ESPN

It's all fun and games until Jim Irsay sends Adam Vinatieri, Dwight Freeney, Jeff Saturday and a plane to Mississippi. With suggestions abounding that Peyton Manning may not be ready to start the regular season, Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted over the weekend that he was in Brett Favre's hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss.

• "I'd be trying to get Kurt Warner to come back well before Brett Farve." -- SN commenter drinkingbeerisasport
• "Favre wouldn't help the Colts now. Besides being old, he's out of shape, doesn't know the plays or personnel. It would take weeks for him to get in a position to help the team. That is why he had a poor year last year -- after a great year the season before. He showed up at camp really late, and that doesn't work when you are 40." -- SN commenter vamagman

What do you think of Colts owner Jim Irsay's tweets about being in Brett Favre's hometown?

•  
  39%
  He's obviously kidding around
•  
  50%
  He's kidding around ... I think
•  
  11%
  I don't think he's kidding around

(Total votes: 3,338)

Will Peyton Manning throw 110 more touchdown passes to break Brett Favre's record?

•  
  74%
  Yes
•  
  26%
  No

(Total votes: 42,643)

Who had the more entertaining commercial?

•  
  57%
  Peyton Manning and "Cut that meat"
•  
  43%
  Brett Favre's indecisive television buying

(Total votes: 3,392)

2. Was trading Brett Favre the biggest blunder of all time?

Stop us if you've heard this before, but Brett Favre is retiring. All right, don't stop us because we're doing this anyway. Favre filed retirement papers with the NFL, which doesn't preclude another return. But going back to the beginning of his run, was trading a young Favre the biggest QB blunder of all time? Rank all-time QBs.

• "I know he probably hung on a little too long . But he got what most would love to have . He KNOWS he is done . Some just go on wondering if they had a year or two left. And it really wasn't that bad . One last bad year out of all the good years isn't bad.'" -- SN commenter PJohns963

1. Who regrets extending the Favre-Vikings relationship more?

In hindsight, maybe it would have been better for the Vikings if Brett Favre had failed to cooperate when teammates came to Mississippi to lobby the quarterback to play one more season. But after the NFL fined Favre $50,000 for failing to cooperate in its investigation of the Jenn Sterger matter, who has more reason for regret? PollCenter.

• "'As a Viking fan I'm glad we'll be moving on next year, but I would be lying if I said Favre shouldn't start. He's a better player than Webb and if he can play he should, regardless of anything else.." -- SN commenter tullmann

• Vote: Are the Saints the team to beat in the NFL? | Which team has matchup edge?
• Rank 'Em: What will NFC North standings look like? | What about the NFC South?
• Rank 'Em: Where do Drew Brees and Brett Favre rank among NFL quarterbacks?
• Vote: Who are your division, conference and Super Bowl picks?

Those who don't remember history are doomed to repeat it, but what history are we talking about with the Saints and Vikings?

As the two teams prepare to open the 2010 season Thursday night, the Saints are the defending champions who cruised through a seemingly uneventful offseason. The Vikings are the team that couldn't get it done in the NFC title game and now must rely on Brett Favre's creaky ankle and an offense missing Sidney Rice. Advantage Saints? Maybe, but SportsNation blogger jdebose004 remembers the last meeting a little differently, a story that might make the Vikings the team to beat Thursday.

• "Many people overlook the fact that the Vikings only lost by 3 points on the road after seemingly a dozen turnovers and defensive lapses. 'All defenses have to do is blitz and the Vikings will mess up again.' In theory, maybe. That is, if every defense in the league has the blitz packages and personnel and ability to rough up Favre.

  "Also, Favre passed for more than 300 yards against that Saints defense. He withstood every shot they delivered and was one completion away from making the Super Bowl. That final, fateful interception was the exact same play they completed against the Cowboys the week before. True, it was a bad decision to throw it both times, but that's not important." -- Check out jdebose004's blog

Ryan (Cleveland)

What do you make of AP's "I'll just hold the ball higher and I won't fumble anymore"?

NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert

Don't get it. But I do think he was more specific Monday when he said he needs to be careful not to brace his fall with the arm holding the ball. That was a real, actual thing he is working on to avoid fumbles. It's a start. Full transcript

“

The Crykings have a great defense and a good offence. The Saints have a great offence and a good defence this should be a great game if the old man isn't too stiff and out of practice. Face it he looked terrible in the preseason games. 34 24 Saints win cruisin.

” -- Big BangRookie

“

As a Vikes fan I find it hard to rip on NO! Great city with wonderful people! Sucked having my Vikes on the losing end...but NO winning the big one was great for football, great for Louisiana, great for fans who have had too much bad news over the years! As far as their treatment of Favre...I wish we would see more of that! Thats football! QB's are way over protected these days!

” -- nine_fingers_fan

• Vote: Will Brett Favre take the Vikings to the Super Bowl?
• Rank 'Em: Where does Favre rank all time? | What about for 2010?
• Chat: Did "Survivor" entrant Jimmy Johnson miss Favre updates? Ask him, 2:40 ET

How many Pro Bowlers does it take to convince Brett Favre to come back to Minnesota? Three, apparently. All right, it's not much of a punch line, but all the laughs in the Brett Favre saga dried up about three retirements ago.

If you take kicker Ryan Longwell at his word (and who wouldn't trust a kicker?), Favre's trip north to Minnesota after a visit from three teammates at his home in Mississippi signals his intentions to return for the 2010 season. So purely from a football standpoint, what does this mean for the Vikings? How many wins is one 40-year-old with a potentially iffy ankle really worth? SportsNation blogger jdebose004 isn't sure it's all that much.

• "Will Brett Favre be enough to win the Super Bowl? No. Adrian Peterson has to find that explosion again. The offensive line has to improve run and pass blocking. Adrian Peterson, as talented as he is, should be the focal point of that offense. He should not average less than 100 yards per game, even with a Hall of Fame signal caller. That was the plan last season, but the run game could not be sustained." -- Check out jdebose004's blog

Scooter, minny

What do vikings do with qb positon next year?

Scouts Inc.'s Gary Horton

Well, it wouldn't shock me that if Favre plays this year and stays healthy that he could play another year. I know that's a big if. But I think the key for the Vikings is to know earlier whether he's going to play or not. If he does not play this fall, think of all the guys, veterans, that they didn't get into the mix for. Guys like Donovan McNabb, Jason Campbell. If he comes back, it's no big deal. I think they'll like Tarvaris Jackson better than we think. It wouldn't surprise me for them to go with Jackson and Rosenfels without Favre. But, having said that, this is a veteran team that knows that their window won't stay open forever. They're going to be inclined to make rash moves to get to that Super Bowl. Full transcript

• Vote: Has Brett Favre really played his final game in the NFL?
• Rank 'Em: Who are the quarterbacks you rank ahead of Favre all time?
• Vote: Should the Vikings have drafted Jimmy Clausen? | Did Favre pull a LeBron?
• Quiz: Can you name all the Oscar Best Picture winners during Favre's career?

Stop us if you've heard this before, but Brett Favre is reportedly retiring, telling Vikings teammates and officials that he won't return for the 2010 season. And strange as it seems for a guy who put the "Please, for the love of all that is holy, just make up your mind," in "summer" for the last three years, Favre's final (for now) decision seems to have caught SportsNation off guard.

The same day Favre and the Vikings lost to the Saints in the playoffs, 59 percent of SportsNation thought Favre would return for another season.

By the middle of July, 79 percent of voters were sure he was coming back, while only 2 percent were certain he was retiring and 19 percent paid homage to Favre by waffling.

So just how surprised are you that Favre apparently won't be back?

“

He'll be back once training camp is over with, he's done this how many years in a row? Dude doesnt want to go through the entire process...if its worked b4 why would he stop. The first game of the season Brett will be starting.

” -- panth3rfan4life

“

If the Viles were smart, they'd contact Philly about aquiring Michael Vick in a trade

” -- tjdixon81

“

Happy trails to the Future Hall of Famer. You were one of the best. To all the sore Packer fans, the guy gave you umpteen years and then they threw him out for Aaron friggin Rodgers. How's that deal working out for ya?

” -- Tiger_Diesel

“

this narcissist needs to just retire for good and go away! He is exactly why i don't like the NFL....me...me...me. ..

” -- geowinsit

“

Brett Favre is going to rest, and sit this season out. However, I think that Brett will unretire one last time next spring, to play one final season in 2011.

” -- pride4jc1222

“

I can't believe this is happening.... he will come back after the week 4 bye week...

” -- minnesotafan24

• Rank 'Em: Where do the Vikings now sit in your NFL Power Rankings?
• Pick 'Em: Will the Eagles beat the Cowboys to wrap up the No. 2 seed?
• Chat: Len Pasquarelli, 11 ET | Blogs: NFC East, 12 ET | NFC North, 2 ET | AFC North, 4 ET

Give this to Brett Favre: The guy does know how to do drama.

A week after Vikings fans were left watching Favre and Brad Childress engage in the most uncomfortable interplay since Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey at the end of "Seven," Favre lined up under center with 22 seconds left against the Bears in Chicago, the ball on the 6-yard line and the Vikings trailing by 7 points. Touchdown. Crisis averted in the Twin Cities.

Well, that's how it should have worked out. But be it Scrabble or Monday Night Football, Favre proved no match for Aromashodu. An Adrian Peterson fumble set up a game-winning catch for the Bears by Devin Aromashodu in the subsequent overtime.

The Colts, Saints and Vikings have occupied three of the top four spots in SportsNation's Power Rankings every week since Oct. 5, but look at how the fortunes of the other NFC contenders have steadily ticked upward.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Do you see what has happened with the Saints these past two weeks as just a bump or a bad trend? It's not like they were dominant in their last few wins either.

Scouts Inc.'s Gary Horton

I think there is cause for concern. Their defense is not creating as many big plays and turnovers as they have in the past. Drew Brees has not been as dominating. The running game has been up and down. And much like Indy, these guys have had some close games. It's not like they're routing people every week. I think the big problem right now for the Saints is that nobody is afraid of coming to the Superdome now, which wasn't the case three weeks ago. The aura of you can't beat us in our house is in real jeopardy. There's no way that Tampa Bay should have come back from a 17-0 deficit in New Orleans. Full transcript

Brett Favre overcame Minnesota's special teams behaving like a sieve in order to get the Vikings to OT, but it just wasn't enough in the end. A fumble by Adrian Peterson ultimately gave the Bears the victory and the Saints home-field advantage.

Fans from teams with playoff hopes across the country watched and reacted as the Vikings fell to 11-4 after a 10-1 start.

“

That is why I have always believed that AP is not a Top RB. Fumbling!

” -- Luke4083

“

As a Saints fan, I would like to personally thank AP for the homefield advantage throughout.....hopefully now the Saints can get their act together and make use of it and not get knocked out.

” -- Hot_pick2

“

Favre wasn't on special teams and that's who lost the game for the Vikings. Favre kept them from getting blown out.

” -- god_of_modesty

“

Vikes O-line folded like a house of cards.

” -- YANK33 PL4N3T

“

Dear Chicago Bears,
Thank you for beating the Vikings. Your efforts wouldn't be wasted.
Signed,
Eagles Nation

” -- PADR123

“

How much fun is it to see a team spoil/affect the playoffs by playing their butts off, as opposed to the Colts, who give one to the Jets, to save Peyton on Saturday and a few other starters from getting boo-boos before the playoffs?

” -- gravyboat63

• Vote: Is Adrian Peterson more important to the Vikings than Brett Favre?
• Monday Night Football chat: Chat with Football Outsiders before the game, 7 ET

Brett Favre and Jay Cutler have been the equivalent of two ships passing in the night this season. Or in Cutler's case, a ship intercepted, boarded, pilfered and then scuttled. As the Vikings visit the Bears tonight (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET), one team is playing for a shot at home-field advantage. The other has Cutler at quarterback. Check how the two quarterbacks have fared this season in SportsNation's ratings.

Jamie (Utica, NY)

Kevin, what did you thinkk of the comments made by Olin Kruetz after the Ravens game? Seemed to me like he was targeting Jerry Angelo. Your thoughts? Do you believe Lovie is gone 2 weeks from now?

NFC North Blogger Kevin Seifert

Yeah, I wasn't sure if those were directed at Angelo or to ownership. Maybe hoping the owners open their wallets to get things fixed in the offseason. As for Smith, I think the Bears are going to have to give it a lot of thought. It would be hard to establish any offseason marketing momentum if the Bears continue their collapse through the end of the season. Full transcript | NFC North blog

Ted (Elgin, IL)

Give a Bears fan some hope. What do we have to be optimistic about tonight?

Drew Bennett

Only Bears fans can be optimistic about tonight. May the Force be with you. I understand your plight, I'm a Golden State Warriors fan. Full transcript

“

In an ironic twist of events, Favre looks like the smarter guy in Minnesota this week. He didn't want to come out of the game last week, because he wanted to win it (obviously didn't work out, but he wasn't going to just give away the game by sitting). This week the Saints lose, meaning if the Vikings HAD won the game last week, Minnesota would be sitting in the driver's seat for home field advantage in the NFC right now.

” -- DustomaticATL

“

Seems like Min and NO fans think that it is a lock that they will meet in the NFC championship. I wouldn't count out Philly and Arizona.

” -- bhawks71

• Vote: Will Favre play next season? | Coach ratings: Is Brad Childress failing?
• MVP Watch: Is Brett Favre still in the top five of your NFL MVP Watch?
• Chat: Chris Mortensen, 11 ET | Matt Williamson, 12 ET | Mel Kiper, 1 ET

Like any good reality-show star, the Carolina Panthers aren't letting a lack of talent keep them from elbowing into the spotlight. Randy Moss supposedly didn't want to play against the Panthers. Brett Favre didn't want to stop playing against the Panthers. Eli Manning may want to give this Sunday's game a wide berth.

As for Favre, 82 percent of SportsNation said the "heated discussion" between Favre and Brad Childress during last week's game was a small deal at most. But it's Favre, so you knew it wasn't going away. Now there are reports that Childress directed a scathing tirade Favre's way after the game, among a long list of disagreements between the two.

Some gratitude by Childress, a guy voters think got an extension solely because of Favre.

Of course, Childress isn't alone in taking heat. Check out when 10 coaches likely headed for the playoffs hit rock bottom in their approval ratings this season.

AJ (New York)

Im so frustrated with Brad Childress. Everytime the vikings have big games they seem to come out flat and unprepared. Thank god rick speilman and the rest of the front office puts enough talent on the field to at least have average seasons. Also i would like to see him yell at Peyton Manning for audibling at the line.

NFC North Blogger Kevin Seifert

Well, I think they were pretty amped up for both Packers games, and those were big games. But I do think you've hit on a good topic. Childress hasn't been able to relinquish control of his offense to Favre, and he should have known that was part of the package when he brought him in. Full transcript

Chris (Worcester, MA)

Kevin - Don't QBs and coaches on most NFL teams disagree and even yell at each other from time to time? Football is an emotional game.

NFC North Blogger Kevin Seifert

Agreed. I grew up a New York Giants fan, and Bill Parcells used to go at it with Phil Simms all the time. But this is not disagreeing and yelling. This is a coach being upset with the decisions and performance of a player who has been an MVP candidate for most of the season, to the point of wanting to yank him from games. That's taking it to a different level. Full transcript