NFL Week 8: Heated divisional contests highlighted by Favre Bowl II

There is no clear-cut winner of the “Game of the Week” award this week, as no fewer than three games should prove to be exciting matchups. Included among the games are undefeated teams attempting to keep winning, Favre Bowl II, and one of the best NFC South contests of the year.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, 1:15 p.m., FOX

There’s no telling whether Green Bay fans will receive Brett Favre into their house with joy or hostility, but it is known that emotions will run high.

In emotional situations, Favre always seems to be on the top of his game, and this afternoon should be no different.

The swiss-cheese that is the Packers offensive line could be helped today by the return of two offensive lineman, which may reduce the effect of Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen, who ran amok in the Vikings/Packers Week 5 match-up.

Minnesota hasn’t had its bye week yet, and is coming off a draining defeat in Pittsburgh. It’s certain that the Vikings will be exhausted, while Green Bay is fresh off an easy victory over the hapless Cleveland Browns.

The Packers are currently behind by a few games in the NFC North, and would be faced with a difficult to hill to climb by losing to Minnesota again, who would gain the tie-breaker advantage with a victory.

Green Bay needs this win in the worst way, but Favre has a history of playing well at Lambeau Field, doesn’t he?

Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens, 10 a.m., CBS

Few “experts” know what to expect this morning when the Broncos visit the Ravens in Baltimore.

The Ravens have lost three straight games and need a win to stay close in their division, while Denver is scores ahead of the rest of the AFC West.

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton has excelled in the Broncos’ system, and is leading a potent running attack in one of the best seasons Denver has seen since the days of Elway and Plummer.

The Broncos host the Pittsburgh Steelers next week in what will be a highly publicized meeting, and today’s game may not mean as much to them as it does to the 3-3 Ravens.

Baltimore will most likely see a key part of their offensive line return, which sets the stage for an exciting battle between Ray Rice and Denver’s second-ranked run defense.

San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts, 10 a.m., FOX

Alex Smith took over at quarterback last week for the 49ers, and will get yet another chance to justify his being picked first overall in the 2005 Draft.

Indianapolis has one of the best pass defenses in the league, though, and Smith will certainly have his work cut out for him.

Peyton Manning and the Colts should have no problem scoring points against the pedestrian San Francisco pass defense, and will force Smith and the 49ers to play mistake-free football. San Francisco is 3-3 on the season largely because of its inability to get to the quarterback, which will need to change if they want to beat the undefeated Colts.

If Smith is able to move the chains and convert on third-down, Indianapolis could be in store for a tough opponent this morning.

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles, 10 a.m., FOX

The Vegas line on this game is just one point, which means that they’re just as clueless as I am when previewing this game. Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook is probably out, and replacement LeSean McCoy will need to shoulder the load.

New York has 16 sacks so far this year, and will most likely be in Donovan McNabb’s face most of the game. The Giants are also an excellent road team, and will perform well in this divisional match-up.

Offensively, though, the Giants looked inept last week against the Cardinals. Philadelphia’s defense is much tougher, yet the Giants will certainly bring their A-game in this contest. The Eagles’ offensive attack could be decided largely by McCoy’s performance today.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, Monday, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

Despite being known for their incredible passing game behind quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints are ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing offense. Few teams in recent history have enjoyed as much offensive firepower as these Saints, and they will be more than willing to show the rival Falcons tomorrow night.

The Falcons, meanwhile have below-average passing and running offenses, as well as a poor defense. Despite Atlanta having a 4-2 record, New Orleans will be heavily favored in this match-up, as the Saints seem unstoppable at home.

This game won’t be a blowout, however, as these two teams are heated rivals and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses like the backs of their own hands. In the week following a road loss, visiting teams have historically had much success, which certainly doesn’t bode well for New Orleans’ 6-0 record.

Andrew Kneeland is a junior at the Arizona Virtual Academy. He is an intern at the Green Valley News.