This is not likely what ABC and NFL executives had in mind when they were devising the schedule for Monday Night Football. After all, Minnesota and Green Bay faced off on this very same field last January in an NFC Playoff game. What a difference a year makes though, as the NFC North combatants each carry losing records into tonights contest.

The Vikings, who are a 5-point road dog tonight, improved to 4-5 (SU & ATS) after last weekends 24-21 upset win at Giants Stadium. Minnesota generated just 3 points on offense and was outgained by a head-spinning 268 yards on the day, but defense and special came up huge. The Vikings, in fact, became the first team in NFL history to return a kickoff, punt and interception for a TD in the same game.

Mike Tices team is 3-1 (SU & ATS) their past four overall, but largely unproven at 1-4 (SU & ATS) away from the friendly Metrodome this season. The Scandalous Vikings have additionally been disastrous against lower echelon foes with a 2-11 (ATS) mark their past thirteen vs. teams with a losing record.

The Vikings injury riddled offense currently ranks 25th in the NFL overall, while their defense checks in at 28th. The one major caveat to consider, however, is series history. The Purple have grabbed the green in eight of their past ten meetings with Green Bay. In addition, the Vikings sent Favre and Co. packing in a 23-20 come from behind home win less than a month ago.

Speaking of Green Bay, the heartbreak loss to Minnesota is best described as a microcosm of its season. The Packers are an unsightly 2-7 (SU) and an unthinkable 1-3 (SU) on the not-yet frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. These results are obviously disappointing for a team that had won the NFC North each of the past three seasons.

Despite the poor straight up record though, GB has been anything but an easy out. The Packers have outgained six of their past seven opponents and are 5-2 (ATS) during this span. Note also that five of their seven season losses have come by margins of 7, 3, 3, 1, and 2 points.

Nonetheless, close only counts throwing horseshoes and hand-grenades, as well as betting on underdogs. The fact Green Bay has won just two games all year and is priced as a 5.5-point favorite tonight is peculiar indeed. Good luck with your bets tonight!