Defense keys Vikings' upset

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- This wasn't the game one would expect Minnesota's defense to make a statement. But it came up with a strong performance against the Vikings' biggest rival.

The Vikings picked off Brett Favre three times and made two key third-down stops in the fourth quarter as Minnesota upset the Green Bay Packers 31-21 Sunday.

Favre, the Packers' future Hall of Fame quarterback, came into the game having perhaps his best season ever. And although he and Green Bay had struggled mightily in most of his 10 trips to the Metrodome, never had the Packers come in a full six games better than the Vikings.

But Minnesota overcame three turnovers of its own, as well as 12 penalties, to hand the Packers their second loss of the year and ninth in Favre's 11 trips to Minneapolis.

With the Vikings' secondary struggling all season, coach Mike Tice changed the personnel for this game. Injuries had limited cornerback Corey Chavous' quickness, so Tice moved Chavous to strong safety in place of struggling rookie Willie Offord and inserted Williams at left corner.