The Cowboys were playing in their fourth straight NFC title game and they seemingly had the advantage of playing at home. The Vikings had a few advantages of their own. Fran Tarkenton was in the second season of his second go-around with the franchise and Chuck Foreman, though a rookie, was one of the most dangerous running backs in the league. After winning their first nine games, the Vikings finished the regular season 12-2. They polished off the Washington Redskins in the first round of the playoffs before routing the Cowboys. The Purple People Eaters played a huge role in the win with four interceptions, including a 63-yard return for a touchdown by Bobby Bryant.

3. NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, JAN. 14, 2001 (Giants STADIUM) NEW YORK Giants 41, Vikings 0

This was one of the all-time stinkers in franchise history. It doesn't rate higher because it was a road game and the Vikings weren't favored. And those two games that rank ahead of it were more damaging to the psyche of Vikings fans. This loss was just another reason for people to be disgruntled with Denny Green as a postseason coach. The Vikings' defense was scalded by Kerry Collins, who passed for 381 yards and five touchdowns. The Vikings' offense, meantime, gained only 114 yards. Daunte Culpepper was sacked four times and the Vikings had five turnovers.