Seven ways NFL players keep from freezing

— -- With temperatures projected to top out in the single digits and wind chills falling down to minus-15 degrees, Sunday's NFC wild-card matchup in Minneapolis between the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings could get nasty if the players aren't ready to handle the cold.

After playing my college ball in Iowa City, Iowa, with NFL stops in Green Bay, Washington and Buffalo, I've seen some brutal weather on the field. Snow, wind, ice -- you name it. And the hits sting in the cold. That stuff hurts. On top of getting past the mental block that it's going to be freezing on the field, how can NFL players prep for the unwelcome conditions?

Given the advanced uniform technology of cold-weather gear, players have an advantage in today's game to keeping up their core temperatures, but there are still situations where they have to lean on some old-school tricks to avoid a miserable experience on the field.

Here are seven ways players can stay somewhat warm -- and still produce -- when the temperatures start to drop toward 0 degrees.

Bring out Vaseline

Hot chocolate and chicken broth

Layers -- you need layers

Hand warmers can be used for anything

Be careful with sideline heaters

Double up on the gloves, socks

Use heated benches, helmet warmers

ESPN.com NFL analyst Matt Bowen played seven seasons as a defensive back in the NFL.