Prediction: Vikings 23, Arizona 17 The Vikings get a chance to battle a Cardinals team with just as many late-game confidence issues as they have. Only this time, quarterback Donovan McNabb and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave will deliver, taking advantage of Arizona's young cornerbacks just enough to scratch out their first victory. Expect the Vikings to take some shots in the passing game.

Can you hear us now?

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen had a plea for fans earlier this week, worried Sunday's game might be subject to a broadcast blackout due to sputtering ticket sales. "Let's sell out not have a blackout," Allen said. "I know it must be tough being fans but we love you still. Plus, it's easier to play defense when it's noisy." Tickets were sold. The blackout was avoided. The big question now: If the Vikings' struggles continue, how much of that noise Allen craves will be supportive and how much will be a cacophony of discontent?

Frustration is on both sides
Through four weeks, Arizona has been involved in nothing but close games. The Cardinals' lone victory was a 28-21 defeat of Carolina, and their three losses have come by a combined eight points. The Cardinals insist they could easily be 4-0 or 3-1 and believe that they are close to turning the corner. Sounds awfully similar to the rhetoric at Winter Park. Said Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald: "Losing three games by eight points is extremely frustrating. But we can only point the finger at ourselves and try to improve."

Game within the game
Only twice in the 21st century has Arizona had a 1,000-yard rusher. Edgerrin James accomplished the feat in 2006 and again in '07. Now Beanie Wells has a chance to make a run at that milestone -- if he can stay healthy. Wells has 321 yards in three games. But he missed Arizona's Week 3 loss in Seattle because of a hamstring problem. At full strength, Wells pounded the Giants for 138 yards and three touchdowns last week. That leaves the Vikings to decide whether to devote extra safety help to stopping Wells or to use it in coverage on Fitzgerald.

MANO-A-MANO: A MATCHUP TO WATCH

Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin vs. Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald

About Griffin

Has been beaten by Detroit's Calvin Johnson and Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe on game-deciding plays late in each of the past two weeks.

About Fitzgerald

Became the Cardinals all-time leader in receiving yards last week with 8,565. Has 23 catches for 361 yards and two TDs this season.

Who has the edge?

Fitzgerald. But this might actually become a battle between Vikings defensive coordinator Fred Pagac and Arizona offensive coordinator Mike Miller. Pagac has to decide how often to double-cover Fitzgerald. Miller might have to get creative to get his top playmaker the ball.