The defensive backs of the Minnesota Vikings freelanced on the first series of their game in Week 16 against the Packers when Terence Newman covered Jordy Nelson.

As soon as the first series ended, Mike Zimmer addressed the players, and the situation was corrected.

The game plan called for Xavier Rhodes to cover Nelson one-on-one on the outside, but not when Nelson was in the slot.

Nelson caught seven passs for 145 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

As soon as the first series ended, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer addressed the players, and the situation was corrected.

The game plan called for Xavier Rhodes to cover Nelson one-on-one on the outside, but not when Nelson was in the slot.

Adrian Peterson has been ruled out for Week 16 for the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers.

Peterson returned for Week 15 from his meniscus surgery and rushed six times for 22 yards.

Peterson had said earlier this month he would only play if the Vikings were in playoff contention, adding it would be "pointless" to play if the Vikings weren't able to make the playoffs. 

Peterson, who turns 32 in March, is on a team option for the 2017 season that includes a $6 million roster bonus on the third day of the league year. Peterson would carry an $18 million cap figure in 2017, and it seems likely the Vikings would pursue a restructured contract with the three-time NFL rushing leader, rather than picking up the option as it currently exists.

The NFL has very teams this season that excel in all facets of the game. Further evidence of this issue shows itself in the fact that there is only one team ranking in the top-10 in both Football Outsiders' Offensive and Defensive DVOA: the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are 9-5 after winning five straight games and must beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 to ensure their place in the playoffs. Pittsburgh ranks third in total DVOA and first in Weighted DVOA.

Last season, the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs ranked in the top-10 on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs are the closest team to joining the Steelers in the top-10 in both Offensive and Defensive DVOA at 13th and 12th.

The Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots rank first and second overall in DVOA as they rank second and third, respectively in Offensive DVOA but 20th and 19th in Defensive DVOA. The Atlanta Falcons rank first in Offensive DVOA, 27th in Defensive and fourth overall. The Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders have similar splits as the Cowboys and Patriots, while the Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants are the inverse of those teams with top-5 defenses and offenses below the NFL mean.

Adrian Peterson will play in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts.

“I’m gonna go ahead and go this week,” Peterson said. “I’m getting back out there and looking forward to joining my team as we continue on this journey to make the playoffs.”

Peterson hasn't played since Week 2 when he tore his meniscus and underwent surgery.

Adrian Peterson intends to return to practice this week and plans to play in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, he told DJ Skee on Tuesday.

"This week is going to be big for me," Peterson said. "My plan, and my vision, is to be back for the Green Bay game. That's what I'm envisioning.

"My eyes are still set on being in Houston for the Super Bowl. ... That's been my vision. With us still in the (playoff) hunt, that hasn't changed at all."

Peterson suffered a torn meniscus in Week 2.

The Vikings are two games back of the Detroit Lions in the NFC West, but sit just one game back of the NFC's second Wild Card spot.

Adrian Peterson is working on returning from his meniscus surgery this season but he will only do so if the Minnesota Vikings are in playoff contention.

Peterson had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee on Sept. 22.

The Vikings have lost six of their last seven games after a 5-0 start.

"I'm thinking that we're going to make the playoffs, so that's what I'm keeping my mindset on," Peterson said. "So, if that's not the case a week or two from now, we can settle back around."

Mike Zimmer has declined on several occasions to discuss a timetable for Peterson's return, but said on Wednesday that Peterson's health -- not any other determining factors -- would dictate when he'd return.

"The guys that are out here, I'm trying to coach the best I can," Zimmer said. "If he comes out, I'll try to coach him the best I can, whenever that is."

Sam Bradford expressed frustration after Thursday night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys after he appeared to be hit in the facemask on a two-point conversion attempt with just 25 seconds left in regulation.

The Cowboys defeated the Minnesota Vikings 17-15 in Minneapolis.

Bradford badly overthrew Kyle Rudolph on the potential game-tying play.

"He told me that I did not get hit in the face mask," Bradford said after the game of a conversation he had with officials.

"At the end of the day, that's a game-changing play and you've got to make those calls," defensive end Brian Robison said. "At the end of the game, Bradford gets hit in the face. That's an opportunity for us to score and tie the ballgame, but it doesn't get called."