoulder, out); S Orlando Thomas (shoulder, out).

*--*

COMPARISON DETROIT MINNESOTA Points scored 20.6 (13) 25.5 (5) Points allowed 18.9 (11) 20.8 (15) Passing Offense 171.2 (26) 246.9 (6) Rushing Offense 99.6 (22) 145.4 (3) Passing Defense 206.5 (14) 232.6 (26) Rushing Defense 116.2 (18) 100.4 (10) Time of Possession 29:28 (21) 31:01 (9) Turnover Ratio +12 (3) -8 (24) Red Zone TD% 44.2 (21) 48.7 (15)

*--*

The pick: Minnesota. The Lions have never played well at the Metrodome, losing five of their last six games there.