Vikings keep hopes alive, down Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Minnesota's offense isn't dead. With the steady hand of Brad Johnson, neither is the Vikings' season.

For the second time this season, Paul Edinger kicked a winning field goal against Green Bay, a 27-yarder as time expired that gave the Vikings a 20-17 win Monday night and keep their playoff hopes alive.

After struggling mightily on offense since quarterback Daunte Culpepper was lost for the season, the Vikings (5-5) put together a solid showing behind Johnson with 196 yards passing and running back Mewelde Moore, who had 122 yards on 22 carries.

The 37-year-old Johnson set up Edinger's kick with a nine-play, 58-yard drive in the final 3 minutes and three seconds after Green Bay tied it at 17.

With Green Bay (2-8) driving, Dovonte Edwards intercepted Brett Favre's pass and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown with just more than a minute left in the first half.

Favre atoned for the mistake seconds later, hitting Donald Driver for a 53-yard touchdown pass after the receiver beat defensive back Antoine Winfield and outran safety Darren Sharper. Green Bay led 14-7 at the half.

Green Bay couldn't capitalize on Johnson's fumble early in the third quarter and was forced to punt, pinning the Vikings at their own 12. But Minnesota put together its best drive of the game, aided by two defensive penalties inside the Green Bay 10-yard line.

The second, a pass interference call in the end zone, put the ball at the 1-yard line. Ciatrick Fason then plunged into the end zone .