1. Take care of the ball: In all 10 of the Vikings' wins this season, they've finished with a neutral or positive turnover margin. In all six losses, they've had more giveaways than takeaways -- and five of those six losses were outdoors, where they turned the ball over 11 times. On what should be a chilly night at Lambeau Field, the Vikings need to hang on to the ball.

2. Stay balanced: The Vikings ran the ball 37 times and threw it 28 against the Packers last Sunday at the Metrodome. They won because Christian Ponder was able to convert third downs and take advantage of the Packers loading up against Adrian Peterson. The Vikings need that kind of balance to win on the road in the playoffs.

3. Account for Woodson: It's tempting to think the Packers and Vikings won't have anything new to show each other in their third meeting in six weeks, but the presence of Packers defensive back Charles Woodson is a notable exception. The 2009 NFL defensive player of the year is returning from a broken collarbone and can be used on blitzes, in run support or in coverage.

4. Find secondary depth: Antoine Winfield didn't practice Thursday, while Packers receiver Randall Cobb returned to practice from a sprained ankle. That could mean the Packers have their four top wide receivers for the first time since Week 4, in a week when the Vikings are hurting in the secondary. With or without Winfield, Minnesota needs big games from Chris Cook, A.J. Jefferson, Marcus Sherels and Josh Robinson.

5. Grow up fast: Many Vikings players are new to the postseason, and a night game at Lambeau Field will be a sharp indoctrination. But the Vikings beat the Packers last week, and they could have won the teams' first meeting Dec. 2 at Lambeau. There's no reason for them to be scared of the moment, and they need to play with confidence on the road.

-- Ben Goessling