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1. Defensive end Jared Allen might want to use some of his $70 million contract to purchase a few more games against the Packers. He had 7.5 sacks against them in two games this season and now leads the NFL with 10.5 at the season’s midpoint. I don’t know if he has a chance to challenge Michael Strahan’s all-time record for sacks in a season -- there are no more games against the Packers on Minnesota’s schedule, after all -- but already Allen has put together a second consecutive stellar season following his blockbuster trade from Kansas City. “It’s good to already know I’m going to have at least 10.5 sacks this season,” he said. For those keeping track, Allen has 25 sacks in 24 games with the Vikings.
2. Quarterback Brett Favre made some noise Sunday night about a groin strain, and he’s voiced similar concerns about his ribs and hip this season. But I think this week’s bye comes at a good time from a mental standpoint. Favre needs a chance to catch his breath after the whirlwind of his post-camp arrival, his games against Green Bay and a 7-1 start. As we’ve discussed once or twice, Favre has a history of falling off in the final quarter of the season. It’s hard to imagine anyone, 40 years old or otherwise, keeping up the pace he set over the past 2.5 months. He’ll have the chance to visit his Fountain of Youth one more time.
3. The Vikings are in decent position to capture their second consecutive NFC North title, and in some ways they’ve gotten the most difficult part of their schedule out of the way. They’re done with the Packers, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. They have three consecutive home games coming after the bye. Here are three games to watch, however: At Arizona on Dec. 6, at Carolina on Dec. 20 and at Chicago on Dec. 28. All three could be difficult matchups.

Is Percy Harvin your rookie of the year yet? I know we have a long way to go, but Harvin has made a dramatic impact in his first eight games. He’s been exceptional as a receiver, especially on third down, but there’s no doubt his greatest contribution has come on special teams. Thanks to Harvin’s kickoff returns, the Vikings are starting their average drive at the 34-yard line, by far an NFL high. He has already returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, and his 77-yard return Sunday at Lambeau Field set up a score as well. Overall this season, he’s averaging nearly 31 yards per kickoff return.