After starting 5-1, the Minnesota Vikings have lost two straight, a scary portent for a team that won its first six a year ago, then lost seven of its last 10.

Especially scary because the Vikings go this week to Green Bay, which now trails them by only a game in the NFC North.

“It’s a different type of team,” coach Mike Tice says when the comparison is raised to previous slides by the Vikings. “I think this team has more character.”

The Packers are favored by four points.

The teams have split the last two seasons, with Minnesota winning last year on opening day at Lambeau Field, not surprising for a team that tends to start fast.

Green Bay started slowly again this year, 1-4, including three home losses. But the Packers now have won three straight and were off last week to heal their wounds, including Brett Favre’s bruised thumb.

The Vikings, on the other hand, will be without Randy Moss again. After trying to play with his sore hamstring in the two previous games, Moss missed Monday night’s 31-28 loss in Indianapolis and will rest his leg Sunday.

Moss has been the difference in some big wins in Green Bay. Without him …

PACKERS, 27-21

Pittsburgh (minus 31/2) at Cleveland

The opening line on this game was 51/2 and the early money on the Browns is a product of the obvious: a feeling the Steelers will let down after becoming the first NFL team ever with consecutive wins over unbeaten opponents this late in the season.

Still, in a historic rivalry, save the letdown for later.

STEELERS, 21-10

Philadelphia (minus 61/2) at Dallas (Monday night)

The Eagles’ loss in Pittsburgh put southeast Pennsylvania and south Jersey into panic mode. Take a lesson from the Patriots.

EAGLES, 40-22.

Tampa Bay (plus 31/2) at Atlanta

If anyone can challenge the Falcons in the NFC South, it’s probably the Bucs, who have found more offense with Brian Griese at quarterback.

The Falcons are rested, but haven’t played very well at home.

BUCS, 17-16

Seattle (plus 1) at St. Louis

The Rams sent the Seahawks on a three-game skid when they met in Seattle.

The Rams are skidding now.

SEAHAWKS, 31-30

Buffalo (plus 8) at New England

In winning 22 of their last 23, the Patriots have won only twice by more than 14 points. One was last week and one was 31-0 in this game last season.

PATRIOTS, 27-20

Kansas City (minus 41/2) at New Orleans

Talk about no defense.

CHIEFS, 45-42

Baltimore (minus 11/2) at New York Jets

Quincy Carter will need his mobility against the Ravens’ defense.

RAVENS, 17-9

Houston (plus 91/2) at Indianapolis

Indianapolis doesn’t stop anyone well enough to win by 91/2.

COLTS, 31-26

Detroit (plus 3) at Jacksonville

Tough to figure with Leftwich out.

JAGUARS, 9-7

New York Giants (minus 21/2) at Arizona

The Cardinals are decent at home. No Strahan for the Giants …

CARDINALS, 22-20

Chicago (off) at Tennessee

The off is for Steve McNair’s bruised chest. With a week off, he should play and do better than Kurt Warner did against the Bears last week.

TITANS, 20-9

Cincinnati (plus 3) at Washington

Clinton Portis might not throw this week, but he should run forever against the Bengals’ defense.

REDSKINS 20-13

Carolina (plus 1) at San Francisco

Rattay will put up points.

49ERS, 30-26

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Last week: 7-7 (spread), 8-6 (straight up)

Season: 67-61-2 (spread), 84-46 (straight up)