1. Don’t give Rodgers control: The Vikings played their first game against the Packers on Aaron Rodgers’ terms, getting drawn offside by his hard counts and letting him make several big plays as he escaped the pocket. Their front four will have to be better about finishing plays quickly; Rodgers’ biggest throws in the Packers’ Dec. 2 victory at Lambeau Field came four or five seconds after the snap.

2. Keep Ponder productive: After their loss to Green Bay, the Vikings made some changes to their offense, getting Christian Ponder out on naked bootlegs and keeping him away from pressure. He’s been sacked only four times in the past three games, and has thrown only one interception. The Vikings would be wise to continue that game plan against a Packers defense that is better than it gets credit for; Green Bay has allowed the seventh-fewest points in the league while collecting the third-most sacks.

3. Stop the run: Despite their reputation, the Packers have been more committed to the run this season than in years past; they’re averaging 27.8 attempts per game, up from 24.7 last year, and they ran for 152 yards against the Vikings at Lambeau. With Ryan Grant back and looking like he can still play, the Packers have a way to drain the clock. The Vikings can’t let them do that again.

4. Get a repeat performance: Adrian Peterson joined a rare club on Dec. 2 when he became the seventh running back since 1960 to run for 200 yards and lose. History suggests that won’t happen again, especially if Ponder plays a clean game. So if Peterson runs wild again, he’ll not only break Eric Dickerson’s record, he’ll also help the Vikings to the playoffs.

5. Seize the moment: This is a big game for the Vikings, with their rival (and probably their rival’s fans) in town and a playoff berth on the line. The team’s young players can’t let it become too big. Managing emotions will be key, especially if the Packers get ahead early and their fans get riled up.