Brian Westbrook is a little bit like fireworks. You’re never quite sure when he’s going to go off.

For more than three quarters yesterday, the Minnesota Vikings did what they conceded they must do to beat the Eagles. They smothered Westbrook.

But like a bottle of champagne left over from New Year’s Eve, it was just a matter of time. Westbrook did almost nothing on the ground yesterday. The Vikings vaunted defensive front proved every bit as good as advertised. Westbrook wound up with 38 yards on the ground on 20 carries.

But with just a handful of minutes left in a gut-wrenching afternoon, with the Eagles clinging to a slim 16-14 lead, McNabb lofted the ball over the furiously charging Vikings defense on one of those signature Eagles plays.

It landed in the soft hands of Westbrook, who had been waiting all afternoon to get the ball with some space between him and the purple people eaters that had harassed him all day.

With a convoy of protectors, Westbrook took off on a 71-yard sprint to the end zone.

Game, set and match.

The entire Delaware Valley breathed a sigh of relief.

The magic surrounding Philadelphia sports would continue for at least one more week. Seven days after the most improbable combination of events opened the door to the playoffs, with the Eagles kicking it down by dismantling the hated Cowboys, the Birds cashed their ticket yesterday by gutting out a win in Minnesota.

Now it’s on to the Meadowlands. The scene of so many classic Eagles-Giants clashes now will brace for one more, with a spot in the NFC championship game on the line.

The Eagles should be credited with dismissing much of the gloom that normally hangs over the region today. It’s a gray, drab Monday. Schoolkids are returning to the classroom. Their parents, another holiday season now in the rear-view mirror, are trudging back to the office.

But there is joy in Philly. The Eagles are still alive.

Bring on the Giants.