The Minnesota Vikings are probably not going to make the playoffs this year and the Green Bay Packers are starting to peak and play their best football of the year.

Does that mean Sunday’s game between the two teams will be a blowout?

Now way.

I fully expect the Vikings to come out pumped in this one, as it very well could be their last stand as we know them. It may very well be the last truly meaningful game that Brett Favre plays in.

It was one thing for him to lose to his old pals in Lambeau, but if it happens at home and puts his team at 3-7, then he truly has to question the decision he made to come back this season.

I think we’ll see one of his better games.

But the Viking have more problems than the quarterback position, their offensive line has not been giving Adrian Peterson big holes to run through lately and their special teams coverage units may be even worse than Green Bay’s (which is saying something).

Their defense is slowly looking worse and worse as well. They only forced one turnover off the erratic Jay Cutler last week, and they now face Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off his best game of the season.

For the first time in a long time, Rodgers and his receivers were on the same page as the Packers blew out Dallas 45-7 two weeks ago.

The Green Bay defense is also hitting its stride as it has allowed just seven points in its last two games. Clay Matthews is making life a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and the secondary is getting so good that the Packers were able to cut ties with veteran Al Harris without too much regret.

I really think Green Bay is over the injury and inconsistency bug and I think they’ll show up on Sunday.

The Pick: PACKERS 27, VIKINGS 20

Here are the rest of the picks:

Chicago at Miami

Pick: DOLPHINS

I know the Dolphins have to start third-stringer Tyler Thigpen at quarterback, but the Dolphins should come up with enough wildcat packages and other looks that should slow the Bears down. Miami’s defense should also start a couple of mistakes from Cutler.

It’s also tough for the Bears to make the long trek to Miami on just three days rest.

Baltimore at Carolina

Pick: RAVENS

Carolina has checked out.

Houston at New York Jets

Pick: TEXANS

In a mild upset, I see the Jets taking a nap after barely beating a couple of subpar teams in Detroit and Cleveland in OT.

Houston has to be motivated after losing on a Hail Mary pass last week to the Jags.

Buffalo at Cincinnati

Pick: BENGALS

The Bills finally got their first win, but Cincy has enough firepower to keep them at bay this week.

Oakland at Pittsburgh

Pick: STEELERS

Raiders are feisty but the Steelers are coming off a national TV loss to the Patriots, they’ll be ready to go.

Plus, the Raiders specialize in the run and struggle in the passing game. The only way to beat Pittsburgh is to spread it out and throw on them.

Cleveland at Jacksonville

Pick: JAGUARS

The Jags are quietly salvaging their season as of late. Could be interesting if they end up challenging the Colts – who are only a game up on them.

Detroit at Dallas

Pick: COWBOYS

Whatever Jason Garrett did in his first week as head coach, it must have worked as his team went on to handle the Giants in New York.

Arizona at Kansas City

Pick: CHIEFS

I don’t see the Cardinals winning in Arrowhead. They can’t run the ball and they can’t play any defense. Not a good combination for success.

Washington at Tennessee

Pick: TENNSESSEE

I can’t pick the Redskins after they gave up 35 points in the first quarter to Philadelphia. That may have been a season killer.

Seattle at New Orleans

Pick: SAINTS

This one should be over by the third quarter.

Atlanta at St. Louis

Pick: FALCONS

Another NFC West team loses outside of the division.

Tampa Bay San Francisco

Pick: BUCS

I really don’t like the NFC West.

Indianapolis at New England

Pick: PATRIOTS

Pats have enough defense to contain Peyton Manning and Tom Brady looked like his old self the other night.

New York Giants at Philadelphia

Pick: EAGLES

Mike Vick sure does make life hard on a defense and now that he’s got some quality receivers to catch his great deep balls, he’s an absolute force.

Denver at San Diego

Pick: CHARGERS

I don’t think either of these teams are going anywhere.

Last week: 7-6