Favre may be down, but he's not out.

While initial reports stated Minnesota Vikings star quarterback Brett Favre had two “fractures” in his surgically repaired ankle, further information (or opinion), suggest the injury may not be as bad as first imagined.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King no longer believes Favre’s ankle injury will keep him from facing the New England Patriots in week 8, after speaking with a top NFL orthopedist.

Honestly, neither do I.

But it’s not just because Favre’s fractures arguably equate to something more closer to a bad ankle sprain, but because it’s simply not in Favre’s demeanor, or Minnesota’s best interest, for Favre to sit out.

Make no mistake, Brett Favre isn’t on top of his game. He has three more interceptions right now (10) than he had in all of the 2009 regular season, and his team already has the same amount of losses (4) that it had in all of last year’s regular season. It’s bad, but it’s not a hole Favre and the Vikings can’t crawl out of. That is, as long as Favre can effectively start and begin producing against a young and active Patriots defense this week.

For all the writers and reporters who are already writing Favre off, I’ll say this: Favre is at his best when his back is against the wall. He has just one season below 8-8 in his entire career, and when it happened, he was without star players on offense. Seriously, Samkon friggin’ Gado was his starting running back, as he and his then Green Bay Packers finished 4-12.

But Favre has support. He has Randy Moss, Percy Harvin, and Visanthe Shiancoe in the passing game, and he also has an absolute stud in the running game with Adrian Peterson.

The real issue? There has been too much pressure on Favre, and he’s been battling the pressure, tough opponents, and off-field distractions. And on top of that, at least until Moss came into the picture, Favre had nothing to work with in the first three weeks of the 2010 season.

That has all changed, and while the Vikings have dropped four of their first six, one look at the production shows that small strides have been made, despite Favre-haters’ willingness to admit it.

In the first two losses to the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, the Vikings mustered a combined 19 points. Since then, Minnesota has gone 2-2, while scoring at least 20 points in every game.

Most importantly, Favre has had the Vikings in every single game, as the Vikings haven’t lost a game yet by more than 9 points. And that’s the rusty Favre with no weapons (for the first three weeks), facing tough defenses, while fielding off-field allegations.

Just think what starts happening once the chemistry is 100% there with Favre and his offense, when the schedule starts easing up a bit after the Patriots game, and when the off-field allegations situation gets worked out. No, it’s currently not the prettiest of pictures, and there’s a long way before this season ends (or almost ends) on another magical note, but it’s headed in the right direction.

The question is, Favre and Vikings fans; do you believe it?

Not the numbers you want to hear when you’re thinking of a rising team’s number two receiver.

Donald Driver has recently said that he’d like to keep playing in the NFL until he’s at least 40. While that’s a fine goal, it’s growing less and less likely that he will be able to retire as a Packer, if he does in fact continue aiming for this goal.

And what a lofty goal it is.

Only 51 players in NFL history have played to (or past) 40 years of age, and only one has been a wide receiver: Jerry Rice.

That’s some interesting company Driver is fancying himself in.

They were 10-1, Brett Favre and the offense were clicking, and this team was thinking Super Bowl.

But then, as so many Favre-haters had predicted, the previously unbeatable Favre began his “late-season fade” and had his worst game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals.

That game prompted articles galore against Favre, suggesting it was “merely the beginning,” and that the end would be near.

Three weeks after the dismal performance in Arizona, it’d be hard to argue that the end may be near for the team, although logic and reason would dare you to look a little closer before assuming Favre is “once again” bringing his team down with him.

Just ask Trent Dilfer. Ask the guys in the Monday night booth. Ask anyone with some common sense and a good head on his shoulders.

The pass protection isn’t there. That awesome running game that Adrian Peterson was supposed to provide isn’t there.

And that playoff-level defense, well, without middle linebacker E.J. Henderson (lost for the season), is nonexistent.

But those Favre-bashers out there aren’t worried about the specifics. All they want is the team’s record, the numbers, and the bad plays.

They’re not concerned with the lack of support by the rest of the offense—the poor pass protection, the countless fumbles, or the drops from his offensive weapons.

Going into Monday night’s matchup with the Chicago Bears, Favre had a measly three touchdowns to four interceptions in his last three games, and owned a 1-2 record with his only win coming at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.

He didn’t do much to prove his doubters wrong in the first half (nor did the rest of the Vikings), as he went just 5-for-9 for under 40 yards, as the Vikings trailed the 5-9 Bears 16-0 at the break.

What followed, however, should show us all (especially the haters) that, regardless of wins or losses, the legend of Brett Favre cannot and will not die in the cold weather of Chicago or the twilight of another NFL season.

Favre proceeded to throw for just under 270 yards and led Minnesota to four scoring drives, including the game-tying touchdown pass to Sidney Rice on 4th-and-goal with 16 seconds remaining in the game.

But, of course, tying isn’t winning, and playing a remarkable second half isn’t quite as good as playing a flawless entire four quarters.

No, not quite.

But these moral victories need to be warranted when so many skeptics continue to push at the Jenga pieces that are Favre’s legend and seemingly hope and pray for the future Hall of Famer to fall apart as the season goes on.

When asked if the cold weather had anything to do with it, Favre shrugged, saying he’d played in worse. It was cold, but that was a bogus excuse.

And then he made a comment about all the writers and analysts who suggest the “old man” can’t come through in cold games, referencing that he still couldn’t win the winter games, despite playing at a high level and having nothing to do with the final outcome in overtime.

Favre watched on with the rest of his offensive teammates after Adrian Peterson lost yet another fumble, and then as the Bears scored on the ensuing play.

Favre will be the first to admit the Vikings aren’t peaking; they have issues, and that they aren’t exactly going in the right direction.

But his play during the game and comments after should limit any writer’s fuel to pen up a column against Favre after this loss, as the legendary quarterback played at an elite level, despite not having the chance to come out on top.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of writers across the nation will eagerly jump at writing another article that damns Favre and these Minnesota Vikings after their third loss in the month of December.

And with the Vikings being in relative shambles, they’d have every reason to opt for that perspective. But if we’re being reasonable, if we’re being logical, and if we’re really looking at everything, there’s no way we can continue to point the finger at Favre.

He was brought here to excite, deliver some clutch drives and performances, and get this team to the playoffs (and beyond). So far, he’s done all of it, and on Monday night, he almost did even more.

But just because Favre can’t play defense and special teams, or will the ball to stay into his receivers’ (or Adrian Peterson’s) hands, doesn’t mean he should continue to be the nation’s punching bag for why the Vikings are falling apart.

This old guy is fired up. You could swear it was 1996 up in this joint. And by “joint,” I mean 2009, the Mall of America Stadium, and this awesome Minnesota Vikings offense.

And by 1996, I mean this team looks better than Favre’s only Super Bowl winner. Oh, and as if it hasn’t been beaten to death already, the dude is old.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Brett Favre is awesome.

He drops back, passes, the crowd goes wild. It’s a big, long completion to set-up a touchdown, or it’s a beautiful connection that is a touchdown.

Well, forgive me if I’m finding it difficult to stay in my seat these days when Favre is leading the Vikings down the field, but this guy (and this offense) look downright unstoppable. And dare I say, unbeatable ?

I know, I know, it’s not just Favre. Believe me, I wasn’t truly meaning to insinuate that it was.

Adrian Peterson is a huge part of the offense, and while he was in a sour stretch there of mediocrity, he’s been catching fire of late.

And the defense, save for the near-second half collapse, has been nothing more than outstanding while supporting Favre and the offense in it’s attempt to reach 6-0.

But something more powerful than this team simply being “good” is going on. It just has to be, otherwise a lot of this young 2009 season just doesn’t make any sense.

The game-winning touchdown pass to beat the 49ers.

The absolutely flawless effort by Favre as he beat his former Green Bay Packers.

And then that field goal the Ravens missed?

I know I’ve said it before, but with each nail-biter, with every added Brett Favre heave, touchdown, and thrown block to spring AD, it gets more (wait for it) magical.

We truly are blessed. We are receiving play after play from one of the greats, hand-delivering us gift-wrapped wins on already jam-packed Sundays.

Of course, it has to end sometime, right? Sooner or later, these Vikings will shoot themselves in the foot in a game, and they’ll “earn” their first loss.

Perhaps next week against a very worthy opponent in Pittsburgh. Maybe against Green Bay at Lambeau, where the Packers surely will com to play, and will intend to play for keeps.

But if not, we could see these Vikings enter their bye week at 8-0.

And if that does happen, regardless of your opinion on Favre, Minnesota, or the NFC North, you’ll have to admit that something rather special is going on.

Heck, even if they lose next week, something tells me we’ve already all been changed for the better.

His bones should be brittle and breaking down. His ligaments and cartilage, gone.

H’es 40-years old, and this is not how he should be playing.

The Vikings should be 3-2, at best, and Adrian Peterson should already have 600+ yards and close to 10 touchdowns. And if this season was going how so many Favre-bashers dreamt it would, Favre would be back at his home again, retired, after a miserable start.

But, alas, fair Favre-hating folk, the old man is still at it.

He’s proven through five weeks, that despite his waffling, indecisive ways off the field, he still has it when it comes to making the calls on the field.

Five games, no losses, nine touchdowns, only two picks, and over 1,000 yards passing.

Not what you expected from your average 40-year old NFL quarterback?

No, by now, many were expecting (or hoping) that the biceps injury would flare-up, that Favre’s already half-way damaged rotator cuff would dissolve, or that his pre-season ribs injury would render him immobile and ineffective.

But, while numbers can often shade the truth and protect players from their true identity, 2009′s numbers only offer support to the legend.

Favre played magnificently, once again, but this time as a 40-year old, as he shredded the Rams awful defense for over 230 yards and a touchdown.

It wasn’t anything compared to what he did in the final minute versus the 49ers. It didn’t touch the dramatic and emotional win over the Packers. But it was simply a bonus.

As next week’s performance against the Baltimore Ravens will be.

Let’s not ignore Favre’s excellent supporting cast. Adrian Peterson has surely helped take the focus off of the passing game (as it goes both ways), while Minnesota’s relentless pass rush and run-stuffing defensive tackles have added insurance.

The beautiful thing about what’s happening in Minnesota, via Favre’s legendary arm, or channeling through Peterson’s legs, is that it’s only the beginning.

The Vikings are 5-0, heading back home to Minnesota to take-on a deflated Ravens team than just fell to 3-2, and they still haven’t even got it all together yet.

But that’s a good thing. While it’s always nice to start the season hot and at the top of your game, Brett Favre, of all people, is well aware that you’re only remembered for how you finish.

And I’m calling on you, once again, Favre-haters. As you wait, hope, and pray for those final games that could bring a potential Favre meltdown. As you dream all the different ways that Favre could fail in the playoffs, I ask of you to at least quiet down.

Suck it up, and admit that this was worth it. The NFL deserved this, and we’re all better for it.

Acknowledge that Brett Favre playing on a team, any team, made the game of football better than it would have been without him, even if it eventually means another failure at the end of the season.

Because right now Favre and the Vikings are perfect. And even the strongest opposer of Favre shouldn’t want that to change.

While few games lived-up to their hype, we were blessed with a classic game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots on Sunday, while getting the chance to watch history between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on Monday.

Still, when it’s all said and done, there are five teams who are undefeated after four games, and all of those teams have taken different journeys.

Read on to see who makes the top five, and then check to see where everyone else fits in:

1. New York Giants (4-0)

Their running game wasn’t lights-out, but it definitely didn’t have any troubles with Kansas City’s defensive line. This Eli Manning-to-Steve Smith combination is really heating up.

2. New Orleans Saints (4-0)

Make that two straight games won by the excellent run offense and great defense. Boy, they reall made Mark Sanchez look like a rookie.

3. Indianapolis Colts (4-0)

Peyton Manning is far and away from simply having his offense clicking on all cylinders. Four straight 300+ yard passing games to start the season? Yeah, Manning looks comfortable.

4. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)

This was more than just Brett Favre getting revenge on his old team. It’s now official: This team can win either on the ground or through the air. And can we all finally agree that Jared Allen is the best defensive end in football?

5. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

Is it just me, or did New England’s defense just give Baltimore a tutorial on how to stop a game-winning drive?

6. New York Jets (3-1)

Mark Sanchez waited three weeks to show us how bad he can play. But was it really on him, or were the Saints just that good?

7. New England Patriots (3-1)

Their lone loss showed that the Jets could compete. But their wins are saying even more. Too many people are making the mistake of thinking their offense isn’t doing things the right way. They might not touch 2007 again, but they move the chains, just fine.

8. Denver Broncos (4-0)

You can talk-down the Cowboys win all you want, but at some point you need to look past the opponents and say, “Hey, this team is undefeated”.

9. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)

A week after getting burned by some Brett Favre-magic, they pitch a shut-out? I don’t care if it wa the Rams. That’s the sign of a determined and well-coached team. Tell me they aren’t a lock for this division.

10. Chicago Bears (3-1)

One bad Jay Cutler performance, combined with the loss of Brian Urlacher, and the Bears season was over, right? Not so fast. Three straight wins, and these Bears could be looking at a tie for first place if Minnesota loses on Monday night.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)

Their defense continues to miss Troy Polamalu, but that offense is absolutely clicking right now. Take their two close losses away, and this is still one heck of a football team.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)

Getting Donovan McNabb, Kevin Curtis, and Brian Westbrook all back and at full speed could make this offense finally show-off what it has to offer. A lot of people are sleeping on this team, but don’t forget, they can still win this division.

13. San Diego Chargers (2-2)

They couldn’t get the run game going. I get that, but to not even give Darren Sproles a chance? They were 2-1 for a reason, and giving a stud like Sproles once touch per game was not it.

14. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

The Falcons will take their bye to find solace in the fact that their only loss came against a solid 3-1 Patriots team. But now they have to stay stride-for-stride with New Orleans.

15. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

What’s more telling? That this team persevered and fought it’s way to 3-1, or that it needed overtime to get past the Cleveland Browns.

16. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)

This is why Jerry Jone has to constantly defend Tony Romo. He gets chance after chance, and he simply cannot come through in the clutch.

17. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

You can talk about Aaron Rodger’s gutsy play and the Packers mini-comeback all you want, but if that offensive line doesn’t get better real fast, this team is doomed.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)

They can run, they can pass, and while it was against a winless team, they can even play a little defense. That connection between David Garrard and Mike Sims-Walker was something special.

19. Houston Texans (2-2)

Steve Slaton broke-out when Houston needed him most, as their passing offense struggled, throughout. Hand it to that defense, though, for stepping-up and shutting down the Raiders rush attack.

20. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

I know the Colts are good, but they were missing three key starters on defense, and Kurt Warner simply couldn’t take advantage. It’s only a matter of time before the on-field issues start messing with the make-up in the locker room.

21. Miami Dolphins (1-3)

This bashing of the Bills shows that Chad Henne isn’t “like a rookie”, and that the Wildcat isn’t quite dead in Miami. They play in a tough division and conference, but this team isn’t quite dead yet.

22. Seattle Seahawks (1-3)

They ran into an insanely hot Colts offense, and a defense that few people have yet to give the credit they’re due. Seattle gets Matt Hasselbeck back for their next match-up, and we’ve yet to see this team’s true identity.

23. Washington Redskins (2-2)

Make that two wins the Redskins have stumbled upon and didn’t quite deserve. Clinton Portis was the only player on offense making any sense for the first three quarters. If only Jason Campbell could play all game like he plays in the fourth quarter.

24. Buffalo Bills (1-3)

Was Marshawn Lynch’s return that much of a distraction, or is this a sign Trent Edwards no longer has any self-confidence? We’re starting to find out how shaky this defense is, as well.

25. Tennessee Titans (0-4)

They could have gotten a mulligan for any one of their first three losses. But losing to a Jacksonville team like this? We know the Jaguars aren’t a powerhouse, but on that same note, we’re finally seeing just how vulnerable the Titans truly are.

26. Oakland Raiders (1-3)

Darren McFadden simply did not show up against what was hyped-up as one of the league’s worst run defenses. On that same note, it never fails to amaze me at just how bad Jamarcus Russell can play. Al Davis needs to switch this team’s direction at quarterback as soon as possible.

27. Carolina Panthers (0-3)

Cue the count-down until Jake Delhomme is benched.

28. Detroit Lions (1-3)

They ran into a hot Bears team, but still hung with them until the fourth quarter. Jim Schwartz has to feel good about what he’s seeing from Matthew Stafford.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)

Getting Antonio Bryant helped the passing game a bit, and while it was only in spurts, that Josh Johnson kid showed us that Josh Freeman’s first start could be further away than we think.

30. Cleveland Browns (0-4)

They didn’t win, but Derek Anderson showed how far this offense can go when the right guy is behind center. I wasn’t buyin the hype that he could make a difference, but it’s clear the shots he takes down the field stretch the defense.

31. Kansas City Chiefs (0-4)

Matt Cassel continues to display the lack of leadership and experience that many experts were afraid of. He doesn’t have a ton of supporting talent and he was up against the Giants, but he has to show more than this.

32. St. Louis Rams (0-4)

It appears that offensive spark Kyle Boller provided in week three was a mirage. That, or they just ran into the most under-rated defense in the NFC.

This was the first of two, and if we’re lucky, there could be more.

True, Brett Favre turns 40 in a week, the very number that analysts and experts are afraid to say, weary of an old man’s bone breaking mid-sentence, but at the same time can’t help but blurt out with laughter.

That Favre is an old dude, and he can still sling it.

Even the Favre (and Packer) faithful found it interesting, that even at his new home, with Adrian Peterson backing him up, and a tenacious and relentless Jared Allen getting him the ball back, that Favre looked so good.

Flawless, if you will (and even if you won’t).

Save for a called-back interception from one-yard away from the end-zone, Favre made no mistakes. He exposed the Packers aging corners. You know, the ones who everyone tags “the best corner duo in the league”.

And he helped destroy the Packers linebackers, forcing them to pile-up the tackles, while his receivers took slants further than they should have, and one of them for a score.

In the end, Favre was mostly sitting on the sidelines, pondering over whether or not this Rodgers kid had that “Favre magic” in him, while Brad Childress and co. played it safe, almost giving the game away.

But before that happened, we were being hand-delivered an epic battle. Between the young and the old. Between the praised and the forgotten. The king and the heir.

And while the heir (Rodgers, of course) performed remarkably well, especially considering the fact that his line gave up eight sacks, the king still prevailed.

He was in his new home, and despite very little help from his newest partner in crime (Peterson), Favre tossed three scores (and nearly a fourth), 271 yards, and completed over 77 percent of his passes.

After the game, even Favre admitted that he didn’t expect “the passing offense” to play that well. And he down-played what it meant to beat Rodgers, Ted Thompson, and the rest of his former teammates.

But with tears, naturally blended with sadness and redemption, Favre finally looked like he was at peace.

At the same time, however, it was very clear that this truly wasn’t about revenge. He just wanted to be on the same field as those Packers again. To be welcomed back into the league, wanted, and accepted. He truly did just want to win.

Even before this game, though, he had accomplished that. And to all those fans or nay-sayers out there who are still clinging to those “40-year old”, “washed-up”, and “traitor” tag-lines, I will finally refrain from thwarting you off.

Go ahead. Make Favre’s day.

After asked how it felt to be the only player in NFL history to defeat all 32 existing teams, Favre responded, “Well, you have to be remembered for something.”

Something tells me being remembered will be the least of his worries.

Like it or not cheeseheads, the magic is back.

And you have a date with it next Monday night.

Brett Favre erased an otherwise forgettable second half of three-and-out’s, an interception, and a turnover on downs by throwing the game-winner against the San Francisco 49ers.

But it wasn’t so cut and dry as that. After all, with Favre, it rarely is.

On third and three from the 49ers 32-yard line, Favre dropped back, rolled to his right, avoided a sack, and then launched one of his classic bullets jut before getting thrown to the turf.

Greg Lewis did the rest, stretching his entire body out, making the catch, and then possessing the awareness to come down with both feet in bounds. No, really, watch this one again. It’s one for the ages.

With Adrian Peterson being locked down outside of a nice 35-yard run, the rest was on Favre and the Vikings defense. When the defense began to cave, Favre and the Vikings got one last crack at it, and then lost their chance after Favre incompleted a pass on fourth down with two minutes remaining.

At least, that’s what they thought.

The Vikings defense turned things around and held the 49ers to a three-and-out on the next possession, giving Favre one last shot at making things right.

One last shot at restoring the magic, validating the big-money signing of the near 40-year old, and one last shot at injecting life into the Minnesota faithful.

After failing to top 155 passing yards in his first two games due to a conservative offense, Favre was finally unleashed, as he passed the ball 47 times enroute to 301 yards and two touchdowns, the last one putting an epic stamp on Favre’s new presence as a Minnesota quarterback.

Favre quickly led the Vikings down the field from his 20-yard line, as he completed six passes, including the final throw, as he was calm and cool-exactly what the Vikings thought they had paid for.

After his throw sent the Minnesota crowd into a frenzy Favre only had enough strength to lift his head, watch what he had created come to life, and then he dropped his face into the turf, exhausted.

Now, with Green Bay coming into town next Monday night, Favre and the rest of the offense will have to regroup, correct the mistakes that stalled their early success, and do everything possible to ensure that whatever magic was in that stadium Sunday afternoon, stays there.

It’s like Jared Allen said, “Be Brett. Just one time. Be Brett.”

And thankfully, for all the purple-people-eaters out there, Favre found his “ness”. His Favre-ness.

It’s moments like these that remind us what football is all about, and why Brett Favre, for as long as he desires to, is more than welcome to be a part of them.

This may not validate the Vikings signing Favre quite yet, despite five touchdowns and only one interception, as well as a 3-0 record.

But it’s sure one hell of  a start.

No thanks, Adrian Peterson. Brett Favre had this one.

Favre may still not own a 200-yard passing day as a Viking, but no one ever said winning games had to or would come by launching 50-yard passes.

Favre can’t face the 2007 Denver Broncos in overtime every week. But then again, he won’t be getting back-to-back supposed “cakewalk” matches with the Browns and Lions on a regular basis, either.

The Vikings stumbled through another sorry first half and collected themselves in time to earn their second straight victory, despite facing their second 0-2 ball club.

But no matter the excuse or reason, the criticism on Favre and the rest of this Minnesota offense has got to stop. I’m talking about you, Mike Lombardi, and the rest of you yardage-cravers that are so deep in your Drew Brees man-crush that you can’t recognize pure, honest leadership when you see it.

Down 10-0 on the road, against a hungry Lions team that hadn’t won in over an entire season, Favre gave his usual “whatever” shrug, and calmly presented a “we can do this” facial expression that mixes between a frown and a smile. We’ll call it a smrown.

The Brett Favre smrown.

Regardless, Favre proceeded to, with the help of the running game of course, march Minnesota down the field to respond with a touchdown pass.

Favre and the Vikings then went into halftime down by three points for the second consecutive week, only to emerge victorious with a 27-13 win, out-scoring the Lions 27-3 following the Lions short-lived 10-0 lead.

Yes, Favre has not passed for over 160 yards yet. Yes, he only has three touchdowns. And yes, the competition has been average, at best.

But, like most Favre skeptics, you’re only looking at the obvious truths if you banish Favre and the rest of the Vikings to the land of the mediocre this early in the season.

For instance, while both Detroit and Cleveland are sorry opponents to ramble off insane scoring sprees of 24-0 and 27-3, it must be brought to the public’s attention that both of these performances have come on the road.

I’m guessing most writers bashing Favre and the supposedly “one-dimensional” Vikings wouldn’t tell you that. Regardless of which team you’re playing, any player in the history of the league will tell you that is impressive.

And both times after trailing at halftime? Even more impressive.

But that’s not where the list of feats ends.

While Favre may not yet be airing it out to Bernard Berrian and co., he has been completely error free, while completing 77 percent of his passes, en route to a fabulous quarterback rating over 110.

The other thing to think about is how the Vikings didn’t need Favre to carry them in week one. And when they hit a block in the road against Detroit, they simply borrowed him for a touchdown pass to get back in the game, and then another late in the game to seal the win.

The guy isn’t trying to bite off more than he can chew, and the coaching staff is doing a fantastic job of not asking him to.

If you were to tell me the Vikings would be 2-0 against anyone to start the season, Favre wouldn’t have any interceptions, and both games were on the road, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

But alas, here we are, judging and predicting, giving excuses and arguing.

The fact is, the NFL isn’t about power rankings and who we think is the best player or which team has the best offense.

Whether we like it or not, Favre is playing flawless football, the Vikings are a well-balanced attack, and their defense has allowed 26 points through two games.

Regardless of your opinion of all of that, Brett Favre has got to be loving it.

(Sanchez was a good sleeper play on Sunday)

Forgive me for playing Nirvana’s “All Apologies” to the max level. But I can’t rid my shame. The guilt, dear God, the guilt.

Actually, that’s a lie, but it’s not for a lack of sorrow that some of my predicted “starts” didn’t pan out. After all, I tend to follow the advice that I give out. So, this week, fair friends, you were not alone.

Through those highs, and those terrible lows, I promise you that you were not alone.

While I may have led you (and you, and you) astray, if only a little bit, I still had enough tricks up my sleeve for the first week of fantasy action.

Enough to keep you listening to my fantasy advice, perhaps? Well, before I indulge myself and your fantasy hopes into another Fantasy Football: Start and Sit column, it’s only my duty to review my picks, and to fully explain why certain players failed to live up to my expectations, while also boosting my ego with my “correct” calls.

The Record: 9-5

The Duds

Okay, so Brett Favre didn’t throw for 200+ yards and two touchdowns. My bad. In fact, he barely cracked 100, and only threw 21 passes.

But no interceptions and a score doesn’t make playing him a total loss. Still, as far as “starts” go, he was a dud.

And I apologize for Willie Parker. Boy, was that a blown call.

I truly did not believe he was that washed up, or that Tennessee’s run defense would show-up like that. Both of those comments could be overblown, but considering Mewelde Moore did pretty well overall, I’m placing most of the blame on Parker no loner living up to his “Fast Willie” nick-name.

The Winners

If you followed my lead and played Greg Jennings (despite a nagging injury), Matt Hasselbeck, and Ray Rice, you were pleasantly surprised.

Rice topped 100 yards rushing, Hasselbeck threw three scores, and Jennings hauled in the game-winning touchdown and over 100 yards against the Bears on Sunday night.

You were probably feeling rather smart if you followed my “Sit” suggestions this week, as well.

Jay Cutler had a forgettable four-pick performance, Larry Johnson only managed 20 rushing yards against the Ravens, Kevin Curtis only had 26 yards against the Panthers, and sitting Pierre Thomas was a good choice.

If you went the extra mile and plugged Mike Bell into your line-up on a whim, kudos to you.

The Sleepers

Jeremy Shockey and Mark Sanchez made me look smart, while Peyton Hillis and David Clowney did nothing to warrant a spot on the “look out for me” list.

The jury is still out on Darren McFadden for tonight, while Carnell Williams (originally a sit candidate) had over 90 yards rushing and a score. Still, with Derrick Ward splitting carries, he will continue to be a risky play.

All in all, it’s only Week One, but with a 9-5 record on my start-and-sit calls, the fantasy gods may soon be shining on you to listen to this advice.

Look for this week’s Fantasy Football: Start and Sit column on B/R, or go straight to www.theredzonereport.com for all of your fantasy advice and NFL news.