MINNEAPOLIS (Minnesota), Nov 20: Randy Moss had three touchdown catches and Cris Carter added another as the Minnesota Vikings kept their season alive with a 28-16 victory over the New York Giants Monday.

Coming into the game 3-5, the Vikings felt one more loss would put them out of reach of the NFC Central Division-leading Chicago Bears and second-placed Green Bay Packers.

Carter and Moss combined for 20 catches and 217 yards.

Moss entered the game with only three TDs this season but had a pair in the first half and a 57-yarder to seal the win with 6:32 to play.

Moss got the big yardage — 10 receptions for 171 yards — but Carter had some key plays of shorter distance, making 10 catches for 46 yards.

And his one-yard TD grab 5:57 into the fourth quarter gave Minnesota the lead for good as they moved on to 21-16.

With the Giants leading 16-14, Viking coach Dennis Green could have gone for an easy go-ahead field goal on fourth down, but gambled on the touchdown.

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper completed 26-of-38 passes for 277 yards with two interceptions and the four touchdowns for the Vikings, who moved within a game of the final wild card spot in the NFC. Both New Orleans and Atlanta are at 5-4.

New York quarterback Kerry Collins was 21-for-37 for 321 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns.

Morten Andersen made three field goals but saw a 52-yard attempt bounce off the crossbar.

Will Allen had two interceptions for the Giants.

Monday’s NHL results (home team in CAPS):

CAROLINA 5 Columbus 2

TORONTO 5 Florida 1

ATLANTA 3 Buffalo 2

NY Islanders 3 DALLAS 2

—Reuters