Vikings replay

Sidney Rice, Vikings: First Viking to catch three TD passes in a playoff game. Had 141 yards on six receptions and made Cowboys pay for single coverage.

Brett Favre, Vikings: Dealt with pressure and threw four touchdown passes with 134.4 QB rating; more important, had another no-turnover game.

Ray Edwards, Vikings: Defensive end set the tone with three first-half sacks, and also had a tackle for loss and forced a fumble before leaving with a knee injury.

GAME GOATS

Tony Romo, Cowboys: Flustered by a big pass rush, he fumbled three times, losing one, and threw an interception. Was sacked six times and had a 66.1 QB rating.

Gerald Sensabaugh, Cowboys: Completely bewildered on Rice's first touchdown; fellow CB Mike Jenkins wasn't any better on Rice's third score.

Shaun Suisham, Cowboys: In the ideal kicking conditions of the Metrodome, he missed from 48 and 49 yards when points seemed as if they'd be precious.

Quarter: Second • Time: 7:23 • Score: Vikings led 7-3

The play: On first-and-10 from the Dallas 16, Rice picked himself off the ground after a chip block and was open down the middle. Favre eluded Marcus Spears while rolling right and hit Rice for the second of his three touchdown catches.

The result: With a 14-3 lead, the Vikings had the crowd roaring. On Dallas' next possession, QB Tony Romo fumbled and the Cowboys never recovered.

In the week leading up to Sunday's game, the Star Tribune published matchups to watch for during the action. Here are some key matchups and who had the edge:

Edge: Allen, who wins by default after Adams left the game because of a shin injury. His replacement, Doug Free, was cannon fodder for Allen.