Culpepper led the Vikings to an important 28-27 divisional victory over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The win improves Minnesota to 8-6 and sets up Friday’s showdown with the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North championship. Culpepper completed 25 of 35 attempts for 404 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, finishing with a 126.4 passer rating. With the score tied 21-21 late in the fourth quarter, Culpepper led the Vikings on a 10-play, 83-yard touchdown drive, capped by running back MOE WILLIAMS’ 11-yard touchdown run. Culpepper completed 71.4 percent of his pass attempts on the day, the eighth time this season the quarterback has completed at least 70 percent. His three touchdown passes gives him 34 this season and with one touchdown this week, Culpepper will pass RANDALL CUNNINGHAM for the most in a single season in franchise history. Cunningham tossed 34 touchdown passes in leading the Vikings to a 15-1 record in 1998.

In his sixth season from Central Florida, this is Culpepper’s sixth Player of the Week Award and fourth of 2004. He was previously honored in Weeks 1, 3 and 6.

Brown played a pivotal role for the Eagles in a defensive struggle with the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys, helping Philadelphia earn a hard-fought 12-7 victory at Lincoln Financial Field. Brown finished with six tackles, one interception and 1.0 sack in the win, as the Eagles secured home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. With Philadelphia trailing 7-6 late in the third quarter, Brown’s interception in the end zone helped keep the club’s deficit at one. Brown’s sack was his third of the season, setting a franchise record for cornerbacks. The Ft. Lawn, South Carolina native has been a consistent contributor on an Eagles defense that has surrendered 202 points this season, the fewest in the NFL.

In his third season from South Carolina, this is Brown’s first Player of the Week Award.

Minnesota second-year wide receiver NATE BURLESON, who had five receptions for 134 yards, including touchdown catches of 36 and 37 yards.

Atlanta running back WARRICK DUNN, who posted season-highs with 28 carries for 134 yards, adding a six-yard touchdown run in a 34-31 overtime win against Carolina.

Detroit quarterback JOEY HARRINGTON, who completed 25 of 44 attempts for a career-high 361 yards and two touchdowns against Minnesota.

Arizona quarterback JOSH MC COWN, who passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns, completing 22 of 34 attempts for a 110.8 passer rating. McCown also rushed for 33 yards, including touchdown runs of one and nine yards.

Washington running back CLINTON PORTIS, who carried 35 times for 110 yards and added three receptions for 20 yards in a 26-16 win at San Francisco. The Redskins improved to 5-0 when Portis rushes for 100 yards.

Green Bay wide receiver JAVON WALKER, who tied a career high with 11 receptions, finishing with 152 yards against Jacksonville, his second 150-yard receiving game of the season.

Atlanta linebacker KEITH BROOKING, who finished with a team-high 11 tackles, forced a career-best two fumbles and added 1.0 sack.

Arizona rookie linebacker KARLOS DANSBY (second-round, Auburn), who led the club with eight tackles, including one for a loss, had 1.0 sack and one forced fumble.

Arizona cornerback DAVID MACKLIN, whose first-quarter interception led to the Cardinals first touchdown. He also added five tackles, two passes defensed and 0.5 sacks.

Washington linebacker ANTONIO PIERCE, who posted seven tackles and scored on a 78-yard interception return touchdown.

Tampa Bay defensive end SIMEON RICE, who recorded a season-high 3.5 sacks and totaled eight tackles. Rice has 30 career multiple-sack games.

Tampa Bay defensive tackle GREG SPIRES, who had seven tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Spires made his first career start at defensive tackle after starting 13 games at defensive end.

Washington kicker JEFF CHANDLER, who connected on four of four field goal attempts from 49, 25, 20, and 26 yards, scoring 14 points in the Redskins’ win.

Tampa Bay punt returner JOEY GALLOWAY, who returned a punt 59 yards for a touchdown against New Orleans, the fifth punt return touchdown of his career. He also added a three-yard touchdown catch.

Philadelphia punter DIRK JOHNSON, who pinned three of his five punts inside the 10-yard line and averaged 38.4 yards.

New York kick returner WILLIE PONDER, who returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown against Pittsburgh. Ponder, who leads the NFL with a 28.0-yard kickoff return average, returned eight kickoffs for 259 yards, a 32.4-yard average.