My Percy Harvin Blog

If you aren't sure why Monday night's match up between the Vikings (-3.5) and Packers was the second most anticipated NFL match up this season, then the rock you've been living under is a dark, dark place full of shame and empty of Tivo. Take a moment and let it wash over you.

Let's be honest, this game has nothing to do about teams, and everything to do about Minnesota's newly acquired ring leader, Brett Favre, the long time Packer who faces his former team for the first time since his departure from Green Bay. After a roller coaster season with the Jets, and a rumor plagued off season regarding his return to football, Favre finally found Minnesota's offer too enticing to resist and joined a Vikings team that is going places.

Favre has it all. With a capable receiving core in Percy Harvin and Chester Taylor, an adoring fan base, and the best running back in football in Adrian Peterson (357 yards and 4 touchdowns in 3 games), Favre's Vikings appear to be the clear favorite to clinch the NFC North playoff spot. That is, unless Green bay has anything to say about it.

Green Bay enters Minneapolis on Monday back in stride after manhandling the over matched Rams 36-17 in St. Louis. While not completely over the hangover from a surprising 31-24 to the Bengals in week 2, quarterback Aaron Rodgers took command connecting on 13 of his 23 attempts for 269 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and just for good measure, rushing for a touchdown of his own. In his second full season at the helm of a Favreless Packer squad, Aaron Rodgers has accumulated 32 touchdowns on nearly 5000 passing yards through his first 19 games. While his production hasn't translated into as many wins as the Pack would hope for (8-11), this Green Bay team has a chip on its shoulder that could give them the edge they need heading into what could be a critical game in deciding who takes the NFC North crown.

Minnesota has had minimal resistance in getting out to its strong start. Handling the Browns and Lions as any competent team would, Favre... well... Favre'd the 49ers in week 3, throwing a last minute, 32 yard, perfect placement pass to Greg Lewis to move the Vikings into first place in the division. This is what we've all been waiting for: the new sheriff in town defending his honor against the organization that tried to send him out to pasture. If any team could march into the Metrodome and come out with a win it's the Green bay Packers. However, despite regaining their footing against a laughable Rams squad, look for Rodgers to spend most of the night on his back as his offensive line continues to struggle in protecting the pass, and ensuring a Vikings win.

Act one will go to Minnesota, but the question remains: How's it going to go in Lambeau? Stay tuned.

Final Score: 24 - 20 Vikings

Matt Sweet is an up and coming sports journalist who is directly collaborating with http://www.superpredictors.com