Ravens end Vikings’ hopes

Quarterback Kyle Boller threw for three touchdowns as the Baltimore Ravens posted a 30-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, who were eliminated from playoff contention.

After seeing its NFC North Division title hopes end earlier when Chicago won at Green Bay, Minnesota (8-7) needed to win its last two games and receive help to gain a wild-card berth.

But Boller, who has struggled since being selected in the first round in 2003, authored up his second straight encouraging performance to end the playoff hopes for the Vikings.

Playing with a new-found confidence, Boller completed 24-of-34 passes for a career-high 289 yards and an interception.

After reeling off a surprising six-game winning streak, the Vikings lost their second straight game.

Veteran Brad Johnson completed 25-of-36 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

After Matt Stover kicked a 38-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining to give the Ravens a 27-20 lead, the Vikings had a final chance.

But on 2nd-and-10 from his own 26, Johnson scrambled to his right and was hit by linebacker Adalius Thomas, who jarred the ball loose. Defensive end Anthony Weaver recovered the fumble for the Ravens at the Vikings 10 with 1:31 left.

Four plays later, Stover kicked a 19-yard field goal to seal things for the Ravens, who completed a 6-2 home schedule. They are 0-7 on the road.

Meanwhile, Rex Grossman again made plays in the passing game and Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs returned an interception 10 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter as the Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North Division title with a 24-17 victory over host Green Bay.