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Quarterback Peyton Manning's pending availability won't have too much impact on the NFC North. It should, however, influence the landing spot of what is arguably our top free agent.

Had Manning remained with the Indianapolis Colts or retired, Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn would have been the top free agent quarterback available. Now, it makes sense for any team in the market for a starter to consider Manning first. And if you're rooting for Flynn to find a landing place that can support his burgeoning career, there are some places to hope Manning doesn't go.

I don't want to shortchange Flynn's potential, but rare is the player who can rise above an otherwise limited infrastructure. Flynn's best chance for success is to sign with a team that offers a smooth schematic transition, a relatively stable coaching staff and a fair amount of playmakers around him.

That's why the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks seems like the most comfortable fits. They are also among the early speculative destinations for Manning. So if I'm Flynn, I'm hoping Manning signs with the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins or perhaps the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving the Dolphins, Seahawks and maybe the Cleveland Browns to bid for me, er, Flynn.

With the Dolphins, Flynn would play for former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and in the West Coast scheme of another coach with Packers ties, offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. He would have Brandon Marshall as a legitimate No. 1 receiver, a tailback in Reggie Bush who had a strong finish to the 2011 season and one of the NFL's best left tackles in Jake Long.

Flynn would also be in a West Coast scheme if he signed with the Seahawks, who are coordinated by former Packers and Vikings assistant Darrell Bevell. He would have a top-flight running back in Marshawn Lynch, a presumably healthy No. 1 receiver in Sidney Rice and an upgraded offensive line.

We've heard wildly disparate views on Flynn's ceiling. Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who has watched him practice for four years, said last month that "he's ready to be an NFL starter." ESPN.com contrarian KC Joyner , meanwhile, compared him this week to Scott Mitchell, who flopped when the Detroit Lions signed him as their starter in 1993.

In the end, I think we can all agree that Flynn stands a better chance of success if he signs with, say, the Seahawks or Dolphins than if he ends up with the Browns, whose offense remains in development, or the always-chaotic Redskins. Manning can't close all the doors, but the best-case scenario for Flynn is if he leaves the right ones ones open.

The New Orleans Saints won Super Bowl XLIV.

The Green Bay Packers were crowned champions after Super Bowl XLV.

They'll meet Thursday night to begin the NFL's march to Super Bowl XLVI.

So let's honor a whole bunch of Roman Numerals with XXV thoughts on this game. Why XXV? It's a nice, round Roman Numeral. And I didn't think you wanted XLVI of my thoughts on this game or any other.

1. The Packers have been downright defensive this week about their decision not to conduct players-only workouts during the lockout. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers refused to discuss it, possibly fearing his words would be interpreted as criticism of the New Orleans Saints' highly public workouts. Here's the truth: Many people around the NFL thought the Saints' efforts were more for public show than to get in actual football work. I can't see this issue being a factor in tonight's outcome.

II. Here's one issue that could: Rodgers' pass protection was spotty this preseason, and the Saints' rebuilt defensive line will force some matchup problems.

III. Every year at this time, we're asking whether Packers left tackle Chad Clifton, 35, has hit the wall. Every year, he answers the bell. But we're still asking the same thing.

IV. You think your stomach is twisted into knots? Here's what Packers guard Josh Sitton tweeted this morning: "Gameday. ... nervous as poop." And Sitton just signed a new $33 million contract extension!

V. It was surprising to see Sitton give up a couple of sacks in the preseason. The Saints' defensive tackle rotation of Shaun Rogers, Sedrick Ellis and Aubrayo Franklin no doubt noticed.

VI. No one blitzed more than the Saints last season, sending five or more rushers on 49.5 percent of the time in 2010. Sitton, Clifton and company can feel confident knowing that Rodgers has been the NFL's second-best quarterback against the blitz (based on Total Quarterback Rating) over the past three seasons.

VII. Trevor Ebaugh of ESPN Stats & Information has a cool scouting report on a play the Packers could use Thursday night against the Saints' defense.

VIII. If you're in transit to the game today, know that snack options are limited. Follow this link to see what I found Wednesday night.

IX. The Saints will be making some difficult guesses about the Packers' offensive approach.

X. With no regular-season running game to speak of last season, the Packers focused on their passing game. They ran more empty-backfield sets than any other NFL team (91). Will the Packers focus on that formation, allowing them to maximize their talented group of five receivers?

XI. Or will the Packers re-balance their offense now that Ryan Grant is healthy and James Starks is re-established?

XII. Or will the Saints see more of the no-huddle offense that Rodgers directed to near-perfection in the preseason? And will they work to get receiver Donald Driver the 42 yards he needs to be the team's all-time leading receiver by yardage?

XIII. It's hard to be ready for such a varied menu of options. Which is just the way the Packers like it.

XIV. Grant is the Packers' likely starter at running back, but it wouldn't be at all surprising if Starks finishes the game with more carries.

XV. If one relatively unknown player makes a name for himself in this game, I'm betting it will be Packers returner/receiver Randall Cobb.

XVI. If you think Packers fans are excited about Cobb's debut, imagine how they feel about the return of tight end Jermichael Finley. Never in NFL history has a tight end with 82 career catches gotten so much hype. ESPN's Rachel Nichols reports Finley got a pedicure Wednesday. Why wouldn't he?

XVII. Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw at least one interception in each of his final 12 regular season games last season and had an NFL-high 22 over that span. Just saying.

XVIII: Kid Rock is a notorious Detroit Lions fan but will be singing Thursday night in the Lambeau Field parking lot. Hey, business is business.

XIX: Couldn't Rodgers book "The Make" for an opening act Thursday night?

XX: One of the more confusing stories recently to get national attention: Rodgers' claim that New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez's GQ photospread was "embarrassing." And?

XXI: The Saints' running game is in much better hands with Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram than it was with Thomas and Reggie Bush.

XXII: I can't say for sure that Packers defensive end Mike Neal (knee) won't play, but limited practice for three days after two weeks of inactivity caused by a knee injury means he probably won't make a huge contribution even if he does get on the field. The Packers have been counting on him to be a dual run-stopper and playmaker against the pass.

XXIII: This game has been billed as a battle between two elite quarterbacks, but I know which team I like if both backups were forced on the field. And no, it's not the Saints and Chase Daniel.

XXIV: There will be a lot of really good coaches on the field Thursday night, from McCarthy to Sean Peyton to Greg Williams to Dom Capers. But every team in the NFL should hope its quarterbacks will one day be coached by Packers assistant Tom Clements. A one-time Saints quarterbacks coach, Clements deserves a lot of credit for the development of both Rodgers and Matt Flynn.

XXV: Every single ESPN expert, including the AccuScore computer simulation program, picked the Packers to win tonight. So there you go. If I had made this No. I, you wouldn't have had to read all this way!

(We're sprucing up our day-after-game posts here on the NFC North blog, but the structure remains the same.)

After the Minnesota Vikings' 14-9 loss Thursday night at the New Orleans Saints, here are three issues that merit further examination:

Kevin SeifertThe Minnesota Vikings take their turn in the examination room after losing to New Orleans.
1. I spent much of my time in our "Countdown Live" chat arguing for the Vikings to open up their offense and felt vindicated when passes of 33 and 20 yards to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe resulted in a touchdown just before halftime. But after doing some postgame interviews, I changed my mind. I think the Vikings missed an opportunity to really get after it with their running game. With the Saints playing mostly a three-man line with Cover 2 defense in the back end, the Vikings should have been able to control the game better with their running game. But coach Brad Childress seemed disappointed with the direction the offense took in the second half. Adrian Peterson got only four carries, while quarterback Brett Favre missed on eight of 12 throws. I think the Vikings could have worn down the Saints defense and knocked off a big run or two if they had stayed with it. Oh well. Hindsight is 20-20.
2. Childress said without reservation that third-year player Husain Abdullah is "our starting strong safety." We knew the Vikings weren't happy with 2009 starter Tyrell Johnson, but their training camp competition exclusively pit Johnson against second-year player Jamarca Sanford. Abdullah apparently got a few first-team repetitions during practice, but his emergence truly came out of nowhere. I don't know if the Vikings were playing possum with him, or if he became the starter because both Johnson and Sanford proved unworthy. But I can't argue with Abdullah's play Thursday night. He finished with four tackles, including an especially athletic stop of Saints tailback Reggie Bush. And if he dragged down the Vikings' pass defense, it wasn't evident on the whole. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for a relatively harmless 237 yards.
3. It took a while for the Vikings to work Greg Camarillo into their offense, but I liked what I saw when they did. Favre's first pass to him was not until midway through the fourth quarter, but Camarillo made a nice adjustment and hauled in a 29-yard reception to convert a third-and-4 situation. An offense that clearly lacked explosiveness Thursday night should use every weapon at its disposal. Camarillo might not have breakaway speed, but his sure hands and precise route-running should make him an easy fit with Favre.

And here is one issue I still don't get:

I'm still trying to figure out why the Saints didn't continue throwing downfield the way they did on their first drive, when quarterback Drew Brees completed three of four passes for 69 yards. Devery Henderson's 29-yard touchdown less than three minutes into the game suggested the rout was on. The Saints were clearly trying to capitalize on the Vikings' three-cornerback roster, but Brees managed only 158 more passing yards the rest of the way. So what gave? Childress suggested that the Saints had success with the "scripted" portion of their game plan but then veered away from it. The Vikings really didn't make much of an adjustment. They kept playing their nickel scheme and were the beneficiaries of an opponent that decided to play into the Vikings' strength as run-stoppers and mid-range pass defenders. Whatever.

» NFC History: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each week leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: History in that spot.

Chicago Bears

The Bears’ top pick is No. 75 overall. Here are the last five players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2009: Ball State tackle Robert Brewster (Dallas)
2008: Oklahoma defensive back Reggie Smith (San Francisco)
2007: Illinois State receiver Laurent Robinson (Atlanta)
2006: Louisville guard Jason Spitz (Green Bay)
2005: Virginia Tech defensive back Eric Green (Arizona)

Robinson had 37 receptions as a rookie but has since moved to St. Louis. Spitz was the Packers’ opening-day center last season before a back injury sidelined him. He is a candidate to start in 2010. Smith has played in 13 games over the past two seasons for the 49ers, with seven tackles and no interceptions.

Detroit Lions

The Lions’ top pick is No. 2 overall. Here are the last five players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2009: Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith (St. Louis)
2008: Virginia defensive end Chris Long (St. Louis)
2007: Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson (Detroit)
2006: USC running back Reggie Bush (New Orleans)
2005: Auburn running back Ronnie Brown (Miami)

Brown, Bush and Johnson have all been dynamic playmakers for parts of their careers. Coincidentally, all three have been slowed by knee injuries of varying severity. The Rams are still waiting for elite payoff from Long and endured an inconsistent rookie season from Smith.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers’ top pick is No. 23 overall. Here are the last five players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2009: Mississippi offensive tackle Michael Oher (Baltimore)
2008: Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh)
2007: LSU receiver Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City)
2006: Oklahoma guard Davin Joseph (Tampa Bay)
2005: Nebraska cornerback Fabian Washington (Oakland)

Oher, Mendenhall, Bowe and Joseph have been full-time starters. Washington moved from Oakland to Baltimore.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings’ top pick is No. 30 overall. Here are the last five players taken in that spot, with their NFL team in parentheses:

2009: Rutgers receiver Kenny Britt (Tennessee)
2008: Purdue tight end Dustin Keller (New York Jets)
2007: LSU receiver Craig Davis (San Diego)
2006: LSU running back Joseph Addai (Indianapolis)
2005: Virginia tight end Heath Miller (Pittsburgh)

All five are skill players, for what it’s worth. Davis has been a bust, but Miller, Addai and Keller are highly productive players. Britt is on pace to be as well.

After Minnesota’s 31-28 loss at New Orleans, here are three (mostly) indisputable facts I feel relatively sure about:

1. There was too much grumbling about the officiating in the Vikings’ postgame locker room. I don’t dispute there were some questionable calls. No team that commits five turnovers in a championship game, and is also called for 12 men on the field 20 seconds before the end of regulation, should spend much time evaluating the potential mistakes of others. Linebacker Ben Leber, for one, was upset about a pass interference penalty he incurred in overtime, putting the Saints in field goal position. Of two plays reviewed in overtime, one a first-down mark on fourth-and-1 and another a catch by receiver Robert Meachem, tailback Adrian Peterson said: “Really not going to say too much about the two calls at the game that got reviewed. You’ve got eyes. Pretty much, you can make your own judgments.” Some of those calls will be debated for some time, but the Vikings could have won despite them had they not made so many mistakes of their own.
2. In the end, the Vikings made Saints big-play threat Reggie Bush almost a complete non-factor. He didn’t gain a yard as a punt returner, rushed seven times for 8 yards and caught two passes for 33 yards and a contested touchdown. Punter Chris Kluwe had a 39-yard net average on four punts, fizzling the pregame storyline of his nightmare outing against the Saints in 2008.
3. The Vikings didn’t have a single false-start penalty on offense, but at times they were without question impacted by the noise at the Superdome. They had to call a timeout on one play when receiver Bernard Berrian lined up on the wrong side and didn’t notice quarterback Brett Favre frantically waving him over. You have to wonder if their penalty for 12 men on the field in the fourth quarter also could be connected to the crowd noise. And trust me when I tell you the Superdome was violently loud at times Sunday night. How so? On two occasions, the press box -- located on suite level -- swayed and shook. We were holding on for dear life.

And here is one question I'm asking:

Was the play that injured Favre’s left ankle legal? When you watch the replay, you see Saints defensive end Bobby McCray grab Favre by the feet to bring him down. This season, the NFL added an interpretation to prevent injuries on low hits similar to the one New England’s Tom Brady suffered last season. Here’s the wording of the addition: “A defender cannot initiate a roll or lunge and forcibly hit the passer in the knee area or below, even if he is being contacted by another player.” It’s open to some interpretation, but in general I don’t think the NFL wants defensive linemen grabbing the ankle of quarterbacks from behind and flipping them to the ground.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Not long after Reggie Bush returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown last Saturday, and a day before Minnesota earned its berth in the NFC Championship Game, Chris Kluwe was already hearing it.

The lowest moment in Kluwe’s career as the Vikings’ punter came last season at the Superdome, when Bush returned two of his punts for touchdowns. Afterwards, coach Brad Childress publicly lambasted him for failing to get the punts out of bounds as assigned.

“I was needling Kluwe on Saturday already,” placekicker Ryan Longwell said. “I saw him return it and it brought back memories, some not so good.”

The Vikings consider Bush one of the primary threats New Orleans will pose Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. But there are two truths we should acknowledge as the game approaches:

When you take a look at the numbers, Bush has been an average punt returner for most of his career.

Both Kluwe and the Vikings’ coverage units have made substantial progress since last year’s debacle.

On the first point, take a look at the chart that accompanies this post. As much of an every-play threat Bush might be, the vast majority of his career punt returns have been harmless. This fact doesn’t minimize the threat, but it perhaps it should reduce the hysteria surrounding this aspect of the matchup.

On the second: Bush appeared to have regained his speed and form in the Saints’ 45-14 romp over Arizona last weekend. Less obvious, however, was the scintillating performance that Kluwe and the Vikings’ punt coverage team produced in a 34-3 victory over Dallas.

Kluwe averaged 41.7 net yards and the Cowboys did not gain a single return yard on five punts, a big reason why their average drive started on the Vikings’ 25-yard line.

Kluwe has spent most of the season working to reduce his distance while improving hang time and direction, and Longwell said: “He’s actually a much better punter than he’s ever been and he’s a better weapon for us going into this game than he was last year.”

Longwell added: “He has a home run leg, just as strong as anybody in the league. And [special teams coordinator Brian Murphy] has asked him to dial it back and hit more hang time, and he’s done that this year. [It’s] a lot tougher to return on that.”

Kluwe, for his part, said he has worked hard to have a short memory.

“That was just one of those things where you have to just put it behind you,” he said. “It’s the NFL. You’re going to have ups. You’re going to have downs. … I mean, he’s a dynamic returner. Obviously, he always has that possibility to make something happen. But we’re just going to go out and cover like we did last week against Dallas, and hopefully try to keep him from breaking anything big.”

One of Detroit’s more pleasant offseason dilemmas is dealing with the relative surplus of linebackers on its roster. As Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press points out, the Lions have the opportunity to at least consider jettisoning some high-priced veterans in favor of some genuine young talent.

The Lions spent most of the season with veterans Ernie Sims, Julian Peterson and Larry Foote as their starters. But Foote will be a free agent and Peterson is scheduled to make a relatively excessive $7.5 million in 2010. Sims, meanwhile, spent part of the season battling injuries -- and fending off rookie DeAndre Levy for a starting position.

Levy figures to start somewhere in 2010, most likely at Foote’s position. Rookie Zack Follett also showed some potential. Bringing back Foote and Peterson certainly wouldn’t hurt the team, but the opportunity exists for the Lions to shift those financial assets elsewhere if they wish.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The average secondary purchase ticket price for the NFC Championship Game is $800, according to the Star Tribune.
• Minnesota hasn’t forgotten that New Orleans running back Reggie Bush returned two punts for touchdowns in the teams’ matchup last season at the Superdome. Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune has more.
• At least Fran Tarkenton is consistent. The Hall of Fame quarterback told Bloomberg News that he still doesn’t like seeing quarterback Brett Favre in a Vikings uniform. “[I]t didn’t sit well with me and it still doesn’t,” he said.
• Gaines Adams’ family is still coming to grips with his death, writes Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
• Bears players, coaches and front-office members will ride a private plane to Adams’ funeral Friday, writes Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Green Bay will especially miss John Schneider in the area of college scouting, writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Schneider is Seattle’s new general manager.
• Schneider may try to bring some other Packers employees with him to Seattle, according to Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

	Getty Images
	Will the Detroit Lions choose Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford (left) or Alabama tackle Andre Smith with the No. 1 pick? Or could it be someone else?

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

The situation begins to focus this week. At some point, Detroit officials will find themselves face-to-face with Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. They'll size up Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. They'll get a better sense for the handful of blue-chip players who could be the No. 1 overall pick of a draft that as of Tuesday is 67 days away.

The Lions are approaching a franchise-altering decision: Because of their 0-16 record in 2008, they will have their choice of any college player in the nation. There are no obstacles, no reasons to cross their fingers and no "if-then" scenarios to consider. It's the rarest of opportunities, even for a team with the Lions' recent history. In fact, nearly 30 years have passed since the Lions last owned the No. 1 pick.

	NFL.com Video
	An inside look at how three players are preparing for the 2009 scouting combine.

(For the historically minded: Running back Billy Sims, 1980.)

The top pick annually carries a combination of opportunity and fear. You can choose anyone -- so don't make a mistake.

Occasionally, the choice is obvious. In 2001, for example, few people faulted the Atlanta Falcons for targeting Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick. Sometimes there is a handful of players who seem equally worthy. In 2007, you could have made an argument for LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson or Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas at No. 1.

Then there are years when it seems no one might be qualified. Wouldn't it be the Lions' luck if that were the case in 2009? Media analysts have tabbed Stafford as the likeliest overall pick because he is the top quarterback prospect, but that might not have been the case had Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford not returned to Oklahoma. The Lions must determine whether Stafford is worthy of the No. 1 pick -- or if, like Utah's Alex Smith (2005) and Fresno State's David Carr (2002) before him -- he's merely the best quarterback in the draft.

If it's the latter, where would the Lions turn? Would it be Smith, whom Alabama coach Nick Saban kicked off the team last season? Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree? (The Lions history with drafting wide receivers works against Crabtree in this case.) Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry? Or would they trade the pick altogether?

With the annual scouting combine set to commence later this week in Indianapolis, let's take a closer look at the Lions' options. The Lions, after all, aren't just deciding whom to select. They must determine when they want to pick as well.

The franchise quarterback

Scouts Inc. Top 10 Player Year Pos. School 1. Michael Crabtree So. WR Texas Tech 2. Aaron Curry Sr. OLB Wake Forest 3. B.J. Raji Sr. DT Boston Coll. 4. Eugene Monroe Sr. OT Virginia 5. Matthew Stafford Jr. QB Georgia 6. Jason Smith Sr. OT Baylor 7. Malcolm Jenkins Sr. CB Ohio State 8. Mark Sanchez Jr. QB USC 9. Andre Smith Jr. OT Alabama 10. Vontae Davis Jr. CB Illinois Mel Kiper Top 10 Player Year Pos. School 1. Michael Crabtree So. WR Texas Tech 2. Aaron Curry Sr. LB Wake Forest 3. Andre Smith Jr. OT Alabama 4. Matthew Stafford Jr. QB Georgia 5. Mark Sanchez Jr. QB USC 6. Jason Smith Sr. OT Baylor 7. Malcolm Jenkins Sr. CB Ohio State 8. Eugene Monroe Sr. OT Virginia 9. Jeremy Maclin So. WR Missouri 10. B.J. Raji Sr. DT Boston College

Even at this early date in the draft season, it seems clear that 2009 is not a banner year for so-called "blue-chip" quarterbacks. ESPN.com analyst Todd McShay has four underclassmen at the top of his quarterback rankings: USC's Mark Sanchez, Kansas State's Josh Freeman and Ball State's Nate Davis. The senior class of quarterbacks, McShay notes, "ranks among the worst in NFL draft history."

This set of circumstances has several implications for the Lions. Historically, underclassman quarterbacks are less likely to develop into NFL stars. That inherently makes Stafford a more difficult and potentially riskier prospect to evaluate. But conversely, it means the Lions will have less to choose from if they bypass him and target a lesser-known quarterback lower in the draft.

(The wild-card might be USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, who hasn't generated much No. 1-pick buzz. Sanchez could change that if he decides to work out fully at the combine, as has been reported.)

Knowing they need to address the quarterback position in some way, the Lions have been working for months to evaluate the lower portions of the class. Starting with the combine, they'll be able to address the Stafford question more directly. Stafford isn't expected to work out, following a long-h
eld pattern of top quarterback prospects, but he will be scheduled to conduct interviews with team officials.

How smart is he? Does he display leadership attributes? What about his character? Those are questions the Lions can begin answering at the combine.

The fallback
If drafted No. 1 overall, Stafford figures to exceed the $30 million in guaranteed money that Miami gave offensive tackle Jake Long last year as the top pick in the draft. If anything concerns the Lions about Stafford's physical or mental makeup, they will have to consider possible fallback options to minimize the financial risk.

The Dolphins took that path with Long, opting for a talented but grounded player who could fill a hole for the next decade. In doing so, Miami passed over Virginia defensive end Chris Long, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden, among other higher-risk but potentially higher-reward choices.

Houston followed a similar pattern in 2006, tapping NC State defensive end Mario Williams rather than a pair of offensive playmakers: USC tailback Reggie Bush and Texas quarterback Vince Young.

Does a "safe" pick exist for the Lions at No. 1? Could it be Curry? What about Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji, who would fill a tremendous need and probably accept less guaranteed money than Stafford? Those questions, too, the Lions will explore in Indianapolis.

The trade
Thanks to the October trade of receiver Roy Williams, the Lions already own five of the draft's top 82 picks. They could further speed up the rebuilding process by trading out of the No. 1 pick if they determine no player is worthy of that slot.

A quarterback has been involved the last two times the No. 1 pick has been traded. In 2004, San Diego moved down three spots in the draft so the New York Giants could have Eli Manning. For doing so, the Chargers received third- and fifth-round picks in 2004 and the Giants' first-round pick in 2005.

In 2001, the Chargers moved down four spots in the draft so that Atlanta could grab Vick. San Diego received kick returner Tim Dwight, a third-round pick in 2001 and a second-round pick in 2002 for its trouble.

So it stands to reason that the Lions' best hope for a trade is if another team falls in love with Stafford and is willing to pursue him aggressively.

With any luck, it's an option the Lions won't have to make again for a long time.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

If you're like me and random theme songs pop in your head, you're hearing Europe's "Final Countdown" as Thursday night's showdown between Chicago and New Orleans approaches. (It's very possible that I'm the only one this happens to, but we'll leave it at that).

(By the way, have you ever actually read the exact lyrics of this song? I just looked at them here. Not what I thought. Probably better served for an Odyssey convention or something. Anyways).

Yes, the Bears are in a must-win situation against a team that has the capacity to steamroll them but rarely plays well away from home. David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune writes that we'll find out if the Bears are the "Big Tease" or the "Big Payoff."

Haugh:

Is this going to be the season known for its near-misses or far-flung playoff scenarios coming true? Is this a season in which veteran millionaires failed the Bears or one that hungry rookies saved for them? Will this be the season that peaked in Week 1 with the only real surprise victory of the year over the Colts? Or can the Bears muster enough mental toughness Thursday night to beat a deeper and more talented New Orleans team to keep the pressure on the NFC North-leading Vikings?

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times looks at one of the key players in Thursday night's game, Bears nickel back Danieal Manning. A conversation between Bears safeties coach Gil Byrd helped level Manning's play this season, Biggs writes.

The Bears might spend time obsessing over the Saints' passing game, but they would be remiss to ignore a running game that includes Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, writes Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald.

We'll have more on this game as the day continues and will check in periodically Thursday night. Now, let's continue our morning ride through the division:

• Minnesota coaches and players will be rooting heavily for the Saints, writes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune. A Bears loss gives the Vikings a chance to clinch the division Sunday.
• Minnesota defensive lineman Kevin Williams could lose $500,000 in contract escalators if he is suspended and thus ineligible for the Pro Bowl, writes Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. But Williams can re-coup that money if he is named to the Associated Press All-Pro team instead.
• Dan Orlovsky is the Lions' likely starting quarterback Sunday at Indianapolis, writes John Niyo of the Detroit News. Orlovsky, however, is recovering from a hand injury and issued this alarming quote: "I'm gonna miss some throws because of it, but I'm pretty confident I'll be able to go out and throw and play effectively and play well."
• Indeed, Orlovsky looked rusty in practice Wednesday, writes David Birkett of the Oakland Press, and the apparent decision speaks to the lack of confidence the team must have in backup Drew Stanton.
• You can officially call it a lost season for Green Bay defensive tackle Justin Harrell, who has been shut down for a couple days because of a hip injury. Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette hashes through the problems of the Packers' 2007 first-round draft choice.
• Rob Reischel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel takes a look at Tony Moll, who will replace the injured Mark Tauscher at right tackle.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

NEW ORLEANS -- We're in place here at the Superdome and awaiting the final verdict on one important piece of pregame news: The status of Saints tailback Reggie Bush.

Multiple media reports have indicated Bush will not play, but nothing is official until the inactive list is made public. That list should be coming our way here in 10-15 minutes.

We'll update you with both team's inactive lists as soon as we get them.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

It's possible that the appeals process for at least one of Minnesota's Pro Bowl defensive tackles will extend into Friday, further disrupting the team's practice week as it prepares for Sunday's game at Jacksonville.

Kevin Williams and Pat Williams had separate hearings scheduled for Thursday in New York. Kevin Williams went first, and according to Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune, the hearing hadn't ended as of 10:15 p.m. ET. As a result, Pat Williams' appeal hadn't even started -- making it likely that new plans would have to be made.

The Vikings originally expected that both players would return to their facility in time for Friday's practice. The team travels Saturday to Jacksonville.

Defensive end Jared Allen and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier spent Tuesday in New York meeting with NFL officials. Allen is rehabilitating a sprained right shoulder.

Continuing around the NFC North on a Friday morning:

• Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had an interesting response Thursday when asked whether he was surprised to be left off the field for the team's final possession last Sunday in Tampa Bay. "Did it surprise you?" Peterson said to a group of Minnesota reporters.
• Chicago defensive end Mark Anderson hasn't had a sack in 22 games, notes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Bears defensive end Alex Brown on the team's defensive problems: "We need to pressure the quarterback. That's what we're paid to do, and that's what the defense requires us to do. We have to get to the quarterback. We have to at least get him off rhythm, and we haven't been doing that as of late, so hopefully that'll change. We're just not doing our job right now, and we better change it." Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald has the story.
• Green Bay guard Daryn Colledge, who wasn't expected to win a starting job this season, has been the team's most consistent lineman, writes Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• The Packers are preparing as if New Orleans running back/returner Reggie Bush (knee) will be ready for Monday night's game. Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal breaks down the situation.
• John Niyo of the Detroit News breaks down the disappointing season of Lions linebacker Ernie Sims, who is on pace for a career low in tackles.
• The Lions will be blacked out for the third consecutive home game, writes Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

CHICAGO -- We interrupt the track meet in Chicago to wonder how much longer punter Chris Kluwe will be in a Vikings uniform.

I like Kluwe, but a few minutes ago he made one of the worst plays you'll see a punter make. Standing at about the Chicago 9-yard line, Kluwe dropped a perfect snap. He picked it up and tried to punt, but by then Bears safety Craig Steltz was in position for the block.

The ball landed close to Kluwe's foot, where it seemed destined to be downed. The Bears would have had excellent field position but would have had to earn a score. Instead, Kluwe kicked the ball out of the scrum -- which, of course, is against NFL rules. As it turned out, the ball bounced right into the hands of Bears special teamer Garrett Wolfe, who returned it 17 yards for a touchdown.

The penalty was declined, and the score counted.

Kluwe clearly panicked, which isn't a good sign considering the pressure Kluwe is under. As you'll remember, Vikings coach Brad Childress threatened Kluwe's job two weeks ago after he failed to kick the ball out of bounds as directed at New Orleans. The result was a pair of touchdown returns from the Saints' Reggie Bush.

Was Kluwe thinking too much about his orders to -- no doubt -- kick the ball out of bounds against the Bears' Devin Hester? It's a good bet -- and a bad turn of events for Kluwe's job security.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

The NFL's endless assessment of player fines doesn't usually interest me. But Friday, the league issued a few intriguing ones after Monday night's game between New Orleans and Minnesota.

Most notably, Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway was fined $7,500 for grabbing the facemask of Saints tailback Reggie Bush. The play sparked huge controversy during the game because referee Ed Hochuli's crew failed to penalize Greenway. Bush fumbled on the play, and Vikings safety Tyrell Johnson recovered.

It's always embarrassing when the league fines a player for something the officials missed during the game. Greenway's play was blatantly evident even at full speed.

Meanwhile, Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield was fined $10,000 for celebrating his 59-yard return of a blocked field goal in the first quarter. He was also penalized 15 yards after he straddled and slid down the goal post, but that's a lot of money for a harmless celebration.

Finally, Vikings receiver Robert Ferguson was fined $5,000 for a late hit that also generated a 15-yard penalty.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

Hester

During his daily news briefing Wednesday, someone asked Atlanta coach Mike Smith a question that every head coach faces when his team prepares for Chicago: Would the Falcons kick to Bears returner Devin Hester?

Smith, whose Falcons will take on the Bears this Sunday at the Georgia Dome, offered the typical response.

"Well, we can't divulge whether we're going to punt to him or not," Smith said. "But through the last couple of years, he's one of the most dynamic punt returners in the league. We're going to definitely have a plan to try to neutralize him. It'll be a big challenge for our special teams to keep him under control."

Here in the NFC North, we all know the dangers of kicking to a game-breaking returner. (Google "Minnesota Vikings" and "Reggie Bush" for more information.)

In this case, however, a more specific question might have been: "Do you need to keep the ball out of Devin Hester's hands?"

Facts are facts, and this season Hester hasn't been nearly as explosive as he was in 2006 or 2007. Perhaps slowed by a rib injury that forced him to miss one game, Hester is averaging 5.4 yards on 11 punt returns. He has been better on kickoffs, with a 23.4-yard average and a long of 57. But to this point Hester has been most effective as a receiver on offense, where he has two touchdown receptions.

This is not to suggest Hester has slipped or that opponents have figured him out. He remains a dangerous weapon that shouldn't be overlooked. But it will be interesting to see whether the Bears' upcoming opponents will adjust based on Hester's slow statistical start.

The only way to ensure a returner can't touch the ball is to kick it out of bounds. But even that approach can aid the Bears' field position. (On kickoffs, it moves the ball to the 40-yard line. For punts, it almost always limits distance.) As a result, this strategy is only reserved for the most extreme situations.

Usually, Hester is the embodiment of extreme. Will that perception continue? We'll find out soon enough.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- A pretty rare occurrence took place Wednesday at the Minnesota Vikings' team headquarters.

(And, no, I'm not talking about the bald eagle that flew low over the field during the Vikings' afternoon practice. That really did happen, though. Cool stuff.)

What I was referring to was a weighty discussion between the head coach and the punter, two components of a football team that generally go their separate ways. Nevertheless, coach Brad Childress met with punter Chris Kluwe two days after an angry exchange of words on the sideline during the Vikings' 30-27 victory at New Orleans. And after practice, the Vikings very visibly brought four free agent punters onto the field for workouts.

Childress was livid that Kluwe failed to kick a pair of punts out of bounds during the game, later telling reporters that he would "find somebody" that would do it if Kluwe couldn't. (New Orleans' Reggie Bush returned one of the punts 29 yards and the other 64 yards for a touchdown.)

Some Vikings players weren't thrilled to see one of their teammates thrown under the bus after such a wild victory. Kluwe chose his words carefully Wednesday but made clear that kicking the ball out of bounds isn't as easy as it sounds:

"I think a lot of people don't realize that when you're trying to kick it out of bounds, you're trying to kick a football to a very specific point 55 yards away. You've got quarterbacks that have trouble throwing the ball 55 yards away, but to kick it there, it takes a little bit of luck to get it where you want it to go. It's something I've been working on and hopefully I can get better in the future."

Of his conversation with Childress, Kluwe said: "He was just saying, 'We need you to kick it out of bounds.' And I was trying to let him know that sometimes it doesn't go out of bounds."

The Vikings wanted to keep the ball out of Bush's hands after he returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Kluwe called the process a "pretty delicate balancing act" because the kick is still supposed to go at least 40 yards. Punters typically address direction by changing the drop of the ball, but every inch of change can correspond to 10 or more yards of deviation.

"You want to get some yardage out of it," Kluwe said. "But if you try to get too much, it's not going to go out. If you try to get too little, then all of a sudden you kick a 20-yard punt three rows deep [into the stands]. And you get yelled at for that."

The Vikings signed Kluwe to a six-year contract extension last season and his job wouldn't seem to be in immediate jeopardy. He ranks seventh in the NFL in both gross average (47.1) and punts downed inside the 20-yard line (9), but Wednesday's workouts suggest Childress isn't backing down.

"It's a heated game," Kluwe said. "It's football. It's a game of emotion. I'm pretty confident in what I can do. I think I've shown that I can hit the ball fairly well. If he feels like he needs someone else to come in, he's the head coach. That's his job."