Vikings must protect Johnson
| Why To Watch There is certainly the potential for a blowout here. After all, the Giants are averaging more points per game than any other team in the league and Minnesota has given up 30 points in three of its four away games. However, the Vikings' offense is estabslihing a new identity because of QB Daunte Culpepper's season-ending knee injury. With QB Brad Johnson under center, Minnesota will look to run the ball the more frequently and take fewer chances downfield. If the Vikings can establish their run early and sustain some long drives that eat up the clock, it will keep the score down and give them an opportunity to get the win on the road.
Giants QB Eli Manning got his first win on the road last week and continues to get better, but RB Tiki Barber is the engine that drives the offense. Look for the Giants to use Barber as a runner, receiver out of the backfield and a blocker. Minnesota's ability to neutralize him in each role will factor into the outcome of this game substantially.
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