The Vikings are nearly two-touchdown underdogs at Lambeau Field for Monday Night Football. There are very good reasons for that, and if we were (more of) a betting man, we would still stay away from this game. It's no fun to bet against the home team. That said, there are some factors that could keep this game closer than expected -- or even maybe, just maybe, lead the Vikings to a shocking victory. Remember, Minnesota has had a chance to win every game in the fourth quarter except the Bears game. Yes, bad teams find ways to lose. But it is also an indication that the Vikings are often a few plays away from a victory instead of several. In any event, the five keys:

1) Get Adrian Peterson the ball in positions to make plays. No kidding, right? The gist of this is that we must continue to see Peterson get touches over the middle in the passing game. He's going to run 20-25 times a game. But those short passes add an entirely new dimension.

2) Bring pressure non-stop against Aaron Rodgers. Seriously, the guy is too good to think you're going to play coverage on him. You just need to roll the dice and bring more than four rushers on a very large percentage of plays. Minnesota had four sacks against Rodgers in the first meeting, and he still only threw six incompletions.

3) Third down efficiency. This is actually an area the Vikings were great at in their first meeting this season with the Packers, and it was a big reason that game was so close. Minnesota was 9-for-16 on third downs, while the Packers were only 2-of-8. It's also an area Christian Ponder has been very promising early on. Extending drives and getting other teams off the field is always imporant. Against the Packers and Rodgers, it's critical.

4) Jump out to a good start. The big play to Michael Jenkins set the tone last go-round. The Vikings didn't end up winning -- and we all know good starts haven't helped much this season -- but this one will be a laugher without it.

5) Hope the Packers rely heavily on Rodgers and Mason Crosby without involving Greg Jennings at all. (OK, that last one is a fantasy football concern).

Your thoughts in the comments. Do the Vikings have a prayer tonight?