The games keep getting bigger for the Vikings as Favre returns to Lambeau

October 28, 4:24 PMMinnesota Vikings ExaminerJoseph Oberle

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Vikings QB Brett Favre hugs his former Packer target, WR Donald Driver, at the Metrodome.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Last week the Minnesota Vikings were involved in a game referred to as "the game of the week" in the NFL. This week, their game against the Green Bay Packers is being labeled "the regular season game of the year." Thanks to Vikings quarterback Brett Favre returning to Lambeau field, the media is cranking up its hype machine and turning it to 11. It's a big game for Favre; he spent 16 years there working his way into the hearts of Packer fans. And now he has apparently cutting those hearts out. But it is a big game for more than that--and at least one media member--Kevin Siefert of ESPN.com, recognizes that.
 

"I’m looking at it the other way around," says Siefert. "The importance of this game -- and yes, I know we’re talking about a Week 8 contest -- will transcend Favre’s return. Call it Vikings-Packers I(b). At least for me."
 

I am trying to look at it that way, as well. This game is huge for the Vikings in their quest to defend their title and move deep in the playoffs. If they win on Sunday, that gives them at least a two-game cushion over their two closest rivals in the NFC North Division. On top of that, losing to Pittsburgh put them behind the New Orleans Saints in the race for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. It is certainly early to be worrying about that, but until the Saints lose a game, it is a concern since the two teams don't meet during the regular season.
 

For this game, the Packers are saying they have improved since Favre-appaloosa 1 back at the Metrodome earlier this month. They have won two games (against Detroit and Cleveland) in a row since the Vikings beat them and have tried to address the problems that plagued them in the first game (a porous offensive line and no pressure put on the Vikings' quarterback). They have only given up three points in the past two games against two teams that the Vikings played, but did not beat quite as convincingly.
 

But if you believe the Packers have improved since October 5, you have to consider that the Vikings have, as well. They have played the toughest part of their schedule with games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh and came away with a decisive win they almost let get away and a loss in a game that they statistically dominated. The team has been improving each week, and their signal caller has looked better, as well. They have a couple injuries to be concerned about, but they aren't about to come into Lambeau like shrinking violets--even though they will be dressed in purple.
 

That being said, it is hard to ignore the Favre factor. Before the first game in Minneapolis, Favre said that he was more nervous before the game than he can remember ever being. No. 4 put his heart and soul into Packers games for 16 seasons, and claims to have had that team taken away from him--you can be certain that his emotions will be running high and his head may be just a little out of it when he runs out of the visitor's locker room on Sunday. Hopefully, Sidney Rice reminds him which color jerseys to throw the ball to.
 

Any way you slice it, this is a big game. (Fox moved it to the 3 p.m. game, ostensibly for the World Series, but we all know that was done to maximize the viewership of this game--the first Packers-Vikings game set cable TV records.) But once all the side stories of how Favre will be received and treated and what he is feeling are over, the game moves into center stage and it will have ramifications on the rest of the season. The winner once again is the one who manages their emotions--and plays like they are capable of playing. It's a must see game to find out how that will come out.
 

Editor's Note: For the latest on the Williams Wall StarCaps case, check out National Sports Examiner Paula Duffy.