Vikings Griffen Gets Defensive Player of the Week Award

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has been selected as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

The NFL announced the awards Wednesday. Griffen had two key sacks Sunday in the win at Green Bay that gave the NFC North title to the Vikings.

Griffen's first takedown of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers came late in the third quarter, when he knocked the ball out to allow Captain Munnerlyn to pick up the fumble and return it 55 yards for a touchdown. Then midway through the fourth quarter, Griffen sacked Rodgers on third down to force a field goal.

Griffen finished the season with 10 1/2 sacks.

The Vikings host the Seattle Seahawks this weekend in an NFC wild-card playoff game.