The Day Has Finally Come: Favre Returns to Green Bay

Ever since it first became possible for the Vikings to sign Brett Favre, Vikings fans have been waiting for this day. The world of sports has never seen anything like this in its history: A legendary quarterback returning home on his former arch rival's team. I'm sure it's hard for Packers fans to know what to feel right now. Luckily for Vikings fans, it's easy: We want the old gun slinger to stick it to his former team on their field. Here's why I think it will be a happy homecoming for #4:

1. The Vikings defensive line will dominate the Packers offensive line. Much like the first meeting, this is the single biggest advantage either team has. The Vikings recorded 8 sacks at the Dome, including 4.5 by Jared Allen. Today, the Packers will start rookie T.J. Lang at left tackle on Allen. I don't see why we won't put Rodgers on his ass several times in this game. The Packers O-line is terrible to begin with and they are banged up. It's going to be a big day for Allen and the Williams Wall.

2. Adrian Peterson will have a huge game. In the first meeting, the Pack loaded up on AD and let Favre beat them. Don't count on that happening again. Because of all the hoopla with Favre and what he did to them at the Dome, the Pack are going to be focused on stopping #4. Peterson will take advantage. Plus, he's due for a big game. Also, look for a big game from TE Visanthe Shiancoe. In the first meeting, the Pack used CB Charles Woodsen on the Vikings tight end. With the emergence of Sidney Rice, Green Bay will move Woodsen on him and it will open things up for Shiancoe.

3. Favre wants this game more than any other on the schedule this season. Regardless of what he says, at least a small part of the reason for his return was to stick it to Green Bay, especially at Lambeau. The rest of the team knows of the importance of this game for Brett and for the race in the NFC North. They will come out very fired up.

4. While the health of the Vikings isn't great, the Packers health is worse. Not only is their offensive line battered up, but they only have three healthy receivers and one healthy tight end. The Vikings did a great job against a great Steelers receiving core last week without CB Antoine Winfield. They will do it again against Green Bay.

Too much emotion for the Vikings in this game for them not to win it, even on the road. Plus, I think there's a significant talent gap between these two teams. For the second time this season, that gap will show itself. Vikings win big and put away the NFC North.

Prediction: Vikings 30, Packers 20

SKOL!!! And...GO BRETT GO!!!