MADISON, Wis. -- Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to his defensive coordinator Monday morning about the team's plan heading into Sunday's game against rival Minnesota.

The conversion likely was upbeat.

"Every game is different," said McCarthy. "You may think that you did something last week and you're going to do it again today; that's not necessarily true. That's the challenge of this business. That's why you play the games."

The Packers currently rank No. 3 behind the New York Giants and Denver Broncos. The Packers have given up on average just more than 271 yards a game, but McCarthy said it goes beyond the numbers.

"The games are not played on stat sheets; it's played on the football field," McCarthy said. "We definitely feel like we have some advantages, No. 1 starting with playing in Lambeau Field. Those are the things that we'll focus on and make sure that we're utilizing all of our assets."

This week the test is much larger than the challenges posed by the dismal Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. The Packers were able to shut down the run and make both teams one-dimensional, but that will not be as easy with Adrian Peterson.

"Adrian Peterson and Favre definitely present a big challenge for us," said McCarthy. "I think their perimeter is really playing very well. [Sidney] Rice has been extremely productive at the wide receiver spot. All of that stuff factors into your game planning."

If it comes down to turnovers, the Packers feel confident in their ability to protect the ball and take it away.

"We are No. 1 in the National Football League in turnover ratio. It's something that we put an emphasis on," McCarthy said. "I'm sure like everybody does in this league. We're doing an excellent job taking away the football and we're doing an excellent job with the giveaways."

The Vikings and Packers play at Lambeau Field at 3:15 p.m.