NFL / Andy Richmond / 30 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Packers legend Brett Favre returns to Lambeau Field for a shootout with his replacement in front of his once adoring fans, Andy Richmond has the pick of the odds as the Vikings go to Green Bay

"Favre heads back to Lambeau Field as an opposing player for the first time. His emotions will surely be high, but he must maintain his focus and keep control despite his feelings or whatever reaction he gets from the crowd."

For 16 seasons, Brett Favre was the face of the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed legendary status in Title Town, becoming the NFL's all-time leading passer while winning three MVP awards and a Super Bowl. He was often cheered loudly at Lambeau Field, but this time he'll be playing for the rival Minnesota Vikings, and likely won't receive the same warm reception.

A mix of both cheers and boos is what Favre should expect as he takes the field for the first time as a visitor in Green Bay on Sunday as he tries to help the Vikings bounce back from their first loss and take a commanding lead in NFC North.

Favre heads back to Lambeau Field as an opposing player for the first time. His emotions will surely be high, but he must maintain his focus and keep control despite his feelings or whatever reaction he gets from the crowd. 'Cool Hand Favre' will not be rattled as long as he's surrounded by Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice, if that triumvirate fire on Sunday then the Packers will have their hands full.

The Packers must protect their "Favre replacement" QB Aaron Rodgers better than they did in the first meeting of the teams a few weeks ago. Defensive End Jared Allen will be the primary threat to the Packers' offensive game plan but the return of Chad Clifton should help keep Rodgers upright.

Rodgers needs a big game to further build his reputation. In his first game against Favre, he seemed too desperate to do something dramatic and make a play. He performed reasonably well, but held onto the ball way too long at times and took a few more chances than usual by forcing throws. As with Favre, Rodgers has to remain patient and execute the system, instead of trying to impress his former teammate and straying from the offence. He has the weapons to hurt the Vikings deep and I would pay particular attention to his receiving corps of James Jones, Donald Driver and his primary target Greg Jennings in any player markets.

They've been talking about this, and hyping this, for weeks. Now it's here. And the Packers can't wait. They lost at Minnesota, but they get their revenge here. This won't be a good homecoming for a certain 40-year-old quarterback.

Recommendation: Packers for a Lambeau Leap - Green Bay -3.5 pts at [2.14] or better

Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre, Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, NFC North, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice