Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis

Final: Minnesota 21-14

It wasn't pretty. It wasn't clean. But the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Arizona Cardinals 21-14.

The Cardinals (4-3) have now lost three in a row after starting 4-0. Their quarterback position is a big mess with John Skelton not wowing anyone and Kevin Kolb injured.

Minnesota is in a similar boat. Christian Ponder went the first four games without an interception but has thrown two interceptions in each of the last three games. He threw for four passing yards in the second half and finished 8-of-17 for 58 yards.

The Vikings run defense allowed over 100 yards rushing for only the third time this season by allowing 126 to the Cardinals.

Adrian Peterson continues to improve, rushing for 153 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown.

Percy Harvin caught four passes for 37 yards and a touchdown and rushed twice for 10 yards.

Halftime

The Minnesota Vikings own a 14-7 lead over the Arizona Cardinals at halftime. But it hasn't always been pretty.

Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder has two turnovers and the defense has allowed 52 yards on the ground.

Percy Harvin has three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown while Adrian Peterson 92 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Check back here throughout the game for live updates and analysis.

Pregame

 After the Minnesota Vikings' comeback attempt against the Washington Redskins fell short, 38-26, they fell out of first place in the NFC North.

Minnesota hopes it can rebound against an Arizona Cardinals team that lost to the Buffalo Bills in overtime, 19-16, last weekend.

This game is a battle between two 4-2 teams that nobody expected to be 4-2 at this juncture.

Arizona's ground game is 23rd in total yards (499) and 25th in total passing yards (1,199). The defense is 12th against the pass (1,296 yards) and 19th against the run (680).

The Cardinals shouldn't be able to run the football against Minnesota as the Vikings are 12th against it (576). The key to Arizona putting points on the board will be John Skelton's arm, which is replacing the injured Kevin Kolb's.

Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts serve as a nice receiving duo. Both have over 285 yards receiving and at least three touchdown receptions.

The Vikings will win if they keep Skelton's arm in check and win the turnover battle. If not, it's anyone's ball game.

Check back here throughout the game for live updates and analysis.