Super Bowl XLV: Yet Another Prediction...and other Stories

Leading up to the big game, there have been five prevailing storylines emerge.

1. The weather.
Hard to believe that it's been so atrocious down in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. People injured from ice falling off the top of the stadium. Airports temporarily shutdown due to ice on the runways. It's made travel an extreme headache. And those that have hosted radio and/or TV spots during the time there have experienced the adverse conditions.

I'd still rather be there in the cold than not at all.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

2. The saga of a team picture.
The Green Bay Packers were scheduled to have their team picture taken on Tuesday of this past week, media day. The issue became those players that were on IR for Green Bay would not be arriving until Thursday. Some Packers players voiced their frustration over the matter via Twitter (doesn't everybody these days?).

Packers captains Charles Woodson and Aaron Rodgers addressed the matter with head coach Mike McCarthy. The Packers had the taking of the pic moved to Friday to include those players.

But the issue wasn't so quickly over. Someone asked Rodgers of his take (via NFL.com):

"I'll say this, I was on IR back in 2006 and I chose to stick around and finish out the season with my guys and be here every game. Some of those guys didn't," Rodgers said. "Some of the guys who were injured, they still are part of this team, but they didn't choose to stick around."

And he's right. It's like the family member that you really won't want to be in the family pic, but you give in because he/she "is family".

3. Ben and the piano bar.
Much was made when a TMZ report surfaced that Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and some of his teammates went out to dinner and then made way to a piano bar. The report also stated that Big Ben missed the midnight curfew. That was quickly blown off by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (via Boston Herald):

“I am not concerned about that one iota,” Tomlin said when asked about the TMZ report. “It’s normal for guys to eat dinner, believe it or not, every now and then during the course of the week leading up to a game. So, this week is no different than any other.

“I understand that some things may be reported and viewed differently, but that’s not our concern, really. During the course of the season on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, or what have you, believe it or not, guys live lives.”

Case closed. Of course, there are those thast suggested that Roethlisberger not even go out due to his off-field occurrences. That's a load of crap. As Tomlin said, they have lives.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

4. Maurkice Pouncey.
Pouncey was ruled out for playing today due to a high left ankle sprain he suffered against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship. Ponucey was placed on IR and will not even be available for the game. So who would step in to replace the rookie Pro Bowler?

Signs were pointing to Doug Legursky, the same who replaced Pouncey in the Jets game. But I heard an interesting take on this just a couple of hours ago.

Trevor Pryce was on ESPN's First Take and was asked about Legursky and the potential of issues with Packer NT B.J. Raji. Pryce thought that Legursky might not even be the guy to snap the ball. He suggested that since there were two weeks to prepare, the Steelers could move a guard to play center. If that's the case, Legursky would be playing guard, his natural position.

5. Aaron Rodgers.
Has nothing to do with his take on the team pic. He's the hottest commodity in the NFL right now. He has earned it. If the Packers can win today, Brett Favre, still revered by some within the Packers fanbase, will become a smaller dot in the rear view mirror.

So...on with my outlook and prediction for the game.

NFC Divisional Wrapup: Packers/Falcons

Going into Saturday night's clash between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons, there was one thing that nobody could deny. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is pretty darn good. After the game, that changed. Rodgers is pretty darn awesome.

While no one has ever really doubted Rodgers and his talent, the Atlanta Falcons defense could find no answer for him. They could barely provide any pressure. When they did, Rodgers, whose foot speed is underrated, found the means still make a play for positive yardage. WHen the smoke cleared, Rodgers was 31-36 for 366 yards and 3 TD. And don't forget to add his rush TD either.

The Pack didn't need the newly discovered running attack either although they did manage to rush for 96 yards. Rodgers was the story...and the show.

The defense provided a score as well. CB Truman Williams picked off an ill-advised Matt Ryan pass and sprinted 70 yards for the score. Bad timing, too. Atlanta was driving for a potential field goal when Ryan released the pass. All the Falcons were trying to do was get a little closer for K Matt Bryant to attempt that field goal. It never happened. The Falcons never recovered from the half ending score.

Yes, the turnover bug had the Falcons solely in its sights. Four times the Falcons gave the ball to Green Bay. Twice on picks by Williams (one in the endzone) and twice the Falcons put the ball on the turf. Hard to win with a -3 turnover ratio for a game.

I felt going into this game that the Falcons were getting no respect. They were the NFC's #1 seed, but it seemed they were under the radar.

They're still there and haven't been found.

NFC Divisional Battle: Packers/Falcons

The prime time game for tomorrow evening is the Green Bay Packers making a return trip to the Georgia Dome to take on the NFC's #1 seed Atlanta Falcons. In week 12, Atlanta defeated the Packers 20-17. Falcons K Matt Bryant won the game with a 47 yard FG.

The matchup all will want to talk about here is the QBs: Rodgers and Matt Ryan. There is much more than that to this game.

Yes, the Falcons come into this game as the top seed in the NFC. Yes, they have a gifted QB in Ryan. And yes, Ryan's career record at the Georgia Dome is a mind-boggling 20-2. But why do I get the feeling they're being slighted here.

Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
Network: FOX
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver

When the Falcons have the ball...

	Scoring (Rk)	Total Yds (Rk)	Pass Yds (Rk)	Rush Yds (Rk)
offense	25.9 (5th)	341.1 (16th)	222.9 (15h)	118.2 (12th)
defense	15.0 (2nd)	309.1 (5th)	194.2 (5th)	114.9 (18th)

If you check out the box score from that week 12 meeting, two things jump out at you.

The first is that Ryan only had 197 yards passing with only one TD. FOr the season, Ryan tossed 28 TD with only 9 INT. But I have to ask this: How in the world does Matty Ice only get 197 yards passing? Kind of easy when you have a running back like Michael Turner.

And that's the second thing. Turner rushed for 110 yards and a TD. Turner was 3rd in the NFL in rushing with 1,371 yards. That's the same gameplan in which the Falcons should approach with in this game. Those are both strengths of the Falcons offense. Run the ball and run it some more. When the opposing defense cheats toward the line of scrimmage, hit 'em with a pass. No, the Falcons do possess more than just these two. You don't have to look hard either.

Look out wide an there's WR Roddy White. He led the NFL in receptions with 115. White's 1,389 receiving yards was 2nd behind Denver's Brandon Lloyd. White also hauled in 10 TD passes, too. He can catch long passes or short passes. He will do whatever is asked of him.

Another receiving threat is future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez. He's Ryan's "go to guy". Whenever a play bogs down, you can bet Ryan will look the way of Gonzalez.

But the Packers don't have your ordinary defense. In fact, it's quite good as in the 5th best in yielding yardage. And they have a couple of playmakers on that side of the ball.

The first is LB Clay Matthews. Some are tabbing Matthews as the Defensive Player of the Year. You must account for him on every down and you have to consistently block him. No small task for any O lineman. Matthews sheds blocks as well as any player in the league. His aggressiveness can be exploited though.

And there's last year's Defensive Player of the Year in Charles Woodson. The fomer Heisman winner has carved himself a nice career as a Packer. He aims to keep that going. Look for Woodson to be up against White in man coverage in critical situations.

If Woodson isn't, the Packers do have to other capable corners in Truman Williams and Sam Shields that do have the speed to stay with White. Williams is as good a #2 CB in the NFL. On some teams, he could be a #1.

When the Packers have the ball...

	Scoring (Rk)	Total Yds (Rk)	Pass Yds (Rk)	Rush Yds (Rk)
offense	24.2 (10th)	358.1 (9th)	257.8 (5th)	100.4 (24th)
defense	18.0 (5th)	332.4 (16th)	226.6 (22nd)	105.9 (10th)

What more can be said of QB Aaron Rodgers. Yes, I feel he's among the top 5 QBs in the NFL. Lofty praise (not because I said this) and Rodgers deserves every bit he receives. In a season that saw the #1 RB (Ryan Grant) go down in week 1, an up and coming TE go by the wayside a couple weeks later (JerMichael Finley) and still fight off opposing rushers due to an O line that was a bit porous, Rodgers still managed Pro Bowl numbers (

There has been one area that Rodgers has been able to count on week in, week out: his receivers. Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones and Jordy Nelson all accepted the challenge. While none of these guys produced eye bulging numbers this season, all are capable of turning a short pass into a long play.

Now, there's this rookie out of Buffalo named James Starks that has briefly revitalized the ground game. No one saw his performance from last coming. But Packers head coach Mike McCarthy saw enough in Starks to let him carry the load.

For the past few years, I've always thought of the Falcons defense as a "bend, but don't break" unit. The 2010 season was no different. They didn't allow a lot of points (5th), but they will yield some yards (16th).

The biggest concern will be putting pressure on Rodgers. DE John Abraham may not be 100% for the game and that could create a gap in the D line. It could also afford Rodgers with just that split second longer to throw. And that could spell doom for the Falcons. Kind of hard to replace Abraham's motor AND his 13 sacks.

The lack of a pass rush was put the corners under more pressure as well. Not like the Falcons has a major cause for concern on that front. Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes are a solid duo that can and will hold their own.

The linebackers are nothing to sneeze at either. There's veteran Mike Peterson to go along with Curtis Lofton and rookie Sean Weatherspoon. Again, solid group, but Peterson's veteran leadership cannot be overlooked here.

This game may boil down to one thing...the return game. The Falcons have just the man in Pro-Bowler Eric Weems.

As I said at the beginning, I feel like the Falcons are receiving no credit for the great season. How do you become the #1 seed yet no one feels like you're supposed to won.

Atlanta is currently a 2.5 point favorite. Usually, the home team gets 3.

See what I mean.

Ravens Smash Chiefs, Pack Grounds Eagles

With yesterday's games, this upcoming weekend's games are set.

In the first Sunday game, the Baltimore Ravens continue to be road warriors by thumping the upstart Kansas City Chiefs 30-7. You can ask where'd all that offense come from. And the key piece was Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

Despite people still bringing up his poor performance against the New England Patriots (a game the Ravens won, by the way), Flacco asserted himself to the tune of a 23-34, 265 yards and 2 TD performance. A stark contrast to the game in Gillette Stadium last January.

And what about Ravens TE Todd Heap? Just when you think the game may have passed him by a bit, he catches ten balls, a Ravens postseason and personal record, for 108 yards. And don't tell me you saw that coming either. The one receiver we all expected that type of game from was Anquan Boldin.

Most will point out that the Ravens defense forced five turnovers including three Matt Cassel interceptions. Very true, but the fact Baltimore showed an offensive spark against a pretty good defense can build momentum and confidence.

Then you realize the Ravens have to go to Pittsburgh.

Michael Vick's career in Philadelphia is officially in limbo...sort of, or not.

The Green Bay Packers saw to that limiting Vick's effectiveness on the ground. Vick had 8 rushes for 33 yards in the Eagles 21-16 loss. You could say Vick was contained as he did hit the air for 292 yards on 20-36 passing. He also tossed a pick with about a half minute to go to seal the deal for Green Bay.

One question: Where in the hell did Mike McCarthy find James Starks? Another question: How in the hell did this kid rush for 123 yards on 23 carries? For the 2010 season he had 29 carries for 101 yards.

I know at least two people that don't care. One is McCarthy. The other is Packers QB Aaron Rodgers who was the beneficiary of Starks and his legs. This all meant that Rodgers wore a pretty clean jersey and absorbed only two sacks.

Rodgers didn't accumulate a lot of yards through the air (180) and he only threw the ball 27 times. Rodgers didn't need to throw a lot. When he did he was pretty accurate, like 18-27 accurate and a game QB rating of 122.5. Did I fail to mention he tossed 3 TD?

So, next week looks like this:
Saturday:
Ravens/Steelers @ 4:30 PM ET
Packers/Falcons @ 8:00 PM ET
Sunday:
Seahawks/Bears @ 1:00 PM ET
Jets/Patriots @ 4:30 PM ET

Sunday NFL Playoff Games: Packers/Eagles

All eyes will be on the quarterback matchup in this one. You have the still polarizing Michael Vick leading the Philadelphia Eagles. On the other sideline, it's the one of the league's top 5 QBs in Aaron Rodgers for the Green Bay Packers. This could unfold into a high scoring affair.

Green Bay Packers v. Philadelphia Eagles
Game Time: Sunday, Jan. 9 @ 4:30 PM ET
Network: FOX
Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman

The Linc will be in an uproar. We all know that Philly sports crowds can be unforgiving for their team and the opponent. You don't need to pay a whole lot of attention to the announcing. Listen for the crowd. They'll let you know what's happening.

When the Eagles have the ball...

	Scoring (Rk)	Total Yds (Rk)	Pass Yds (Rk)	Rush Yds (Rk)
offense	27.4 (3rd)	389.4 (2nd)	244.1 (9th)	145.2 (5th)
defense	15.0 (2nd)	309.1 (5th)	194.2 (5th)	114.9 (18th)

No secrets here for Philly. The ball is in the redefined hands of Vick. When he was a Falcon, it was basically watch Michael run. It can transpire into that still, but the Eagles have weapons the Vick-led Falcons teams didn't have.

Look at the receivers he has. Speed with both DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Consistency with Jason Avant. A more than capable TE in Brent Celek. A RB that can catch and run in LeSean McCoy. And you have to worry about Vick and his talent, too. Hard to fathom this team didn't lead the NFL in total offense. How didn't they?

If Vick must run a lot, the Eagles may not win.
Image by Ed Yourman via Flickr

For the past few seasons, the Eagles have evolved into an offense that throws the ball more than anyone. While that's a nice aspect to have, they have become weak in the running game. The past couple of seasons, Philly has lacked that one play that can provide just one yard. How often do they get stuffed in those situations? Plenty. And playoff football almost demands you be able to rush. While the numbers point out that Philly has been successful in 2010, a ,lot of that can be attributed to Vick and his scrambles.

For the Eagles to continue the trek to Dallas, LeSean McCoy must establish himself in the ground game. That will do two things. Limit the hits on Vick and opposing offenses will have to respect the fact the Philly is willing to run the ball with McCoy. A healthy Vick is a lethal Vick especially in the passing attack.

But the Pack offers resistance, mostly in grounding the passing game. If you're to get them, you must be able to run the ball on them. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers, one of the NFL's best DCs, will have his guys ready. A fervent pass rush shold make for an interesting matchup of the Packers O line and the Eagles D line and LBs.

When the Packers have the ball...

	Scoring (Rk)	Total Yds (Rk)	Pass Yds (Rk)	Rush Yds (Rk)
offense	24.2 (10th)	358.1 (9th)	257.8 (5th)	100.4 (24th)
defense	23.6 (21st)	327.2 (12th)	216.8 (15th)	110.4 (15th)

When RB Ryan Grant went down during the week 1 game between these two teams, I immediately thought the Packers would struggle to even make the playoffs. I was correct in that, and Green Bay had to defeat the Chicago Bears last week to become a wild card. No running game (24th overall) meant opposing defenses simply had to go after QB Aaron Rodgers.

A facet of Rodgers that gets lost,
his running ability. Image by
Darin House via Flickr

Didn't that guy take enough sacks in 2009? And now he's been concussed twice in 2010 from hits. He still takes too many. And there's has been no one that can run the ball for Green Bay. That may well prove to be the Achilles heel on down the line (if the Packers make it past this game) if no running game emerges for Green Bay.

But people think of the Rodgers and his stables of receivers. Losing TE JerMichael Finley early in the season didn't slow down the aerial assault. Like the Eagles, the Packers have three gifted receivers. Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones are as good as any trio in the league. And don't forget Jordy Nelson either.

The Philly defense? Not near what we saw in the past. They'll still blitz you almost every down, but the effectiveness isn't the same under former DC Jim Johnson. After Johnson's passing prior to last season, Eagles opponents knew what was coming and couldn't stop it. Not that way now. Philly ranks in the middle in both the pass and rush.

And you really need to ask yourself two questions this if your Green Bay: Where's Asante Samuel? Where's Trent Cole? If you answer those and can avoid them, you're better off...and most likely going to win.

This game will boil down to two things: Can Green Bay find a running game and can Michael Vick not receive so many hits.

They say defense wins in the postseason, but at times this year, if you bet against Vick, he made you pay.

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.

Thanksgiving Day NFL Recap

Happy Friday. I hope eveyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also hope you could find a way to enjoy the NFL games yesterday. I know, not much excitement. But there was if you were Lions QB Duante Culpepper. Read on if you're not sure what I mean.

 Packers (7-4) 34, Lions (2-9) 12

During pregame, Culpepper was informed that he would not be starting, and that Matthew Stafford would. Culpepper did not appear to be too pleased with the team's decision. He did practice with the first team for the short week. Remember, Stafford suffered a separated shoulder during Sunday's 38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Maybe, Culpepper would have been the better selection based on the game Stafford had. 20 of 43, 213 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT. One of Stafford's INT was a pick 6 by Packers CB Charles Woodson. Overall the Lions had five turnovers.

One last quick (maybe not so quick) note from the game. There's 2:51 left in the game and the score is 34-12, Green Bay. Detroit has the ball on their own 28. It's 2nd and 10 and Stafford completes a pass to backup TE Casey Fitzsimmons. Upon being tackled, it appears that Fitzsimmons fumbles the ball but the officials ruled that Fitzsimmons was down by contact.

I know...not so quick. Sorry. I have to say this next part though. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy (left) challenged the play. It was reversed and Geen Bay got the ball. I am massively irritated with McCarthy's decision to challenge that play. You're already winning 34-12 and there's less than three minutes left. What a heartless call by McCarthy. Happy Thanksgiving, Coach. You are no doubt, my Turkey of the Day. Congrats!

Some may say I'm off base. I say to you that you're as heartless as McCarthy. You already have the "W". What more do you need?

Game ball: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 28-39, 348 yards, 3 TD

Monday Night Game Recap - Packers/Vikings

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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.