New York Jets (2-10) at Minnesota Vikings (5-7)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots

*Keys to the game: In a return to his ground-and-pound approach that defined his brief glory days, Jets coach Rex Ryan went with a run-heavy plan against Miami on Monday night and the results were everything the team could ask for – short of a victory. With 277 yards on the ground, New York is re-establishing the running game as its exclusive identity. Can it effectively mask the marginal play of QB Geno Smith in a winter wonderland road environment?

Based on the Vikings’ recent difficulty stopping the run – Minnesota is 25th in the NFL allowing 4.4 yards per carry – Ryan will surely dare to find out, even against eight- and nine-man loaded boxes.

Rookie Teddy Bridgewater is getting good reviews from Vikings coaches, who praise his ability to slow the game down in big moments and dodge turnovers. The Jets are tied for worst in the NFL with 27 touchdown passes allowed, but woeful protection from the offensive line demands Bridgewater is quick to get the ball out of his hand.

*Matchup to watch – Jets WR Percy Harvin vs. Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson: When the Vikings shipped Harvin out of town, they drafted Patterson to replace him. Harvin has since been traded again and has 50 total touches with the Jets, and he’ll have a chip on his shoulder this week. Patterson is not performing up to high expectations, especially on offense.

*Player spotlight – Jets RB Chris Johnson: Signed in the offseason to carry the load, Johnson has been a niche player in New York. He hits Minnesota after his first 100-yard game with the Jets (18-102), leaving him 1,530 yards short of 10,000 career rushing yards.

*Fast facts: The Vikings are 1-8 against the Jets, winning at Mets Stadium in 1975. … Vikings CB Captain Munnerlyn intercepted Smith for a 41-yard touchdown return with the Panthers in December 2013.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Jets are dangerous because of their rugged style on both sides of the ball, and have the ability to dominate the Vikings’ susceptible offensive line.

*Our pick: Jets 20-19