GAME BALLS

Brett Favre, Vikings: He downplayed the game all week but threw three touchdown passes against his former team. Revenge was sweet on this night.

Antoine Winfield, Vikings: The veteran cornerback led the Vikings with nine tackles and had a key first-half interception to stop a Packers drive.

Jared Allen, Vikings: Allen had a career-high 4 1/2 sacks, one of which resulted in a safety, and stopped the Packers' first drive with a forced fumble.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Quarter: Third • Time: 2:18 left • Score: Vikings led 28-14

The play: The Packers were taking their third shot from the Vikings 1 and decided not to settle for a field goal on fourth down. QB Aaron Rodgers hit TE Donald Lee in the end zone, but Lee dropped the pass as Vikings LB Chad Greenway defended.

The result: The Vikings maintained their comfortable two-touchdown lead.

NOT IN THE BOXSCORE

Rodgers left unprotected

Without injured left tackle Chad Clifton, the Packers offensive line was a house of cards. Players moved into different positions, and in-game injuries to the line left it porous, resulting in eight sacks by the Vikings.

Other headlines we may (or may not) have considered

•Vikings to introduce surprise stadium bill today

•Packers stop Greg Lewis, but Vikings win anyway

• Metrodome bratwurst stands report brisk sales

•Jared Allen invades Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood

Up next: Vikings at St. Louis • Noon Sunday • Edward Jones Dome (Ch. 9)

About the Rams: St. Louis (0-4) has been shut out twice and QB Marc Bulger (bruised rotator cuff`) is likely to miss the game. Backup Kyle Boller played, and played poorly, in Sunday's 35-0 loss at San Francisco.