Showdown in The Dome: Surging Green Bay Packers Look to Continue Against Vikings

A bye week is a pivotal turning point in a team's season. A time where players and coaches assess their progress through the season and look forward to the remainder of the games left to play.

The same is true for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, but it is safe to say that at this point, one team is much closer to being where they had hoped than the other.

The Minnesota Vikings has been a team full of disappointments and drama all season long. Starting with the ridiculous Brett Favre off-season nonsense and leading up to the recent rumors of Brad Childress's job being on the chopping block, the Vikings have fallen far short of expectations.

Whether or not Brett Favre will show up this weekend is no longer the story, but rather, do the Vikings remember how to play at the high caliber level of last season. Favre has been dismal, but the lack of a deep threat at the wide receiver position and the coaching staff's inability to create plays on offense that highlight the team's strengths has left Minnesota wondering where it all went wrong. With a record of 3-6, playoff hopes have just about gone out the window and the front office is looking for answers to the big problems on the Minnesota squad.

The Green Bay Packers, however, are enjoying some success as of late with a record of 6-3, sitting atop the NFC North along with the Chicago Bears. They have been successful on offense and the defense is producing a winning effort with the return of their MVP so far this season Clay Matthews. Clay's 10.5 sacks makes him the NFL leader and all signs point to the Packers being able to utilize him every game. The beauty of the bye week presents itself at an excellent time, allowing some of the other players to heal up as they prepare for a showdown this Sunday.

The Packers will have their hands full though and cannot afford to be complacent coming out of their week off. Minnesota's defensive line will pose a serious threat for the Green Bay pass protection, especially with the loss of Mark Tauscher who was placed on injured reserve. Rookie Bryan Bulaga has been thrust into the spotlight and has performed well so far. This Sunday will be his toughest test yet as he will primarily be facing Ray Edwards, the second half of the Vikings' fearsome duo at defensive end. With Jared Allen on the other side, the Packers will have to work hard to protect Aaron Rodgers and keep him on his feet.

Green Bay is also shuffling things around at the wide receiver position with the emergence of James Jones. Jones had a monster game against the Cowboys and has looked good so far this season all around. With the aging Donald Driver experiencing problems with an injured hamstring, look for Jones to become a more involved part of the offense.

Sunday will be another NFC North showdown that will give both teams a good look at their position moving forward toward the end of the regular season. The Packers should be able to take advantage of their knowledge of Favre and the offense while flexing their muscle and versatility moving the ball down the field. After Sunday, both teams will have a clear picture of where they are and how to move forward through the rest of the 2010-11 NFL season.