Vikings update

KEY PLAY

Packers second-and-6 at their own 37, 4:05 remaining

The situation: Green Bay trailed 7-6 and was trying to get into position for a winning field goal.

The play: Packers quarterback Brett Favre caught the Vikings in a blitz and threw a perfect pass down the right sideline to Ruvell Martin, who beat cornerback Antoine Winfield for a 36-yard gain.

The result: The Packers had the ball on the 27, within range for Dave Rayner. Five plays later, Rayner kicked a 44-yard field goal to give the Packers the victory.

THUMBS UP

Kevin Williams, Vikings: Defensive tackle clogged up the middle of the line, as usual, and disrupted the Packers offense.

Aaron Kampman, Packers: Used to be a ham-and-egger, but now he's a Pro Bowler. Had three sacks Thursday and shut down the Vikings offense.

THUMBS DOWN

Bubba Franks, Packers: Former Pro Bowl tight end had the dropsies and also lost a key fumble at the Vikings 3 in the fourth quarter.

Troy Williamson, Vikings: Mistake-prone wide receiver misjudged a long first-quarter pass that could have been a 71-yard touchdown reception.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Well, off to do some Christmas shopping: The Vikings might have problems selling out their New Year's Eve game against the Rams, as interest in the team has been reduced to curiosity about whether rookie Tarvaris Jackson is the QB of the future and if the Vikings can continue to lead the NFL in penalties.

NEXT GAME

Rams at Vikings, Dec. 31, noon, Ch. 9

About the Rams: St. Louis (6-8) is in a season that mirrors the Vikings' season. The Rams play Washington in St. Louis on Sunday, and diminished fan interest is likely to make it the first game in the past 96 that is not sold out. Despite having a Pro Bowl quarterback (Marc Bulger) and Pro Bowl running back (Steven Jackson), the Rams have struggled all season.