NFC championship

Atlanta (15-2) at Minnesota (16-1)

Time: 12: 35 p.m. today.

Site: Metrodome, Minneapolis.

TV: Chs. 45, 5.

Radio: WBAL (1090 AM)

Line: Vikings by 11.

Vs. spread: Falcons 11-5; Vikings 12-4.

Vs. common opponents: Falcons 6-0; Vikings 6-0.

Last week: Falcons beat 49ers, 20-18, in divisional playoff game. Vikings beat Cardinals, 41-21, in divisional playoff game.

Series: Vikings lead 13-6.

Last meeting: Vikings won, 23-17, on Sept. 8, 1996, in Atlanta.

Postseason records: Falcons 3-5; Vikings 15-20.

Notable: This is the first NFC championship game played in a dome and the first between two dome teams. Since the midway point of last season, when they were 1-7, the Falcons have won 21 of 25 games. Vikings are 3-0 at home in NFC championship games. Vikings are 9-0 at home this season, winning by an average of 23 points. Vikings K Gary Anderson, perfect on field-goal and extra-point attempts this season, is the NFL career leader with 23 playoff field goals.

Injuries:

FALCONS: Doubtful: S Devin Bush (hamstring). Probable: CB Ronnie Bradford (shoulder); TE O. J. Santiago (leg); LB Craig Sauer (hamstring); S William White (quadriceps).

VIKINGS: Questionable: WR Jake Reed (back-hamstring). Probable: DT John Randle (knee); S Orlando Thomas (hamstring).

Pub Date: 1/17/99