TODAY’S MATCHUP

* Kickoff: 10 a.m.

* TV: Channel 11.

* The line: Philadelphia by 8.

* Minnesota update: While the $10,000 fine for his faux moon was the story of the week surrounding Randy Moss, the more pertinent issue concerns his sprained ankle. Will he be healthy enough to burn the Eagles this time around? He didn’t make much of an impact in the teams’ first meeting this season.

* Philadelphia update: After mailing it in for the final two games of the regular season, the Eagles face their first meaningful game without Terrell Owens. Will the supporting cast step up to the challenge? Philadelphia’s other receivers have accounted for only three touchdowns.

* The story line: The Eagles, who have lost three consecutive NFC championship games, are determined to get to the Super Bowl. The Vikings, who blew their chances in Philly in Week 2, feel they’re ready to pull off the upset of the postseason.

* The pick: Philadelphia. In two career games against the Vikings, Donovan McNabb has five touchdown passes, no interceptions and two rushing touchdowns.

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-- Sam Farmer

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STATISTICAL COMPARISON

*--* Min Phi Points scored 25.3 (6) 24.1 (8) Points allowed 24.7 (26) 16.2 (2T) Pass offense 282.2 (2) 248.7 (7) Rush offense 113.9 (18) 102.4 (24) Total offense 396.2 (4) 351.1 (9) Pass defense 243.5 (29) 200.8 (12) Rush defense 125.4 (21) 118.9 (16) Total defense 368.9 (28) 319.7 (10) Take/Give +1(18T) +6 (11) 3rd-down pct. 52.3 (1) 36.9 (16) Time poss. 30:02 (15) 28:26 (26) Penalties 55.3 (13) 59.5 (22)

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Regular-season statistics, league rank in parentheses