The Vikings' plans for the playoffs this season were derailed this summer when Michael Bennett fell out of the equation with a fractured foot. Moe Williams will take the start in this game but that may mean little more than the first series. Williams is an excellent short yardage back and underrated as an overall back, but still cannot provide the speed and moves like Bennett can which add a whole new dimension to the offense. The Vikings will also be using the rookie Onterrio Smith to replace Bennett who is out at least until October and quite possibly the entire season. Doug Chapman also figures in though he will miss the first two games with a high ankle sprain.

What provides the Vikings with optimism is the apparent maturity of Randy Moss this season. Unlike his past lackadaisical practice habits and attitude, Moss is becoming a quiet leader on the team and a model practice player. D'Wayne Bates enters his second season without Derrick Alexander around but instead finds the rookie Nate Burleson who not only becomes the #3 receiver, but is expected to make an immediate impact and eventually challenge for the #2 spot.

The Vikings attempted to beef up their defense, which makes this season like every other one for the past decade and while they are better off against the run, there are still questions at the corners which has always been their downfall.

The Packers return the incomparable Brett Favre and the same receiving crew that exceeded expectations last season thanks to Donald Driver. This year Terry Glenn is gone and Robert Ferguson takes over the #2 spot with support from Javon Walker and the rookie Carl Ford. The Packers also added Wesley Walls to Bubba Franks to offer a much more diverse set of targets this season than in 2002.

Javon Walker was supposed to challenge for the #2 receiver spot with Robert Ferguson once Glenn was gone but was never able to show enough to make the decision tough. Ferguson enters his third season and should provide a good complement to Driver.

Ahman Green will enjoy a relatively light rushing schedule this season and the plan is to allow Najeh Davenport or FB Nick Luchey relieve him in games to keep him fresh and healthy all season. Davenport has great power but lacks the elusiveness of Green and should figure in only on occasion.

This matchup is always fun and has provided good points in the past. Look for the loss of Bennett to still show and Favre to make the Vikings pay for never having a shutdown corner. This should be a great fantasy impact game this week.