Here is a breakdown of the Minnesota Vikings, will travel to Charlotte this week to take on the Panthers on Sunday Night Football.

Record: 11-2 (4-2 on the road), 1st in NFC North

Last Week: Blasted the Bengals 30-10 at the Metrodome to clinch a playoff spot, as Adrian Peterson ran for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Last Game vs. Panthers: Vikings won 20-10 on Sept. 21, 2008 in Minneapolis, scoring the last 20 points of the game and shutting out the Panthers in the second half.

Key Injuries: WR Percy Harvin is dealing with migraines and is questionable. S Tyrell Johnson (concussion) is also questionable, while LB E.J. Henderson was placed on injured reserve last week after suffering a horrific fractured femur against Arizona.

Players to Know: QB Brett Favre (68.1 CMP%, 3,341 YDS, 27 TD, 6 INT), RB Adrian Peterson (1,200 YDS, 4.5 AVG, 14 TD), WR Sidney Rice (67 REC, 1,075 YDS, 5 TD), K Ryan Longwell (22-23 FG, long 52), DE Jared Allen (40 TACK, 12.5 SACK, 1 INT), LB Chad Greenway (76 TACK, 2 INT, 4 PASS DEF), DT Pat Williams (44 TACK, 2 SACK)

Ranks: Offense – Pts/G: 2nd, Pass: 11th, Run: 11th. Defense – Pts/G: 9th, Pass: 16th, Run: 4th

Storyline: Which running game will establish itself best? Minnesota has Adrian Peterson, aka Purple Jesus, while Carolina can counter with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The problem for the Panthers – other than both of their starting tackles being on IR – is that Minnesota has one of the best run defenses in the league, anchored by Kevin and Pat Williams in the middle of the line. Carolina, on the other hand, has the seventh-worst run D in the NFL, giving up almost 140 yards per game. It’s going to be a challenge for the Panthers to try to control the clock in this one.

Additional Reading: The Panthers' passing game will have to deal with Antoine Winfield, who returned to action last week after missing six weeks with a fractured foot.

-- ANDREW SIMON