The Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers game is a rivalry that needs very little added hype. This Sunday’s game, however, has taken on added interest on both sides.

The Packers have played pretty well but are only 4-4 and need a win to get pointed in the right direction. The Vikings are also 4-4 and are showing signs of definite improvement with Gus Frerotte at quarterback but, outside of Carolina, have yet to beat a quality team.

Throw in the fact that the Chicago Bears (5-3), the NFC North leader, has lost starting quarterback Kyle Orton for at least a month, and it seems both the Vikings and Packers have a chance to make themselves the favorite for the division crown with a win on Sunday.

The big question for Minnesota fans is which Vikings team will show up?

If it’s the one that looked pretty sharp on both side of the ball in a 28-21 win against Houston last week, then Sunday should be an entertaining afternoon. If its the one that lost to a very beatable Indianapolis team in Week 2 or barely squeaked out a 12-10 victory against the lowly Lions in Week 6, the Vikes could be in major trouble.

On the plus side, Minnesota has been playing a lot better of late. The win over Houston was impressive and, even in the 48-41 loss to Chicago a few weeks ago, the offense moved the ball well.

Bernard Berrian has finally become a factor in the passing game, Adrian Peterson is starting to find his grove on the ground, Jared Allen is beginning to earn his money as a defensive end and the team has coped fairly well with the loss of linebacker E.J. Henderson to injury for the season.

In addition, Minnesota’s offensive line has been protecting Frerotte much better the last few games. That aspect of the Vikings’ offense will be put to the test Sunday against a Green Bay team that has a good pass rush.

Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers is probably licking his chops at the prospect of facing a Minnesota defense that is giving up an average of 272 passing yards per game. If Allen, who has a shoulder injury, is unable to play, Rodgers’ prospects look even brighter.

It should be an excellent test for Minnesota and may even determine the direction the team goes in the rest of the season.

Just a little more hype for a game that needs no additional hype.

Jim Rueda is the Free Press sports editor. To contact him, call 344-6381 or e-mail him at jrueda@mankatofreepress.com