(My Sportsbook) - Nothing comes easy in the NFL. Case in point, Sunday's showdown between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.

After a six-yard touchdown reception by fullback William Henderson early in the fourth quarter, the Packers seemed to be in command of the contest, leading 31-17. And following a fruitless Minnesota reply that lasted just four plays and went negative-10 yards, the Packers appeared to be in great shape.

All the Pack had to do was soak some time off the clock with their next drive, but they managed just a three-and-out of their own. Minnesota didn't go so quietly on its next two drives, registering touchdowns on each of them to pull even at 31-31 with just 1:20 remaining.

Although the Vikings were happy with themselves about tying the game, there was still plenty of time left on the clock for the legendary Brett Favre to engineer a game-winning drive. Robert Ferguson attempted to make things easier for Favre on the ensuing kickoff, as he darted past the Minnesota special teams until near midfield when he was stripped of the ball by Corey Chavous. The ball bounced away and eventually Green Bay tight end Ben Steele recovered it. Steele appeared to have ripped the ball away from Minnesota's Derek Ross underneath the pile.

"Without a doubt, 100%, I had the ball the whole time," Steele insisted. "Whether or not we both grabbed at it at the same time, I don't know. I had two hands on top of it the whole time."

Taking advantage of the outstanding field position, Favre promptly led the Packers 39 yards on five plays to set up the possible game-winning field goal by Ryan Longwell. The kicker split the uprights from 33 yards out to lift the squad to the 34-31 victory. Longwell became the first player in team history to reach the 900-point mark.

"Sometimes, you envision going into a game what will make the difference," Favre said. "You think it will be a great run, or a great catch, or a devastating block. You don't think it's going to be a fumble recovery.

"But that's what it was. Ben will be remembered for that around here for a while."

Favre's numbers were brilliant in the contest, completing 20-of-29 passes for 236 yards and four touchdowns as he amassed a 133 quarterback rating. For the year, Favre has thrown for 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions while posting a 95 rating. Favre has tossed four TD passes in a game 18 times in his career, tying Johnny Unitas for second all-time. Miami legend Dan Marino is first with 21.

Javon Walker was Favre's big play receiver on the day, hauling in three balls for 74 yards and a score. Henderson, Tony Fisher and Bubba Franks added a receiving touchdown apiece. Ahman Green had a nice day, running the ball 21 times for 145 yards (6.9 ypc).

All told, the Packers mustered 442 yards and 24 first downs in the winning effort. Green Bay was particularly effective under pressure, converting 7- of-11 third down attempts.

"We ended up having the ball last and we won the football game, but not because they didn't try and do everything they could," coach Mike Sherman said. "I thought they played extremely well. But our guys came in very focused and had tremendous intensity. I'm just proud of the effort we showed."

The Packers have climbed into a first place tie in the NFC North at 5-4 with Minnesota. However, all four teams are within one game of each other, as both Chicago and Detroit sit at 4-5.

INJURY REPORT: Running back Najeh Davenport (left hamstring) and linebacker Na'il Diggs (sprained calf muscle) are questionable for Sunday's game. Packers right guard Marco Rivera is week-to-week.

UP NEXT: Green Bay hits the road to take on the Houston Texans next Sunday at Reliant Stadium.