by Pioneer Press , St. Paul Pioneer Press

Vikings receiver Sidney Rice made some difficult catches during his seven-catch, 201-yard game. But none was bigger than the first play of the fourth quarter, on second and 9 from the Vikings' 40. With the Vikings clinging to a 17-10 lead, Rice got behind Lions safety Ko Simpson and caught a slightly underthrown pass from Brett Favre for a 56-yard gain. Two plays later, Adrian Peterson scored from 8 yards out, and the Vikings took a commanding 24-10 lead.

THE FAVRE EFFECT

On Sidney Rice: Favre shows his confidence in his young receiver, and Rice's confidence continues to skyrocket. He now has a team-high 44 catches for 786 yards after his big game.

On the Vikings : The team clearly was rusty after a bye break. But Favre had his best game of the season, and he was turnover-free for the sixth time this season.

On the Vikings' defense: Despite Adrian Peterson's two lost fumbles, Favre kept the Vikings ahead and empowered the defense to keep attacking rookie Matthew Stafford, who was under pressure all game.

On Jeff Dugan: The seldom-used tight end/fullback caught a touchdown pass for the second consecutive game, giving hope to all the lesser-known offensive players on the team.

THE Vikings' MARKET

Chris Kluwe: He consistently punted the ball well, including a 58-yarder.

Starting safeties: They got off to a strong second half of the season with a solid game.

Ray Edwards: Absolute terror throughout the game, with monster numbers.

Brian Robison: Another special teams mistake, this time an offsides.

Viking offensive coaches: Why hand off to Dugan on fourth and a foot?

THE QUOTE

UP NEXT

The Vikings face the Seattle Seahawks, who played the Arizona Cardinals tough before losing Sunday and dropping to 3-6. The Seahawks have a respectable passing offense led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who nearly signed with the Vikings , and former Vikings receiver Nate Burleson.

-- Sean Jensen

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