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Could the "Discount Double Check" lead to national television stardom for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers? I guess it depends on what you consider "national television stardom," but Rodgers took last weekend's television opportunity at Super Bowl XLVI to network for an appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

Rodgers has mentioned that possibility several times on his ESPN 540 radio show in Milwaukee, and Tuesday he said he met a couple cast members last weekend in Indianapolis, where he worked as part of NBC's pregame show. "I'm hopeful that we can figure something out there," Rodgers said.

I'm trying to make an "SNL"-related joke, but I'm a little dated in my reference points. Hasn't been the same since Matt Foley left permanently for his van down by the river. (#ChrisFarleyRIP.)

In all seriousness, hosting "SNL" is an elite stepping stone for athletes who have crossed into celebrity status. The success of Rodgers' State Farm television commercials, as well as his MVP and his well-received work for NBC on Sunday, might have vaulted him into relatively rare advertising and publicity air. Athletes who have hosted "SNL" include Fran Tarkenton, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Nancy Kerrigan and Walter Payton.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings receiver: Berrian took to Twitter on Sunday to note that he has been "open" for the past four years. I don't really care that one of his antagonists was a Minnesota state representative, one who happens to be a co-author of owner Zygi Wilf's stadium financing bill. No matter who he was speaking to, Berrian was wrong to imply that getting open means he has been doing his job. There are multiple reasons why he has been so unproductive in recent years, and they include some factors (such as quarterback accuracy) that are beyond Berrian's control. I'll have more on this topic later in the week, but for now understand that Vikings quarterbacks have targeted him on 67 passes over the past 20 games. Berrian has caught 30 of them. Berrian would be well-advised to evaluate what he does, or doesn't do, to fight for the ball before drawing attention to his production.

2. Insanity in Chicago: We've hammered Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz pretty well in recent weeks for his play calling. So we should note that the Bears came to their senses in several ways Sunday. First, they swapped receivers Roy Williams and Johnny Knox, returning Knox to his starting role. While Knox has own issues to work through, Williams needed to be held accountable for his lack of productivity. Martz called only 19 passes compared to 30 running plays. The reality is the Bears aren't in position to generate a ton of scoring on their own. Martz smartly and safely capitalized on the boost he got from the Bears' defense (one touchdown) and special teams (one touchdown, another set up and a blocked field goal).

3. Remi Ayodele, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle: The Vikings’ new nose tackle has started four games and doesn’t have a single tackle. Nose tackles don’t typically pile up tackles, and Ayodele’s top job is to occupy multiple blockers. But you would think a nose tackle would fall on a running back at some point during a four-game stretch. Ayodele doesn’t play in the nickel, and according to Pro Football Focus, he has been on the field for only 76 of the Vikings' 259 defensive snaps. That in itself is an indictment of his contribution so far. But still ….

RISING

1. Gunther Cunningham, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator: I have no idea how long Cunningham is planning to coach. He's 65 and has been coaching for 42 years. But it's nice to see him having success as his career inevitably moves into its twilight. Lost in the publicity of the Lions' offensive explosion has been a defense that Cunningham has smartly tweaked to fit his personnel. When he arrived in 2009, Cunningham estimated he would blitz on 40 percent of his defensive snaps. Now armed with one of the NFL's best defensive lines, Cunningham almost never blitzes and instead allows his back seven to drop into coverage and make plays. All three of the Lions' interceptions Sunday of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo came against a standard four-man rush. Overall, Cunningham blitzed on 10.9 percent of the Cowboys’ offensive snaps. Good coaches never get old. They adapt.

2. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers receiver: In his past 10 games, dating back to last season and including playoffs, Nelson has caught 42 passes for 741 yards and six touchdowns. He has effectively emerged as the Packers' No. 2 receiver, regardless of who starts, and absolutely earned the three-year contract extension he signed over the weekend. The Packers' top draft pick in 2008, Nelson is yet another example of a homegrown talent who worked his way through the Packers' in-house minor leagues to become a top contributor.

3. Matt Forte, Bears tailback: There are three players in Bears history to surpass 200 rushing yards in a game. One is Gale Sayers. One is Walter Payton. The other is Forte, who finished with 205 yards Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Through four games, Forte has been the Bears' best player. He is obviously their rushing leader, but he also has more than twice as many receptions as his next-closest teammate. Overall, Forte has touched the ball on 37.7 percent of the Bears’ snaps and has accounted for more than half of their total yards. Rarely do you see a player in a contract year make a better case for himself.

From the sound of it, not all of you are thrilled with a new book that delves into some dark issues in the life of Hall of Fame tailback Walter Payton. Among other things, Jeff Pearlman's "Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton," describes drug use, suicidal thoughts and an uncomfortable marriage.

In the comments section of the ESPN.com news story, MoInChgo1985 wrote: "Walter Payton was my hero on the field. Nothing will ever change that or tarnish his memory. Whatever he did when he took off his cleats is none of my business or yours."

I get it. I can understand why you might not want to hear about the personal struggles of a hero who died nearly 12 years ago. You certainly have the option of not reading and/or ignoring whatever publicity the book generates.

Generally speaking, however, I appreciate legitimate attempts to develop fuller portraits of historical figures. To me, limiting legacies for the sake of preserving incomplete memories and/or protecting innocence doesn't strike me as a productive position.

As Pearlman wrote Thursday on his blog: "What's the point of history, if history can only be approved talking points?"

Based on the excerpt in this week's Sports Illustrated, Pearlman's information came from on-the-record interviews with people who were close to Payton. Obviously, the book will be publicly vetted and everyone will draw their conclusions. Payton's' family has released a statement on "recent disclosures" saying, in part, that "some [are] true, some untrue."

I'm planning to read the book when it's released next month. At the same time, I get where many of you are coming from. Payton retired when I was 14 years old. My only memory of him is gliding on a football field. But when given the choice between hoarding a potentially incomplete portrait or taking the opportunity to deepen it, I'll choose the latter every time. If you're going to dismiss the topic, I suggest you do it from a position of knowledge.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Wednesday marked the 25th anniversary of the Chicago Bears' triumph in Super Bowl XX. To commemorate the event, ESPN.com produced a really cool "Moment in Time" feature that broke down one that game's most famous plays -- William "The Refrigerator" Perry's 1-yard touchdown run -- with video insight from many of the participants.

Among those interviewed are Perry, who is recovering from an extended bout with Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Bears quarterback Jim McMahon. In retrospect, Perry says he would have preferred the carry go to Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton. As Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com writes, Payton was not happy with the play call.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times on Bears general manager Jerry Angelo: "The general managers who do the best job preparing for the unknown will have a distinct advantage when the expected lockout ends and teams are allowed to replenish their rosters."
• Former Bears safety Gary Fencik told ESPN 1000 that the Bears were too slow to release information on quarterback Jay Cutler's knee injury.
• The Bears hired Kevin O'Dea as their assistant special teams coach, replacing Chris Tabor, who left to join the Cleveland Browns as special teams coordinator.
• Do the Bears need to give running back Matt Forte a contract extension? Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune looks at that question.
• Green Bay Packers special teams stalwart Jarrett Bush is aware of his perception among fans before this season. Bush, via Gary D'Amato of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "It was unfortunate what they thought of me, but what I thought of them didn't change. I thought they were still the greatest fans in the world. But it was up to me to change their perception of me and the way I played the game, the way I played football."
• Packers cornerback Charles Woodson sent an autographed jersey to President Barack Obama, a noted Bears fan, according to Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com. The autograph read: "To President Obama. See you at the White House. Go Packers. Charles Woodson."
• A Super Bowl repeat of the Packers' wild 2009 shootout with the Pittsburgh Steelers is unlikely, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has sought guidance from other players who have appeared in Super Bowls, including quarterback Kurt Warner. Jim Polzin of the Wisconsin State Journal has more.
• Have the Pittsburgh Steelers already ruled out center Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) from the Super Bowl? Teammates are indicating yes, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
• Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News: "If you consider that Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was less than a year removed from a major knee injury (ACL), it's pretty amazing what the second-year player accomplished this season."
• The Minnesota Vikings are having discussions about a stadium site in suburban Arden Hills, according to Dave Orrick of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• The stadium would be located at the intersection of Intestate 35W and Highway 10, according to the Star Tribune.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Green Bay Packers are dealing with a new injury to a key player as they prepare for Sunday's critical showdown with the Chicago Bears.

Nickelback Sam Shields couldn't practice Wednesday because of a knee injury that flared up during conditioning earlier this week. Shields told Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he still plans to play against the Bears. Ultimately, of course, that won't be his decision. As we've noted before, the Packers' depth behind Shields is a question mark, and it's an area the team probably doesn't want to test in a game that could determine whether it receives a playoff berth.

At the very least, Shields is likely to cede his kickoff return duties. Shields suggested that Pat Lee could handle that role Sunday.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Packers aren't planning to give Bears punt returner Devin Hester much of an opportunity to get a return, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji has 6.5 sacks this season, the most for a 3-4 nose tackle since 1990, according to Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Hester bought gifts for his teammates after he was elected to the Pro Bowl, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Over the past five games, the Bears are averaging 28 points, notes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Bears tailback Matt Forte is 22 yards away from 1,000 and 13 receiving yards from 500 for the season. If he accomplishes both feats, he will join Walter Payton as the only running back in franchise history to do so, according to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
• Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre failed a post-concussion impact test Wednesday, writes Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune, meaning he still isn't cleared to practice.
• Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier reached out to his veterans to keep the team engaged during the past week, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com breaks down the tape of the Vikings' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
• The Detroit Lions fined center Dominic Raiola $15,000 for using obscene words and a hand gesture while responding to fans in Miami, according to The Associated Press.
• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press: "Brandon Pettigrew didn't make the Pro Bowl this year, but the prevailing sentiment in the Lions organization is that the tight end will earn an invite to Hawaii before long."
• Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: "Calvin Johnson has done something that hasn't been done in 12 years. He will start at wide receiver in the Pro Bowl despite having three different quarterbacks throw to him this season."

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Tribune takes a look at the Bears' offensive line.

NFL Films president Steve Sabol picked Dick Butkus as the game's greatest defensive player and Walter Payton as the game's greatest running back.

Former Bear Steve McMichael talks about his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Detroit Lions

The Lions will open 20 training camp sessions to fans.

Cliff Avril is battling for the Lions' left defensive end position after Kyle Vanden Bosch claimed his right defensive end spot.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Press-Gazette has a profile on Marv Fleming, who was recently inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame.

Minnesota Vikings

Offensive lineman Chester Pitts, who is recovering from microfracture surgery on his right knee, will work out for teams in Arizona. The Vikings are one of several teams that have shown interest.

An unsettled labor situation leaves the Vikings -- and other NFL teams -- treading unchartered waters.

Notable players: Tailback Walter Payton; quarterback Jim McMahon; defensive linemen Richard Dent, William "The Refrigerator" Perry, Steve McMichael and Dan Hampton; linebacker Mike Singletary; safety Dave Duerson.

The 1985 Chicago Bears were known, in equal parts, for their dominant defense and outsized personalities. The Bears' blitz-happy "46" defense spurred them to a 12-0 start, a 15-1 regular season record and the largest margin of victory in a Super Bowl at the time. And a roster that included three Hall of Fame players, five All-Pros and nine Pro Bowlers gave us some lasting and unique images.

Who can forget Perry diving into the end zone on Monday Night Football or catching a touchdown pass at Lambeau Field? Many of us can still feel the tension between coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, a dynamic that ultimately resulted in both men carried off the field after the Super Bowl. McMahon's message-laden headbands. And is there anything else to say beyond "Super Bowl Shuffle?"

Those sideshows were the grizzle on the meat of a team that was as talented, at least defensively, as any modern-day championship group. That collection of players gave the Bears the only championship they have known in the past 47 years.

Nearly half of the defensive starters made the Pro Bowl. Singletary and Hampton are in the Hall of Fame. One day, Dent will join them. Two players finished with double-digit sacks: Dent (17) and linebacker Otis Wilson (11). As a team, the Bears forced 54 turnovers. During one particularly dominant stretch, the Bears went two months without giving up more than 10 points in a game.

Their only loss came in Week 13 at Miami, which finished 12-4 that season. But the Bears rebounded from that loss, winning their final three games by an average margin of two touchdowns, and then elevated themselves to historic status in the playoffs.

On the way to Super Bowl XX, the Bears shut out the New York Giants (21-0) and Los Angeles Rams (24-0). The culmination of their season was a dominating 46-10 victory over New England in which the Bears set seven Super Bowl records.

Most impressive win: It's hard to look past a 36-point victory in a title game of any kind. At the time, it was the largest margin of victory in a Super Bowl.

Quotable: "In life, there are teams called Smith, and teams called 'Grabowski'....We're Grabowskis!" -- Ditka, painting his team as a blue-collar group that evoked Chicago's heritage. The nickname caught on.

Honorable mention:

1941: Six future Hall of Fame players contributed to a 10-1 record and an NFL Championship. All of its victories were by more than a touchdown, and its only loss was by two points to Green Bay.

1940: The same core of Hall of Fame players finished 8-3 and also won the NFL Championship. The title game was a legendary 73-0 defeat of Washington.

1942: An undefeated regular season (11-0) featured four shutouts over its final six games. But this team lost 14-6 to Washington in the NFL Championship Game.

» NFC On the Radar: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A player, coach or issue that should be on your radar as training camp approaches.

We're now four months removed from the NFC Championship Game, an event that announced to the world that Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson has a fumbling problem. Organized team activities have begun, training camp is two months away and no one can say what -- if anything -- Peterson has done to address the issue.

Coach Brad Childress long ago dismissed the possibility of a fundamental intervention, saying in February that "I'm not going to discourage that guy from running the ball with the style that he runs the football with." He expressed confidence that Peterson could resolve the issue mostly on his own and noted that Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton fumbled at a higher rate than Peterson during the first three years of his career. (Peterson has 20 fumbles in 915 carries, while Payton fumbled 30 times in 846 carries.)

I'm all for using statistics to provide context and explanation. In this case, Payton's fumble totals dropped dramatically after his third season. He cut his season total in half for Year 4 and needed more than five full seasons before he fumbled another 30 times. Clearly, something happened between Year 3 and Year 4.

Will something click for Peterson this offseason? During an interview at the Pro Bowl, Peterson vowed to do "a better job" protecting the ball, but to this point specifics have been scarce. That's nothing to be alarmed about or even question at this point. But if Peterson is planning anything significant -- carrying the ball a different way, for example -- now would be the time to work on it.

Let's clean out our notebook with the 2010 NFL draft in the books:

Many of us considered offensive tackle and outside linebacker as Green Bay's top two needs in this draft. The Packers drafted Iowa's Bryan Bulaga to address the former, but they came up empty on the latter and don't have an obvious answer at the position shared last year by Aaron Kampman and Brad Jones.

That's a particular blow for a team that generally sits out veteran free agency. But general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy both hinted a linebacker move of some kind could be on the horizon.

"We didn't draft any linebackers this year," Thompson said, "but still we're going to be trying to add some stuff to that position, sure."

According to ESPN's Stats & Information, NFL teams drafted 36 linebackers over the past three days, more than any other position.

The Packers drafted a running back in the sixth round who missed the entire 2009 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. McCarthy wouldn't commit to whether Buffalo's James Starks will be cleared for all of spring drills.

"We're very comfortable with his particular medical situation," McCarthy said, "but until he gets here and gets to work, we'll have a complete idea of where he is."

Starks, 6-foot-2 and 218 pounds, has the kind of size to make a difference

We discussed the inconsistency that dropped USC defensive end Everson Griffen from possible first-round status to Minnesota's fourth-round pick. Speaking to local reporters, Griffen said he is "not a big guy to make excuses" but revealed he played half of last season with a turf toe.

"It was a bad turf toe," he said. "Two months ago, it finally started feeling better. You just got to want to play at that level and that's what I want to do. ... Coming off this injury affected me for about half of the year, but I'm feeling 100 percent. I'm ready to go. No new injuries."

Vikings director of college scouting Scott Studwell referred to Griffen as "a college student that enjoyed the college life a little bit," a nice way of saying his game might have been affected by his social life. To his credit, Griffen didn't dispute that notion.

"What college kid doesn't enjoy college?" he said. "College only happens one time, and you learn from your mistakes. I wouldn't take anything back from my college experience. You learn from your mistakes, and that's how you become an adult. That's what I did. I learned from my mistakes."

Detroit plans to work fourth-round pick Jason Fox on both the left and right side, offensive line coach George Yarno told local reporters. Fox is still working his way back from a torn patella tendon.

"He'll rotate both tackles: Left and right and see where it goes from there," Yarno said. "I think with his injury and everything, it will take some time before he's ready to go. We're looking at him as kind of the third tackle right now [behind starters Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus] and see where the competition will go from there."

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew was at it again Saturday, upgrading the throw-in draft pick he got in the Tony Scheffler-Ernie Sims trade earlier this month.

To review: As part of a three-way deal, the Lions sent Sims to Philadelphia and got Scheffler from Denver. The Broncos also gave the Lions their seventh-round draft pick, No. 220 overall. Saturday, the Lions sent that pick to Philadelphia in exchange for the Eagles' sixth-round pick in 2010. At this rate, it will be a first-rounder by the time next April rolls around.

We briefly touched on the possibility of Chicago pursuing Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, who was released Saturday by the New York Jets. Asked about the possibility by Chicago reporters, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo wouldn't rule it out.

"I don't know who would not consider Alan Faneca, if you had a need at the offensive line," Angelo said. "Again, we'll look into some things, like we did before the draft."

Something to keep an eye on, for sure.

The Chicago scout that handled the report on Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour referenced New England quarterback Tom Brady during an interview with Chicago reporters. Scout Jeff Shiver said: "A long time ago, I missed a quarterback in the sixth round. I think he's still with the Patriots."

I think that was Shiver's way of suggesting the Bears did more than take a sixth-round flyer on a local kid who grew up with a Walter Payton jersey on his wall. They believe he can develop into a legitimate NFL quarterback.

If sentimentality plays any role, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune, LaDainian Tomlinson could be a good fit in Chicago.

Bears Hall of Famer Walter Payton was one of Tomlinson's first football heroes. He named his dog "Sweetness," and his personal trainer calls him "Walter" during conditioning work for motivation.

As Haugh writes, the Bears should only pursue Tomlinson if it's on their terms. And that means Tomlinson recognizing he is no longer a feature back, and accepting a secondary role behind Matt Forte. That role could still have exceptional production, especially in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's passing game, but would require a career realization that Tomlinson probably hasn't made yet.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• In a letter to Bears season ticket holders, team president Ted Phillips lauded the "renewed focus on winning" that Martz and new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli will bring to the team. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has more.
• Minnesota place-kicker Ryan Longwell is expected to receive a $500,000 roster bonus on March 7, notes Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune.
• New Buffalo coach Chan Gailey didn't provide a ringing endorsement of former Green Bay quarterback Brian Brohm, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Packers' need for offensive linemen will coincide with one of the deepest line groups in recent memory, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. As many as eight offensive linemen could be selected in the first round of the draft.
• Detroit coach Jim Schwartz wants to find a permanent starter at left guard, writes Nicholas J. Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press.
• Schwartz did not endorse the premise that the Lions must take a defensive tackle with the No. 2 overall pick, notes Cotsonika.

As we catch up on some Christmas Eve news, please note that all four NFC North teams have altered their weekly schedule to ensure they won’t practice on Christmas Day.

Chicago Bears: Safeties Al Afalava (knee) and Kevin Payne (ankle) missed their second consecutive day of practice. Running back Adrian Peterson (illness) and cornerback Charles Tillman (not injury related) both missed practice. Linebacker Lance Briggs (back) and tight end Desmond Clark (illness) returned to full practice Thursday. Receiver Devin Hester (calf) was limited.

Detroit Lions: As we noted earlier, the Lions announced that quarterback Matthew Stafford will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee next Tuesday. Three defensive starters were not on the field during the early portion of practice, according to Nicholas J. Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press: Linebacker Larry Foote (foot), safety Louis Delmas (ankles) and cornerback Phillip Buchanon (shoulder).

Green Bay Packers: Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) and cornerback Trevor Ford (knee) did not practice. Linebacker Brandon Chillar (back) was limited but is expected to play Sunday against Seattle. Cornerback Charles Woodson (shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis.

Minnesota Vikings: All players participated in at least a portion of practice. … Tailback Adrian Peterson said he loves playing at Soldier Field, where he has rushed for 345 yards and five touchdowns in two previous games. “Just being a Walter Payton fan, I’m always pumped up for that game, especially in Chicago,” Peterson told Minnesota reporters. “It’s also that I love playing on grass fields.”

Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert

APPLETON, Wis. -- I rolled into my makeshift NFC North headquarters late on Halloween night, just as a citywide costume party appeared to be under way. I couldn’t tell whether I was on College Ave. or Bourbon St. as I weaved through the revelers. That’s living -- and it’s only the start.

I imagine at least some of those partygoers have already migrated up to Lambeau Field for today’s showdown between Green Bay and Minnesota. I’ll be up there soon as well. As I like to say, I’ll see what I see and write when I write upon arrival.

For now, let’s take a quick spin through Sunday morning coverage in the division:

• The Packers were tired last year of being held hostage by Favre’s offseason indecision, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, and some team officials thought he had become a bad teammate.
• Packers cornerback Charles Woodson is up for this game not because of Favre’s return, writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, but because he stands in the way of Woodson’s goal to win the Super Bowl.
• Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers doesn’t think the Packers need to blitz Favre frequently, writes Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee.
• Only a few fans and media members gathered for Favre’s arrival at Minnesota’s team hotel Saturday, writes Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune.
• The divisional matchup is the most important element of this game, writes Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune visits the statue of the late Walter Payton outside a high school in Columbia, Mo.
• Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times examines why the Bears would try to move Nathan Vasher to free safety in the middle of the season.
• Detroit defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill, who has missed three games because of an ankle injury, is expected to be back in the lineup Sunday against St. Louis. Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com has details.
• Lions tailback Kevin Smith on the remainder of this season: “I feel like I've got 10 games to prove myself to the organization and the rest of the people around the league.” John Niyo of the Detroit News looks at Smith’s career.

Ed Werder on how Brett Favre and the Vikings are preparing for Favre's return to Lambeau.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert

Most teams come out of their bye week with some personnel and lineup tweaks. As we noted Tuesday, Detroit has apparently halted its rotation at left guard and inserted a third player as a new starter: veteran Jon Jansen. Here's John Niyo's report in the Detroit News.

The move puts two old Michigan teammates -- Jansen and left tackle Jeff Backus -- next to each other on the Lions’ line. Jansen has been almost exclusively a tackle in his career. At 33, most NFL teams thought his career was over before the Lions signed him this offseason.

As we discussed last week, there is some merit to creating a meritocracy that requires accountability and prevents underperforming players from staying on the field indefinitely. But I also think that at some point it would benefit the Lions to settle on a lineup for the sake of continuity and allowing chemistry to build.

Jansen is the shortest of short-term answers at left guard. Hopefully his insertion into the starting lineup signals the Lions recognize they need to improve their line in the long term as well.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Lions are asking their defensive backs to reduce their mistakes, writes Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
• Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette ponders the Packers’ options for blocking Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen.
• A few weeks ago, we had you have at Brett Favre’s comment about the stature of his current team. On Wednesday, Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel speaks to members of the 1996 Packers team about Favre’s contention.
• Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews tells ESPN Milwaukee’s Jason Wilde why he negotiated his rent down $300 from the original price, and much more.
• Minnesota place-kicker Ryan Longwell recounts his returns to Lambeau Field with Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune.
• Rookie defensive back Asher Allen made a positive impression last Sunday in his first NFL game, writes Rick Alonzo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Chicago coach Lovie Smith has challenged defensive tackle Tommie Harris to begin practicing every day, writes ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson.
• The Bears will pay tribune Sunday on the 10th anniversary of the death of running back Walter Payton, writes Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune.
• Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times offers four ways to fix the Bears, including a suggestion to tighten coverage.

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

	JRonald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images
	Walter Payton is a sentimental -- and worthy -- choice for greatest Chicago Bear.

Readers' pick: Walter Payton, RB

It's hard to argue with Sweetness as the Bears' best player -- for sentimental and other reasons. Payton, who died in 1999 -- 12 years after his retirement -- won with more than 80 percent of the vote.

When he retired, Payton was the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards and combined net yards. He once owned the league's record for most yards in a single game (275) as well. Everyone remembers Payton's smooth running style, but he was as durable as they come as well; he missed one game during his rookie season and then played 186 consecutive games.

I found it interesting, but appropriate, that Dick Butkus (7.9 percent) beat out Mike Singletary (2.4). In this type of exercise, often a disproportionate number of votes can go to the most recent player. Singletary was one of the best players of his era and came 20 years after Butkus, but Butkus has to rank as one of the NFL's all-time best linebackers.

It's good to see that Butkus' legendary toughness and transcendent personality has carried his popularity to another generation of fans.