Packers-Vikings: 5 Key Matchups in the Aaron Rodgers-Brett Favre Rivalry

Sunday Night Football this weekend will feature Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

This year's first match-up between the rivals involves two teams going in very different directions.  The Vikings have won two of their last three games and are a win or two away from turning their season around.

Meanwhile, the Packers have lost three of their last four games, including two straight overtime heart breakers.  Green Bay is dealing with several key injuries and are starting to show they can't overcome the loss of important players on both sides of the ball.

But, in rivalry games such as this one, all bets are off.  Each team is definitely going to bring their "A" game and it will be a fierce battle.

Here's a look at five key match-ups that will go a long way in determining the winner on Sunday night.

5. Charles Woodson Vs. Randy Moss

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 03: Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers runs for a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona.

Charles Woodson is one of the best cornerbacks in the game of football.

Randy Moss is one of the best wide receivers in the game of football.

Who will get the better of whom when these two elite players square off on Sunday night?

My money is on Charles Woodson, who should be able to bait Brett Favre into a couple bad throws, generating an interception or two.

But, also look for Moss to draw Woodson into a couple holding penalties that could cost the Packers depending on how many penalties the rest of the team is committing.

4. Packers Defense Vs. Adrian Peterson

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Runningback Adrian Peterson #29 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Image

The Packers defense is without MLB Nick Barnett, OLB Brady Poppinga, and S Morgan Burnett, and might be without DT Ryan Pickett, CB Al Harris, and S Atari Bigby.

That's a lot of injuries to overcome, but the Packers need to have their best effort of the year if they want to slow down Adrian Peterson.  Peterson is a handful for healthy defenses, so the Pack will really need to step up on Sunday night.

Peterson hasn't fumbled yet this year, but if the Packers can cause him to cough it up a time or two, they will stand a chance.

3. Clay Matthews Vs. Brett Favre

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Clay Matthews will be hampered by a sore hamstring.

Brett Favre will be hampered by Father Time.

Can Matthews' injured leg keep up with Favre's old legs?  My guess is yes.

Matthews wouldn't play if he couldn't give 100 percent on every play.  No one has a motor as relentless as Matthews.

2. Packers Offensive Line Vs. Vikings Defensive Line

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SEATTLE - AUGUST 21: Guard Bryan Bulaga #75 of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on August 21, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Can the Packers O-Line keep Aaron Rodgers upright against Jared Allen and company?  That's the biggest key for the Green Bay offense.

Rookie tackle Bryan Bulaga struggled last week with Cameron Wake of the Miami Dolphins, yet coach Mike McCarthy left him in a one-on-one blocking scheme, refusing to let tight ends or running backs help Bulaga.

This week, Bulaga will definitely need some help or Jared Allen will wreak havoc on Aaron Rodgers.

1. Aaron Rodgers Vs. Brett Favre

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 10, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Clearly, the biggest match-up on Sunday night will be who wins the quarterback battle between Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre.

This will be the third meeting of mentor (Favre) and mentee (Rodgers).  The previous two meetings were won by Favre, but this time, things are more even.

Both teams are having tough years and dealing with issues.  Rodgers is still coming back from a concussion and Favre has elbow tendonitis.

The team with the best quarterback play will likely win this game, but one thing is for sure, it will be an entertaining game to watch.