Replay: Vikings 20, N.Y. Giants 19

GAME BALLS

Ryan Longwell, Vikings: Had visions of sugar plums and chaotic time management dancing in his head before his winning 50-yard field goal. He was 6-for-6 from 50 or farther in 2008.

Adrian Peterson, Vikings: A 67-yard scoring run led to a 103-yard day, his 10th 100-yard performance on his way to the NFL rushing title.

PLAY OF THE GAME

'A KICK IN THE SEATS'

Time: Five seconds remaining.

Ball: Vikings 3rd-and-12 at the Giants 32.

The score: Giants led 19-17.

The play: After field and clock mismanagement, Ryan Longwell was left with a 50-yard attempt to win the game.

The result: Longwell's kick had plenty of distance and gave the Vikings the victory and the NFC North title.

VIKINGS: NEXT GAME

vs. PHILADELPHIA

at the Metrodome, Sunday, 3:30 p.m. (Ch. 9)

About the Eagles (9-6-1)

Philadelphia played Dallas knowing that Tampa Bay and Chicago had lost, meaning the Eagles could make the playoffs with a victory. They blasted Dallas 44-3.

Dangerous player: Brian Westbrook, RB

Westbrook is 5-9 and injury-prone, but he's among the league's best. He rushed for 1,333 yards and caught 90 passes last season. Despite a nagging knee injury, he had 946 and 54 this season.

NEW ... AND IMPROVED?

We stuck with the theme of our 2008 preview section all season and graded four key players. A final look at their regular seasons:

THE SACK MAN

DE Jared Allen

Brought 14 1/2 sacks and a legitimate pass rush to the mix. Played through injuries and kept his nose clean.

THE DEEP THREAT

WR Bernard Berrian

Had 48 catches for 964 yards and seven TDs. Was the target of only 95 passes, which isn't nearly enough.

THE YOUNG GUN

QB Tarvaris Jackson

Year of promise shattered by Game 3 benching, but rebounded in final four games. Starter next year? Maybe.

THE SOPHOMORE

RB Adrian Peterson

Won the league's rushing title with 1,760. Next step: fewer fumbles, more receptions and better in pass protection.