Moss to Vikes: Just What Favre Needed

On the eve of the NLDS and ALDS series starts, the Minnesota Vikings found a way to upstage the commencement of the baseball playoffs...and steal a bit of thunder from the hometown Minnesota Twins.

In a trade that surely shocks the NFL world, the Vikings will send a third-round draft pick to Minnesota for one former Viking, Randy Moss. Moss didn't exactly leave the Twin Cities on good terms after the 2004 season. This time around could be different. There are a few factors.

Brett will love his new "toy"

1. Brett Favre
Favre has always wanted Moss as a teammate. Aside from the antics and perceived lack of giving 100%, who wouldn't want Moss as a teammate. Having Favre as the QB can only make Moss' mouth salivate with the possibilities for catches.

2. Potential long term commitment from Vikings ownership
This was the impetus behind Moss' comments following the Patriots opening week defeat of the Cincinnati Bengals. Moss stated that 2010 would be his last in a Pats uniform. The fact that no contract extension was offered to him appeared to be a prelude to his 2010 season. Moss saw the exit door sign shining brightly and it has been reported that Moss even requested such a deal.

A rematch with Revis

3. Moss will have ample chance to prove his worth
The next four games for Minny (who is coming off a bye) are against tough opponents. This coming Monday night, Minnesota travels to New York to face the Jets (3-1), a team Moss has already seen this season. Hmm...a bit of scouting there, too perhaps? Then, the Vikings are home against Dallas (1-2). Two straight road affairs at Lambeau for the Packers (3-1) and then a return to Gillette Stadium for the Patriots (3-1). Those four teams own a combined record of 11-5.

4. Familiar surroundings and familiar expectations
Moss won't have much in the way of adjusting to a new atmosphere. He's played at the dome before. The Vikings are gunning for a Super Bowl and some feel that this deal puts them in the conversation of Super Bowl possible teams. No change in expectations only that Minnesota expects to be in Dallas.

5. The offense
Moss should gel perfectly in the Vikes offense. With Sidney Rice still on the mend, Moss will be Favre's #1 guy. That will also take pressure off of tight end Visanthe Shaincoe and wide receivers Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin. Throw in a running back named Adrian Peterson and Minnesota appears to have all the tools it needs. Plus, Rice could be back in a few weeks. Imagine game planning for all of those offensive weapons.

You can easily surmise that I love this deal for Minnesota. If I'm a Patriots fan, not so much...unless the Pats brass has an ace up its sleeve.

And you never know with Belichick

Ah! The NFL Season Begins!

The NFL season kicks off tonight and did the schedule makers ever present us with an early gift...a rematch of last season's NFC Championship game between the Minnesota Vikings and Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints.

As I provided last season, I will once again preview each and every NFL game for the upcoming season.

Minnesota Vikings v. New Orleans Saints
8:30 PM/NBC/Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Andrea Kremer

Minnesota: Of course most of the off-season was centered around #4. Would he come back or wouldn't he? I thought there was very little doubt to Brett Favre returning especially when you consider his last play during last season's NFC Championship game. It wasn't a pleasant memory. Favre will look to exorcise that demon, but the Vikings as a whole must eliminate their turnovers...did you hear that, Adrian Peterson?

Peterson's a stud. To that point, there's no doubt. But AD has lost 20 fumbles over the last three season, leading the NFL in that stat. And the Vikings offense is at another disadvantage, no Sidney Rice. Oh and add the health status of Percy Harvin. Harvin will play, but for how long will he be able to go is question. One last "minus" on the offensive side...no Chester Taylor. I know the Vikes drafted Toby Gerhart, but he's not Chester Taylor. Plus, Gerhart is on the injury report as questionable with a knee issue.

During that NFC Championship. I thought the Vikings defense did an incredible job of containing the Saints explosive offense. There is a plus for this game, the "addition" of linebacker E.J. Henderson. Henderson was unable to go due to recovering from a broken left femur. He's back and has looked good in the short amount of time he's played in the preseason.

The secondary has always been a bit of a crap shoot for me. Cedric Griffin (questionable - knee) may not go and rookie corner Chris Cook (knee) is out. DT Jimmy Kennedy (knee) will also not play. Kennedy is valuable because he helps keep Pat and Kevin Williams fresh. If Griffin can't go, that leaves the Vikings with Asher Allen and Lito Sheppard to play opposite Antoine Winfield. With the receivers the Saints possess, that scares me if I'm a Vikings fan. The D-line must create havoc for the Vikings to succeed.

New Orleans: The biggest thing for the Saints to overcome tonight will be the huge cheer that will erupt when the Super Bowl Championship banner is unfurled during pregame festivities. Imagine how loud it will be inside the Superdome. Earlier in the week, head coach Sean Payton prepared his guys by running a simulation during practice, but it would have been impossible to duplicate the noise level. Still, nothing gets by Payton.

We know the Saints can and will explode offensively. There aren't a whole lot of questions there except for the departure of Jammal Brown who was the protector of Drew Brees' blind side. Drafting Charles Brown from USC may make the Saints hopeful forget Brown. It will only take time for the former Trojan to find his way. Until Brown can develop, Jermon Bushrod will be charged with protecting Brees.

The questions, just like last season, are on the defensive side of the ball. S Darren Sharper was placed on the PUP list and will be out 8 games. LB Scott Fujita left for Cleveland and there's not one Saints player that would tell you Fujita was not instrumental in the Saints defensive scheme last season. The leadership Fujita provided last season will sorely be missed.

The one area that I feel the Saints will be unable to duplicate is the forced turnovers. Sharper was the champion of that for New Orleans last season. The Saints will turn to Malcolm Jenkins, the 2009 first rounder from Ohio State converted to safety, to help fill the massive void left by Sharper. If there's one thing that Favre will find is the area in which Jenkins will be operating...and Favre will attempt to exploit that.

One last thing about the Saints. I sense a feeling of credibility issues. There aren't getting it. That alone will serve as a motivational tool and we all know the Saints can use motivation as well as any team in any sport.

The Vikings win if...
No turnovers. Sustain drives. No big plays by the Saints offense.

The Saints win if...
Force turnovers. Reggie Bush produces one big play. Be physical with Favre and the Vikings O-line. Keep the crowd loud.

I really don't see the Saints losing this game. I have far less questions about the Saints than I do the Vikings.

NFC North Primer

We reach the halfway point in our primers for the upcoming NFL season by visiting the NFC North.

Cutler must improve his discipline under
the Martz system.

Chicago Bears
2009 record: 7-9, 3rd in division
Head coach: Lovie Smith
Key Additions: DE Julius Peppers, TE Brandon Manumaleuna, RB Chester Taylor, CB Tim Jennings
Key Losses: CB Nathan Vasher, DE Adewale Ogunleye, FB Jason McKie, DE Alex Brown

1. Can new offensive coordinator Mike Martz transform QB Jay Cutler into a decent quarterback?
This is the question in the Windy City. I still don't see what every one sees in Cutler except that he takes a lot of chances the brings glimpses of a young Brett Favre. Favre made those passes while Cutler doesn't. Martz is a control freak and that's not a bad thing in this case. Cutler must be more disciplined and I'm not so sure he'll totally welcome the change...unless the Bears start winning.

2. Will the Bears D return to one of the best in the NFL?
Getting Peppers was huge, no doubt. There's still some tinkering new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli needs to do. Marinelli wasn't successful in Detroit as a head coach, but his calling card is as a coordinator. It will take these guys time (like on offense) and the first order of business is stopping the run (23rd in '09). Having LB Brian Urlacher back will help. DT Tommie Harris is the key though. If he's healthy, he can dominate the line of scrimmage.

3. Will Lovie Smith be the first coach receiving a pink slip in 2010?
He might be, but unless the Bears go 0-5 out of the gate, I doubt it. Make no mistake here. Smith is on the hot seat and he knows it. Plus, if the Bears do lose their first five games, they will have lost their opener at home to the Detroit Lions. Just sayin'.

Change can be good, but too much at once can be worse...

Who better to show Suh the ways of a
defensive lineman that Vanden Bosh.

Detroit Lions
2009 record: 2-14, 4th in division
Head coach: Jim Schwartz
Key Additions: DE Kyle Vanden Bosh, WR Nate Burleson, S C.C. Brown, CB Chris Houston
Key Losses: LB Ernie Sims, LB Larry Foote

1. What area do the Lions need the most help?
DEFENSE!!! Last against the pass and 25th against the run tells you all you need to know. It doesn't matter how much you score when you can't stop your opponent. Drafting DT Ndamukong Suh and signing free agent Vanden Bosh (who Schwartz had in Tennessee) are nice building blocks. But the Lions are thin at linebacker with Sims and Foote departing. The secondary added Houston and drafted the most talented corner in the draft with Amari Spievey. This unit should be better, but baby steps...

2. Will QB Matthew Stafford have a better season now that there's no competition?
Dicey area. I hear a lot of former NFL players say that competition drives a player to improve. With no one to push Stafford, that desire to improve all falls squarely on him. He seems to have his head on his shoulders and I expect Stafford to improve upon his rookie campaign. He did lead the Lions to their only two wins in '09 before being shut down after week 13. Plus, the Lions brass added a couple of more toys in signing Burleson, getting TE Tony Sheffler and drafting Jahvid Best.

3. If I'm a fantasy owner, should I draft any Lions?
I had Calvin Johnson last year and got burned. I won my league (due mostly because of a certain QB in Green Bay), but I sat CJ a few weeks when the matchup wasn't right. I have been known to take a flyer or two on rookies and Best may not be that bad of a flyer.

Rodgers has emerged as an elite QB.

Green Bay Packers
2009 record: 11-5, 2nd in division
Head coach: Mike McCarthy
Key Additions: none...really
Key Losses: DE Aaron Kampmann

1. Is Aaron Rodgers the best QB in the NFC?
No question. Not even a debate. But notice I said "NFC". There's a guy in Indianapolis that's better, but he's the only one that I think is better than Rodgers. Rodgers just piles numbers that few thought he could even after being a first round selection. That was because of the QB in Green Bay before Rodgers. Rodgers has pretty much pushed "his" memory to the side...temporarily. There's a guy in New Orleans that's sharp, too.

2. How much will the loss of Johnny Jolly due to suspension hurt the defense?
Losing Jolly for the whole season is big. Jolly had just found his way in Dom Capers' scheme, too. His loss forces B.J. Raji, last year's first round pick, to step up his game. On a defense that was extremely stubborn in '09 (5th against the pass and tops against the run), that's a tall, tall order.

3. Will the Pack ever discover a running game?
They need to and I'm not sure why people have soured on Ryan Grant. Could be that contract thing, but Grant is still the best back the Packers have and I think he's still among the top 15 in the NFL. No flash, no dash. Maybe that's why he doesn't get his due.

A common sight. Another AD fumble.

Minnesota Vikings
2009 record: 12-4
Head coach: Brad Childress
Key Additions: CB Lito Sheppard
Key Losses: RB Chester Taylor, CB Karl Paymah, G Artis Hicks

1. Favre?
In my humble opinion, the Vikings have let this soap opera play out way too much. It's been beyond out of control since day 1. I've hear and read that experts and former players say Favre has earned this right. Sure, holding not only a franchise, but an entire league hostage (to an extent) is not a right any player has. (Hear that, Darelle Revis?) Personally, I could care less. I've never been a Favre fan and I never will be. He had his best season last year and no one, not even little ol' me, can take that away from him and Vikings fans.

2. Will Adrian Peterson ever be able to control his fumbling?
Giants fans thought the same about Tiki Barber until an adjustment was made in the manner in which Barber carried the ball. Peterson must do the same. I know Childress has him lugging around a much heavier ball, but it's also a mindset. The offensive coaches can do everything possible, but it ultimately rests with AD. He has to put in the extra work in the attempt to control his issues.

3. Will the defense be able to hold up to their end of the bargain?
We know that it's almost impossible to run on that front four, but bear a couple of things in mind here. Pat Williams is 37. I would suspect the Vikes would rotate Jimmie Kennedy a little more this season. The corners? That's a different story. Antoine Winfield was beat up pretty much all of 2009. Cedric Griffin is injured and the Vikes have been using Asher Allen and rookie Chris Cook in nickel situations. Sheppard has made little impact in camp. The secondary is where the Vikes must improve this season.

To place the teams is difficult because of the "Favre Factor". If Favre returns...

1. Minnesota. Favre means that much to their hopes.
2. Green Bay. They will push the Vikes again.
3. Chicago. Smith will most likely be gone after 2010.
4. Detroit. Remember, baby steps.

Of course, if Favre really does hang up the cleats (and would we really believe if he says so), flop GB and MIN.

Peterson's Absence Peeves Childress

The Minnesota Vikings are currently conducting their veteran minicamp. There were a few big no-shows on Friday.

One was quarterback Brett Favre. We all know why #4 isn't there. He's still contemplating his return, right? No, he just doesn't feel like going through the motions, and for once, I don't blame him. He recently had surgery on his ankle (which looked horrible after the NFC Championship game) and he really does need to rehab the thing. Favre had also made a promise to the Southern Miss baseball team that if they qualify for the College World Series, he would come back and play for the Vikes. Southern Miss didn't, so I guess we're all in limbo (again) regarding Favre's return.

Another was defensive end Ray Edwards. Edwards is a restricted free agent, but he wants a new deal. The Vikings tendered Edwards, but Edwards has yet to ink that tender. The Vikings cannot fine Edwards for his absence either because Edwards isn't signed. Vikes head coach Brad Childress wasn't overly concerned about Edwards stating "it's just the nature of the business".

The most prominent absence was that of running back Adrian Peterson. Apparently, there is an Adrian Peterson Day in his hometown of Palestine, Texas. This is the 4th annual. This "celebration" would take Peterson away from minicamp and Childress is not pleased. Childress was asked if Peterson's absence was annoying.

"I just know that there's a bunch of guys here. This has a term "mandatory" for a reason. The work is here. Period. You can say whatever you want. This is the fourth annual Adrian Peterson day. I don't know if it's going to be every year. But we're going to have this, too. ... "

What further annoyed Childress was that Peterson did not inform the team of the event until this past week. Childress reminded the attending media that this minicamp was scheduled well in advance. Childress was a bit fumed over the fact that Peterson was not in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, but in Palestine, Texas. Childress also mentioned that if he remembers correctly, a staff member showed him a website promoting the affair.

Peterson fumbling during NFC Championship
game. The Vikes lost in OT (31-28)and New
Orleans went on to win the Super Bowl.

And I'm siding with the Vikings head coach here. Peterson should be at these minicamps working on his one true weakness, fumbling. It's no secret that AD will put the ball on the floor every now and then. With opponents knowing this, Peterson will be a target for turnovers, and Childress, after careful offseason study, has implemented a program that will hopefully cure fumblitis. He has a drill that requires carrying a 14 pound ball, his very own 14 pound ball.

No one in their right mind would ever question Peterson's ability as a runner. He is the best in the NFL (and I offer no apologies to Tennessee's Chris Johnson). Developing a technique to curtail Peterson's ball control issues is paramount for Minnesota and their hopes of getting to the Super Bowl. If he's not putting the work, the idea won't work.

Look what happened to Tiki Barber (I know. I'm making a Tiki Barber reference). He had fumbling issues and New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and his staff developed a different way for Barber to carry the ball. That one subtle move propelled Barber to NFL stardom...for a while anyway. The same could easily happen to Peterson. He's already a star and highly marketable. Take away his fumbling, deliver a Super Bowl to the Twin Cities, and you'll see even greater things, on and off the field, from AD.

It's part of acquiring the legend

We're seeing the most famous aspect of taking the legend.

The Clash is ringing in my head. "Should I stay or should I go...".

We've seen the Sears and Hyaundai commercials where Brett Favre takes a jab at himself for him "indecisions". It's a bit refreshing to see him take that approach.

To the Minnesota Vikings faithful, you are now observing the back end of wanting Brett Favre as your quarterback. Favre has been a Viking for one season, helped get the Vikes to the NFC Championship game, and now the real portion of Favre's season commences. Should Brett retire or return?

You're seeing the full glory of the Brett Favre package. You're seeing the uncertainty that looms for the Vikings concerning next season. Immediately following the loss in the NFC Championship game, Favre said it was "highly unlikely" that he would return. It's now just "unlikely".

Remember Vikings fans, it was your head coach that practically stalked Favre. You should all know from Favre's time in both Green Bay and New York, this was inevitable. And now we're hearing reports of Vikings players and other associated with the franchise that want Favre to return for what would be his 20th NFL season.

Championship Sunday

Here it is, Championship Sunday. Both the AFC and NFC will pronounce their representatives for the Super Bowl.

Some things are rattling in my head about today's games. Loose screws? Maybe.

Vikings v. Saints

1. Will Vikings RB Adrian Peterson be able to be, well, Adrian Peterson?

We haven't seen AD go for over 100 yards since week 10 against the Detroit Lions (133 yards on only 18 carries). He's flirted with 100 on two other occassions (week 14 v. Cincinnati and week 16 v. Chicago). Fact: Peterson's highest yards/carry since then is 6.0 in the last game of the regular season against the New York Giants. He only had 9 carries that game. Outside of that, that number is 3.9 in that week 16 against the Chicago Bears. AD had 24 carries.

2. The status of Vikes Mr. Everything, Percy Harvin.

Harvin travelled to New Orleans, but he's having problems with migraine headaches again.

“Man, I’ve tried everything, and nothing works,” said Harvin, who’s listed as questionable to play against the Saints. “I give up.”

The quote was from a video teammate Bryant McKinnie posted on his Twitter account. The migraines have kept Harvin from practicing, but at this point of the season, it's not as much of an issue. Harvin has missed a game this season due to the headaches, and I imagine this could be a gametime decision if he goes or not.

If there's one person that can empathize with Harvin, it's Denver Broncos great Terrell Davis. He was known to have a migraine or two in his day.

3. With all the talk about Brett Favre, how much pressure will the Vikings offensive line be feeling?

Um, a lot. The O line stepped up last week against Dallas, and that line must duplicate that effort. After all, it's a Lombardi Trophy or bust. If the Vikes lose, this season and the Favre Experiment will be deemed as utter failures. That's a ton of pressure. The offensive front has suffered from breakdowns at different times this season. It's a weakness worthy of notice. I know Saints DC Gregg Williams has.

Jets v. Colts

NFC Championship Peek

Yesterday I looked at the AFC Championship game. If you didn't catch it, you can find it here. Today, let's view some keys for the battle for the NFC crown between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints.

1. QB matchup- Vikes Brett Favre and Saints Drew Brees.

Every time I'm watching any type of sports channel, I see Brett. Kind of hard to ignore, but Favre is playing at a level we're all unaccumstomed to seeing. But who would you rather have? The 40 year old with a ring or the commander of the most explosive passing offense over the past few years? There's no wrong answer here. You might want to ponder on who's more trustworthy with the ball. I'm anxious to see if Favre will retreat to his gunslinger mentality if the Vikings get behind by more than a TD.

2. Vikings defensive line v. Saints offensive line.

If you scan the injury report, three of the four Vikings starters are on it. Ray Edwards (knee), Kevin Williams (knee) and Pat Williams (elbow) are listed as questionable. Even backup DT Jimmy Kennedy (thumb) is listed, but he is probable. If you believe that Edwards and the Williams' aren't going to play, you're sadly mistaken. And there's always DE Jared Allen. The Saints O line must keep Brees upright and that's priority #1.

3. Vikings DBs v. Saints WRs.

Colts and Saints: overlooked?

Is it just me, or does it look like that the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts are being a bit overlooked?

I mean, most of the talk we're hearing seems to center around Rex Ryan and the New York Jets and their improbable playoff run and the Minnesota Vikings and that guy at quarterback, Brett Favre.

I doubt that the Jets and Vikings are overlooking their opponents this weekend, but things seem extremely subdued from the Saints and Colts camps. But that shouldn't surprise anyone at all. In the words of our 26th President Theodore Roosevelt, "Speak softly and carry a big stick". That's what the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts are doing.

We've heard the constant chatter from Jets head coach Rex Ryan with the most recent being this from an article on NYPost.com.:

"We're on the big stage every day in New York," he said. "This will be as loose a team as you'll ever see going into an AFC Championship game. We're not afraid to compete against the Colts, we're excited to."

We've heard the constant praises thrown at Vikings QB Brett Favre for the wonderful season he's having. We've heard Vikes head honcho Brad Childress refer to Dallas as the "Tasmanian devils". Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is saying that he's going to score "ten times" this Sunday.

So why are these #1 seeds being thrusted into the backgroud? How can the teams with their conferences best records seem so out of the picture? How is it that their opponents are shoved into the limelight?

That's because New Orleans and Indy are choosing taht approach. They are opting to do their talking on the field, and their opponents this weekend should severly take note of this. It's almost a scary quiet in those camps right now. A quiet confidence.

We all saw what happened in week 16 when the Jets and Colts played. Manning was pulled with about 6:00 left in the third quarter with Indy holding a 15-10 lead. The Jets won 29-15 with Curtis Painter playing QB for the Colts. The talk of the Jets "backing in" the playoffs began to emerge as a headline. The thought that the Colts passed on a possible perfect season began to take shape with Colts fans and players being angered by the move.

That move by the Colts hierarchy has actually galvanized the team. The Colts know their real purpose, win a Super Bowl.

And the Saints?

Childress and the 'play'

I can somewhat understand the temptation.

I'm referring to the last TD Minnesota scored on Sunday. 2:00 remaining. Ball on the Dallas 11. Vikings are ahead 27-3. It's also 4th and 3. What are you going to do?

I'm revisiting this because we had a bit of a similar situation in the BCS Championship game. From my post, I wrote this:

It wasn't. Texas got the ensuing kickoff and on the second play of the drive, Gilbert threw his third of four interceptions, giving Bama the ball on the Texas 27. The game clock showed 1:48 remaining. I ask,. You're the head coach, what do you do? I instruct my team to take a knee. Sure, Mack Brown had time outs in his pocket. If Brown uses one, then proceed to run real plays. If not, continue to take a knee and show a bit of class.

Not Saban. He showed that there were to be no classy win this evening by running the ball for yet another Tide score with 0:47 remaining. Are you kidding me? 47 seconds left. You have the game in hand and you call yet another running play. It was obvious that Texas was not going to call any of their remaining timeouts. Okay, the drive did take another 1:01 off the clock, Scoring that touchdown meant a lock. No, how about the previous TD meant that.

We see that Brad Childress must have gotten his copy of the Nick Saban Coaching for Classless series.

So, back to the situation. While it would have been too easy to just try to get four yards and take a knee or two, Childress calls a pass play...for a TD to Visanthe Shiancoe. And after the score, there was more jubilation on the Vikings sidelines. And one very hacked off Cowboys linebacker, Keith Brooking.

I know what was probably going throught Brooking's mind. "They're just running up the score." Or maybe "They're just rubbing it in." I get the emotional side, but for Brooking to actually go over to the Vikings sideline and start the verbal sparring is unnececesary. Let it go for now, but file it away.

Maybe that's what I should do, but I can't. It's not that I have a hatred toward Brett Favre or any of the other Vikings players, I can't for the life of me see the purpose of that play call.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!! Two More Divisional Playoff Games!!

What would a Sunday be without football, and the NFL will present two more battles on the road to the Lombardi Trophy.

If you missed the peeks at Saturday's games, you can view them here.

NFC: Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings; FOX 1 ET PM (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver, Chris Myers)

Most will watch: Cowboys QB Tony Romo and Vikings QB Brett Favre.
Yet another river to cross for Romo. He's never gotten past the first round before, so this is unchartered waters for Romo. His confidence has never been higher during his short career.

Favre will be looking to exercise his Cowboys playoff demons, as in 0-3 against Dallas in playoff game. But the MVP candidate does have a flair for the dramatic. That might be something for him to put in his hip pocket.

You should watch: the trenches.
Wonder why the Vikings struggled toward the end of the season? They were not winning the battle at the line of scimmage. The O-line really struggled against Carolina and some teams picked up on that. Don't think for a minute that slipped by Wade Phillips either.

Can the O-line protect Favre? You have an All-Pro at guard (Steve Hutchison). Can the D-line get to Romo? You have an All-Pro end (Jared Allen) and tackle (Kevin Williams). Minnesota did lead the NFL in sacks, but seem to possibly tire down the stretch. That excludes the Giants game. The answers to my aforemantioned questions must be "yes" and "yes" for the Vikes to get the win.

But don't forget: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson.
On some level, Peterson seems almost like an afterthought for this game. I know he's a threat on every play. Make no mistake, AD will need to get the workload we're used to seeing out of him. If the Vikes become too dependent on the pass, it will be a long day. One last thing on Peterson, secure the ball. Some habits die hard.

One last thing: Vikings CB Antoine Winfield's health.
He's been nursing a bum foot for most of the season. Minnesota doesn't have anyone else that can stay with the speed of Miles Austin. If Winfield isn't 100%, or even 90%, the passing game for Dallas becomes even more lethal.

Bottom line: All the home teams are favored, but the Vikings are only a slight fave ( 2.5 to -3). It used to be that home field gave you 3 points on a spread. So, if I use my primary math skills, I arrive at the fact that Minnesota is really being considered a very slight dog to even at best. I feel Dallas has so much momentum going into this game. The main thing Dallas needs to be aware of is being overconfident.

Cowboys 24, Vikings 21...Dallas is doing everything right at this point.

AFC: New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers; CBS 4:40 PM ET (Jim Nantz and Phil Simms)

Most will watch: Jets CB Darrelle Revis v. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan says Revis is the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Outside of those that voted for the award and Packers fans, it's hard to disagree. It's not Revis' domination of other #1 WR that has me intrigued. I'm wondering how Revis will cope with Jackson's size and strength.

You should watch: Chargers TE Antonio Gates.
Exactly who can cover him? Will Ryan have to tweak his defense to account for Gates? S Jim Leonhard (5'8", 186) cannot be singled up on Gates (6'4", 260). Will we see Kerry Rhodes (6'3', 214) on him? Do you use a linebacker? Any way you cut it, Gates presents so many mismatches for the Jets.

Don't forget: Jets RB Shonn Greene.
With the health of Thomas Jones a concern, Greene will have to have even more of an impact than he had last week in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. I'm not sayong he has to have more yards. He has to have more impact, and that includes helping protect that rookie QB Mark Sanchez.

Bottom line: The Chargers are heavily favored, but did they lose some steam having a week off? They had won 11 in a row after starting 2-3. Talk about being on a roll. Hard to imagine Chargers QB Philip Rivers had the season he did without C Nick Hardwick who missed 13 games. The Jets defense, as we all know, is the #1 overall unit, but it's also the best pass defense. The Chargers don't run too well (31st for the regular season). If the Bolts are to win, LT and Darren Sproles must assert themselves and command a presence. Cincinnati's Cedric Benson did bust 100+ yards on them last week.

Bolts 27, Jets 14...unless Mark Sanchez somehow channels his inner Joe Namath.

Monday Night Game Recap - Packers/Vikings

2330

In what had been termed as the most anticipated Monday night game of the season, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers, 30-23. As I watched, and listened, I had a few observations.

1. If you do own a fantasy team and Vikings WR Sidney Rice (right) is a relevant option. He had 5 receptions for 70 yards and a TD last night. What will make him potentially more relevant is that you can see the Favre is becoming more comfortable with Bernard Berrian and that bodes well for Rice.

2. I know RB Adrian Peterson had 25 carries, but only 55 yards? The Packers are now ranked 17th against the rush. It's his lowest yardage output this season plus AD coughed it up again. I know he was actually stripped of the ball, but even with all the things Peterson can do, the Vikings should be concerned.

3. Favre said it best...Jared Allen (left) is a beast. 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a safety. If he's not the NFC's defensive Player of the Week, don't give one.

4. Speaking of Allen, the Packers desparately need some help on the offensive line. Aaron Rodgers was sacked eight times. Being without tackle Chad Clifton didn't help Rodgers and his backside.

5. I'm still scratching my head over this one. With about 3:30 left in the game, the Vikings have a 3rd and 10 and are leading 30-20. The Vikes call a long pass play instead of running the ball (and the clock)? If you're going to pass, make it short (like a screen) and in the field of play to get the clock moving. The long pass was incomplete and this mistake (especially in play calling) gave the Packers new life. The Packers went downfield and got a field goal, making the score 30-23. All the Packers had to do was recover an onside kick. But that guy Sidney Rice was there and it was game over.

6. Lastly, at one point, I muted my TV because I was absolutely tired of hearing ESPN's Jon Gruden salivate over Favre. I know you wanted him in Tampa Bay last year, Jon, but as your friends in Bristol say, "C'mon, man!" Enough already...

So, we will have this matchup again on November 1 at Lambeau. The Packers are off with a bye this week, and then they host the Lions and go to Cleveland. The Vikings go to St. Louis, host the Ravens, and go to Pittsburgh. The "rematch" could have 1st place in the NFC North on the line...again.

I think Favre's reception at Lambeau will be just a little bit different than the one he received last night.

Favre causing split in Vikes locker room?

According to a story on ESPN.com, Adam Schefter has a source stating there is a split developing within the locker room of the Minnesota Vikings. The cause? Brett Favre. Some players feel Tarvaris Jackson gives the Vikes a better chance while others feel that person is Sage Rosenfels. That leaves Favre with some support...but very little.

Before the Favre signing, a split had somewhat already formed around those that supported Rosenfels and those that supported Jackson. Jackson started a few games in '08 so some players liked what he was bringing to this season. The Vikings weren't comfortable with Jackson so they traded to bring Rosenfels to Minnesota.

No one should really be surprised that this is happening. Favre did hold the Vikings organization hostage while he contemplated another return to the NFL. But Favre is not the sole cause. That other cause: Vikings head coach Brad Childress. It was Childress' obsession with Favre that directly led to this.

A few weeks ago the future Hall of Famer told Childress and the rest of the Vikings brass that he would not be coming out of retirement to play in the Twin Cities. All indications pointed to the fact that Favre was done in the NFL and he could spend his days down Mississippi.

But Childress persisted. After Jackson suffered a knee injury during training camp, Childress contacted Favre and most likely asked him to reconsider. The timing couldn't have been better for Brett. After all, training camp was over and that was the main sticking point upon returning...no camp. We all know what transpired. Brett's a Viking.

So,  if you want to just point one finger for the blame, you better point it towards the Vikings head coach