Last meeting
In the opening "Monday Night Football" game of 2006, the Vikings beat the Redskins 19-16 when Washington kicker John Hall missed a 48-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining.
Streaks
The Vikings have won three of the past four meetings to trim the Redskins' overall series lead to 7-6. Check out the full head-to-head matchup.
Last week
Minnesota overcame four turnovers and defeated Chicago 20-13 to keep its hold on the sixth NFC playoff spot. Washington won its first game at Giants Stadium since Joe Gibbs returned to coach in 2004, 22-10 over the Giants.
At stake
The stakes could not be higher in this battle of teams fighting for the last NFC wild card. A Vikings victory would put them one step closer to a postseason trip, while a Redskins loss would eliminate them from contention. Check out all the playoff possibilities.
Key matchup
Redskins RB Clinton Portis vs. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson. Once upon a time, Portis was the rookie toast of the league. In 2002 with the Denver Broncos, Portis ran for 1,505 yards, 15 touchdowns and averaged a robust 5.5 yards per carry; very comparable numbers to Peterson, who has rushed for 1,278 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 5.8 average with two games remaining this season. In his four years with the Redskins, Portis has not come close to approaching those stats, but he is still a very productive rusher and ranks eighth in the NFL with 1,082 yards. Peterson, meanwhile, has broken the single-game rushing record. and until a midseason knee injury, appeared on pace to break Eric Dickerson's rookie record for rushing yards in a season. Since returning from that injury, however, Peterson has not been as effective. He has 197 yards combined in the past three games and has averaged only 4 yards per carry. Peterson better pick up the pace this week or Portis and the Redskins could leave the Metrodome victorious.
Did you know?
Vikings safety Darren Sharper's 48 interceptions are the most in the league since 2000.
