Four Keys to Putting the Minnesota Vikings in the Driver's Seat on Sunday

With the Buffalo Bills heading to Minneapolis, the Vikings find themselves facing one of the better 2-9 teams in the NFL. Buffalo is coming off a tough overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where wide receiver Steve Johnson's hands (and apparently God) thwarted the Bills' attempt at pulling off a stunner.

Seven of the team's nine losses have come at the hands of teams that would currently find themselves in the playoffs. The Bills have been faced with a lot of change this season, releasing quarterback Trent Edwards in favor of little tested Ryan Fitzpatrick, and later trading running back Marshawn Lynch to Seattle.

Through all this, the Bills have managed to remain competitive, and even found themselves as owners of a two game winning streak before the loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings are in an unique position entering Sunday's game, having also faced their fair share of adversity this season.

Whether it be Brett Favre's alleged involvement in freelance camera phone photography, the acquisition and seemingly immediate dismissal of Randy Moss or the firing of head coach Brad Childress, the Vikings want nothing more than to end the season on a high note in hopes of gaining momentum for the 2011 season.

The Bills clearly shouldn't be overlooked heading into the game, and placing emphasis on some fundamental points will help lead interim head coach Leslie Frazier to a 2-0 start to his head coaching career.

1) Get the Most Out of the Wounded Warriors

Heading into Sunday's game, the Vikings are perhaps more banged up than they've been at any point this season. Star running back Adrian Peterson made his first appearance in practice today after spending the earlier part of the week nursing his sprained ankle, while the multi-talented Percy Harvin is currently battling more migraines.

Guard Steve Hutchinson is likely to play with a sprained thumb; his effectiveness with a playing cast will be an interesting point to watch. Rookie guard Chris DeGeare will get his first action of the regular season if Hutchinson finds himself unable to play.

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Ray Edwards is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. If Edwards does make the start, the ankle will surely be tested, given the jump off the line that he relies on.

2) Control the Clock

The Bills may rank 18th or below in all major offensive league statistics, but they are still a threat to put up some points. Fitzpatrick has thrown 19 touchdowns in nine games this season. The team as a whole has put up 30 or more points three times this season, including 30 against New England and 34 against Baltimore.

Given the struggles that the Vikings secondary has had controlling receivers this season, keeping their defense on the bench as often as possible should be a point of emphasis.

3) Limit Turnovers

Brett Favre's accuracy during the 2009 season was one for the record books. Never in his career had he passed with such precision. As it turns out, 2010 wouldn't be a repeat performance.

Favre's 17 interceptions through 11 games is more than double his total of the entire 2009 season. This will be even more of a story to watch if Adrian Peterson is ineffective on Sunday and Favre is forced to drop back more frequently.

4) Utilize the Crowd

Vikings fans came into the 2010 season with expectations of a February trip to Cowboy stadium for Super Bowl XLV, but found themselves quite disappointed when their team quickly found themselves playing catch up. The fan base quickly turned against Coach Childress as the team floundered, and the losses piled up.

But there is reason for hope. Sunday will mark Leslie Frazier's head coaching debut at home, and with a positive start, fans will surely be behind him for all 60 minutes.

These storylines are just a few that will play out this Sunday, and given the unpredictability of the season as a whole, many out there wouldn't be shocked to see the Vikings lose this game.

However, given the adversity that the team has faced all season long and the way that the team is seemingly prepared to turn the corner, the team should certainly feel good about their chances.