--The Vikings have five home games left this season, including two sets of back-to-backs. The first will be Nov. 2 against Houston and Nov. 9 against Green Bay. The second will be to close the season on Dec. 21 against Atlanta and Dec. 28 against the New York Giants.

--Coach Brad Childress said Monday that he frequently talks to owners Zygi and Mark Wilf during the course of the season. "Usually we talk a couple times a week," Childress said. "Whether it be Mark or Zygi. ... There are a lot of times when they bounce in here, either one or the other, once a week. (We have) a pretty good open dialogue about where we are as a team, what injuries we think we're dealing with and what personnel."

--Childress and his coaching staff will get some down time this week, but they also are spending many hours doing what is called a self-scout. Basically that means they are pulling apart several facets of the team on film, such as personnel packages, and examining them to see where they can improve.

--TE Visanthe Shiancoe dropped three passes in the first three games this year after a rough first season with the Vikings in 2007. But he has played very well of late and is tied for the team lead with three touchdown catches. "I have a lot of confidence in him," quarterback Gus Frerotte said. "I tell all those guys. Just because you drop one doesn't mean I'm not going to throw it in those situations. I'm going through my reads, and I'm throwing the ball where I need to throw it in those situations."

--S Darren Sharper on his plans for the bye week: "I'm not going to watch football. I think I'm just going to get some saltwater treatment, like always. Go somewhere where it's warm and there's some sand and just get away from it and try to relax. This bye week is coming at a perfect time right now. Especially after a lot of guys are kind of ready to take a little rest and recharge the batter."

--WR Bobby Wade doesn't believe a Vikings passing game that now includes vertical threat Bernard Berrian will stop defenses from putting extra men in the box. "I don't think they'd ever do that," he said. "Even with having Bernard here. Even with him having two back-to-back 100-yard games. It doesn't matter. I think Adrian's still a threat back there, our running game, our offensive line is so good at that and Chester (Taylor) is so good back there. That's what we do. We run the football, everybody knows it and we'll continue to do it. But it's nice to see the passing game and be able to pass on our own terms instead of them just dictating to us."

BY THE NUMBERS: 4 -- Interceptions for the Vikings, tied for 19th in the NFL this season. Veteran safety Darren Sharper, the NFL's active leader in career regular-season picks with 53, still does not have one this year.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm going to be going to Matty B's and hanging around the house a lot, spending time with the kids, eating mac and cheese." - Center Matt Birk on his bye week plans, which evidently will include time at his two Matty B's restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul.