'Cause they don't play. They're on Monday Night Football at Green Bay.

The Bears beat the Panthers, putting them another game ahead. They're now strongly in the lead of the division at 7-3.

The Lions loose to the Cowboys, giving the Vikings a chance to take second place alone. They've fallen now to 4-6.

Should the 4-5 Vikings defeat the 2-7 Packers at home, they'd advance to 5-5, just two games back from the Bears, leaving the Packers at an insurmountable 2-8.

If the Packers should emerge victorious, their 3-7 standing would bring them to within a game of the Lions and Vikings, still tied at 4-6. A couple losses and a victory in the right places and it'd be a three way tie at 4-7 for second place. How screwy is that?

The Vikings have a tough time tomorrow, but there are a few inspirational thoughts. First, the Packers are truly sucking it up this year. Even at home they're playing poorly. The Vikings have a fair record at Lambeau, even if it is on the road. Additionally, Daren Sharper is a recent acquisition after eight years with the Packers; if he plays right, he should get the ball from Favre more than a few times, as he's reputed to have done with ease in practice as a Packer.