Remember on the last Sunday in November when Vikings running back Adrian Peterson missed the team bus to Soldier Field, then struggled somewhat contributing to two lost fumbles and rushing for "only" 108 yards in a 28-10 loss to Chicago? Well, Peterson regrouped from that stumble by putting together a December for the ages.

In five December games, Peterson rushed for 861 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry, added five catches, 32 receiving yards and one receiving TD and propelled the Vikings to four wins.

With a 10-6 record, the Vikings earned the NFC's final wild card berth and a date with Green Bay on Saturday for the opening round of the playoffs. Peterson, meanwhile, has earned the designation as NFC Offensive Player of the Month, a no-brainer choice for his continued excellence.

Also, kicker Blair Walsh is the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month. Walsh made 11 of 12 field goals, including five of five from 50 yards or longer. He had three 50+ yarders against St. Louis on Dec. 16, tying an NFL record, and had 10 50+ for the season, a league record.