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Nationals righthander Stephen Strasburg will be activated from the disabled list to start Tuesday against the Marlins, according to The Washington Post.
Strasburg hasn’t started since July 21 and was put on the D.L. after he had trouble getting loose prior to his scheduled start July 27. He was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation.
The rookie is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA and 75 strikeouts in nine starts (54 1/3 innings) this season.
Nationals righthander Stephen Strasburg will be activated from the disabled list to start Tuesday against the Marlins, according to The Washington Post.
Strasburg hasn’t started since July 21 and was put on the D.L. after he had trouble getting loose prior to his scheduled start July 27. He was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation.
The rookie is 5-2 with a 2.32 ERA and 75 strikeouts in nine starts (54 1/3 innings) this season.
With NFL training camps in full swing, several high-profile campers aren’t very happy with their contracts right now. So let’s take a look at each situation, rendering a verdict as to whether the team or the player is on the right side of the dispute.
It’s easy — and fair — to blame Haynesworth for the present mess. He pocketed $21 million on April 1, and then he thumbed his nose at the entire offseason program, including a mandatory minicamp. As a result, he entered camp at a huge disadvantage as the team changes from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4.
Compounding matters is his chronic failure to pass a conditioning test that ESPN’s Mike Golic, a middle-aged ex-jock who hasn’t suited up in years, somehow managed to successfully complete.
But the Redskins bear plenty of blame, too. For starters, they never should have signed the guy to a contract worth more than $40 million guaranteed, and they definitely shouldn’t have cut a check for $21 million on April 1. Moreover, coach Mike Shanahan’s decision to switch to a 3-4 defense provided Haynesworth with a handy excuse for inserting a stick into a place where sticks usually don’t go.
Finally, Shanahan’s decision to compel Haynesworth to pass a conditioning test, even though no one else on the team had to do it, comes off as punitive and, with the player now even farther behind in learning the new defense, foolish.
So while it’s tempting to lay it all on Haynesworth, the Redskins created the monster, they’ve kept him fed, and when it was clear he was ready to storm the village, they passed on their chance to run him out of town altogether.
Verdict: Tie.
Unlike other situations in which the player stood up and asked for more, the Jets sparked this dispute by approaching Revis’ agents only two days after losing to the Colts in the AFC title game and indicating a desire to tear up a deal that has three years left on it. Coupled with the repeated proclamations from coach Rex Ryan that Revis is the best defensive player in the game, it doesn’t take an advanced degree in math, economics, or basket weaving to come to the conclusion that Revis’ new deal should eclipse the $15.1 million annual average paid by the Raiders to cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
By all accounts, the Jets didn’t say "Asomugha’s deal is insane" or "the labor deal prevents us from giving you the kind of guaranteed money you may want." Instead, they told the best defensive player in the game (according to their coach) that they wanted to replace the last three years of a deal set to pay him $21 million with something more.
So it’s hard to blame Revis for taking a stand, especially after seeing teammate Leon Washington take a tumble last year, resulting in a broken leg and a blown opportunity to get a long-term contract — and after seeing other teammates believe that the front office has made promises that have gone unfulfilled.
And now the Jets are only making the situation worse, offering up hollow excuses for not doing the deal the way it needs to be done and subtly characterizing Revis as greedy.
Though Revis had little or no leverage when this process began, he has all of it now. If the Jets fail to get the deal done, they will have alienated one of their key players, and they will have made it considerably harder to satisfy the looming "Super Bowl or bust" expectations.
Verdict: Revis.
The Chargers should easily win the AFC West once again. The bigger question is whether they can secure home-field advantage in the postseason, and whether they then can hold serve. For a change.
To do that, they need receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill under contract. Due to the nuances of the uncapped year, which for years many assumed would favor the players, the Chargers have had the ability to put the screws to this duo who form part of their nucleus. GM A.J. Smith didn’t have to stick it to them, but he has chosen to do so.
The Chargers possibly have opted to take a bullet for the league within the confines of the broader labor tug-o-war, harming the team’s short-term interests in the hopes of keeping as much money as possible out of the players’ pockets in advance of a possible lockout. The problem with this approach is that it hurts the Chargers, and it jeopardizes the health of their franchise quarterback.
Verdict: Jackson and McNeill.
Throughout the 2010 offseason, the 2009 offensive player of the year complained about a contract that was set to pay him only $550,000 in base salary. Eventually, the Titans reluctantly shifted some future money from 2012, bumping his compensation in the coming season to $2 million.
Recently, Johnson said he’s still not happy with his contract. And for good reason. Running backs get ridden hard and put away broken. The time to cash in comes early in one’s career, before ligaments are frayed and cartilage has been sucked out of joints through a surgical straw.
So while Johnson remains motivated to have a massive season, he’d be even more motivated if he were making more money. If the Titans were smart, they’d give it to him.
Verdict: Johnson.
The same dynamic that has unfolded in San Diego has occurred much more quietly in New England. Guard Logan Mankins has scoffed at the one-year free agency tender in excess of $3 million, and the team has exercised its right under the labor deal to cut his offer to less than $2 million when he didn’t sign it by June 15.
Mankins wants a big-money, long-term deal. Since he knows he’s not getting it, he wants out.
Here’s the key point — he’s an interior offensive linemen. Many teams regard guards and centers as largely fungible. The Pats, who have used plenty of no-names on the O-line over the years, apparently are one of those teams. And if anyone else believed Mankins was truly worth big money, the Pats’ phone would be ringing. It isn’t, and, by all appearances, it won’t.
Verdict: Patriots.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
With NFL training camps in full swing, several high-profile campers aren’t very happy with their contracts right now. So let’s take a look at each situation, rendering a verdict as to whether the team or the player is on the right side of the dispute.
It’s easy — and fair — to blame Haynesworth for the present mess. He pocketed $21 million on April 1, and then he thumbed his nose at the entire offseason program, including a mandatory minicamp. As a result, he entered camp at a huge disadvantage as the team changes from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4.
Compounding matters is his chronic failure to pass a conditioning test that ESPN’s Mike Golic, a middle-aged ex-jock who hasn’t suited up in years, somehow managed to successfully complete.
But the Redskins bear plenty of blame, too. For starters, they never should have signed the guy to a contract worth more than $40 million guaranteed, and they definitely shouldn’t have cut a check for $21 million on April 1. Moreover, coach Mike Shanahan’s decision to switch to a 3-4 defense provided Haynesworth with a handy excuse for inserting a stick into a place where sticks usually don’t go.
Finally, Shanahan’s decision to compel Haynesworth to pass a conditioning test, even though no one else on the team had to do it, comes off as punitive and, with the player now even farther behind in learning the new defense, foolish.
So while it’s tempting to lay it all on Haynesworth, the Redskins created the monster, they’ve kept him fed, and when it was clear he was ready to storm the village, they passed on their chance to run him out of town altogether.
Verdict: Tie.
Unlike other situations in which the player stood up and asked for more, the Jets sparked this dispute by approaching Revis’ agents only two days after losing to the Colts in the AFC title game and indicating a desire to tear up a deal that has three years left on it. Coupled with the repeated proclamations from coach Rex Ryan that Revis is the best defensive player in the game, it doesn’t take an advanced degree in math, economics, or basket weaving to come to the conclusion that Revis’ new deal should eclipse the $15.1 million annual average paid by the Raiders to cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
By all accounts, the Jets didn’t say "Asomugha’s deal is insane" or "the labor deal prevents us from giving you the kind of guaranteed money you may want." Instead, they told the best defensive player in the game (according to their coach) that they wanted to replace the last three years of a deal set to pay him $21 million with something more.
So it’s hard to blame Revis for taking a stand, especially after seeing teammate Leon Washington take a tumble last year, resulting in a broken leg and a blown opportunity to get a long-term contract — and after seeing other teammates believe that the front office has made promises that have gone unfulfilled.
And now the Jets are only making the situation worse, offering up hollow excuses for not doing the deal the way it needs to be done and subtly characterizing Revis as greedy.
Though Revis had little or no leverage when this process began, he has all of it now. If the Jets fail to get the deal done, they will have alienated one of their key players, and they will have made it considerably harder to satisfy the looming "Super Bowl or bust" expectations.
Verdict: Revis.
The Chargers should easily win the AFC West once again. The bigger question is whether they can secure home-field advantage in the postseason, and whether they then can hold serve. For a change.
To do that, they need receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill under contract. Due to the nuances of the uncapped year, which for years many assumed would favor the players, the Chargers have had the ability to put the screws to this duo who form part of their nucleus. GM A.J. Smith didn’t have to stick it to them, but he has chosen to do so.
The Chargers possibly have opted to take a bullet for the league within the confines of the broader labor tug-o-war, harming the team’s short-term interests in the hopes of keeping as much money as possible out of the players’ pockets in advance of a possible lockout. The problem with this approach is that it hurts the Chargers, and it jeopardizes the health of their franchise quarterback.
Verdict: Jackson and McNeill.
Throughout the 2010 offseason, the 2009 offensive player of the year complained about a contract that was set to pay him only $550,000 in base salary. Eventually, the Titans reluctantly shifted some future money from 2012, bumping his compensation in the coming season to $2 million.
Recently, Johnson said he’s still not happy with his contract. And for good reason. Running backs get ridden hard and put away broken. The time to cash in comes early in one’s career, before ligaments are frayed and cartilage has been sucked out of joints through a surgical straw.
So while Johnson remains motivated to have a massive season, he’d be even more motivated if he were making more money. If the Titans were smart, they’d give it to him.
Verdict: Johnson.
The same dynamic that has unfolded in San Diego has occurred much more quietly in New England. Guard Logan Mankins has scoffed at the one-year free agency tender in excess of $3 million, and the team has exercised its right under the labor deal to cut his offer to less than $2 million when he didn’t sign it by June 15.
Mankins wants a big-money, long-term deal. Since he knows he’s not getting it, he wants out.
Here’s the key point — he’s an interior offensive linemen. Many teams regard guards and centers as largely fungible. The Pats, who have used plenty of no-names on the O-line over the years, apparently are one of those teams. And if anyone else believed Mankins was truly worth big money, the Pats’ phone would be ringing. It isn’t, and, by all appearances, it won’t.
Verdict: Patriots.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Despite a conflicting account on Wikipedia, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow did not help Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher propose to his girlfriend, actress and Florida graduate Joanna Garcia, FloridaToday.com reports.
According to the report, Swisher’s Wikipedia page said, "Football player Tim Tebow assisted Swisher with requesting Garcia’s hand in marriage, by speaking to her parents and being present during the proposal." That passage has been removed.
Before a Yankees-Rays game in St. Petersburg, Fla., FloridaToday.com columnist Peter Kerasotis asked Swisher if the entry was true.
"That’s total BS!" Swisher said, according to the report. "(Bleep) no! I don’t need some other dude to ask my girl to marry me. I’m a Major League Baseball player. I’m a man. I asked her on the balcony at my place in New York City. Tim Tebow wasn’t there. You need to squash that story, dude."
Tebow has, however, assisted in at least one marriage proposal, according to the report. At an autograph signing earlier this year, a man asked his girlfriend to marry him and had Tebow present the engagement ring.
Despite a conflicting account on Wikipedia, Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow did not help Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher propose to his girlfriend, actress and Florida graduate Joanna Garcia, FloridaToday.com reports.
According to the report, Swisher’s Wikipedia page said, "Football player Tim Tebow assisted Swisher with requesting Garcia’s hand in marriage, by speaking to her parents and being present during the proposal." That passage has been removed.
Before a Yankees-Rays game in St. Petersburg, Fla., FloridaToday.com columnist Peter Kerasotis asked Swisher if the entry was true.
"That’s total BS!" Swisher said, according to the report. "(Bleep) no! I don’t need some other dude to ask my girl to marry me. I’m a Major League Baseball player. I’m a man. I asked her on the balcony at my place in New York City. Tim Tebow wasn’t there. You need to squash that story, dude."
Tebow has, however, assisted in at least one marriage proposal, according to the report. At an autograph signing earlier this year, a man asked his girlfriend to marry him and had Tebow present the engagement ring.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Both NL Central contenders are trying to take advantage of soft spots in their schedules. The Cardinals outscored the last-place Pirates 21-2 during a three-game sweep this past weekend and will play the finale of a three-game series against the Astros tonight.
St. Louis, which lost 18-4 to the Astros on Tuesday and 9-4 on Monday, will have Chris Carpenter on the mound, though Houston handed him one of his three losses this season. Starting for the Astros: newly acquired J.A. Happ, who shut down Milwaukee this past Friday to win in his Astros debut.
Meanwhile, the Reds will try to win the rubber game of their three-game set against the Pirates before heading to Wrigley Field this weekend. Ten-game winner Johnny Cueto, who is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts against Pittsburgh this season, will start for Cincinnati.
With Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez still stuck on 599 career homers, it is fair to wonder whether the Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista will reach the 600-homer plateau before A-Rod. OK, maybe not, but Bautista does lead the majors in homers this season.
If A-Rod is unable to go deep tonight against the Jays—right-hander Shaun Marcum will start for Toronto—it would add some intrigue to this weekend’s series against Boston. A-Rod would have four games at Yankee Stadium to hit No. 600 against New York’s biggest rivals.
Prior to making the trip to the Bronx, Boston will host Cleveland for two more games. Tonight, former Red Sox right-hander Justin Masterson will start for the Indians. Masterson is just 3-10 with a 5.55 ERA this season but he tossed a complete-game shutout against the Red Sox back in June in his most impressive outing of the season.
Boston will counter with Jon Lester, who was roughed up (six earned runs in six innings) by Cleveland in the teams’ previous series.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Both NL Central contenders are trying to take advantage of soft spots in their schedules. The Cardinals outscored the last-place Pirates 21-2 during a three-game sweep this past weekend and will play the finale of a three-game series against the Astros tonight.
St. Louis, which lost 18-4 to the Astros on Tuesday and 9-4 on Monday, will have Chris Carpenter on the mound, though Houston handed him one of his three losses this season. Starting for the Astros: newly acquired J.A. Happ, who shut down Milwaukee this past Friday to win in his Astros debut.
Meanwhile, the Reds will try to win the rubber game of their three-game set against the Pirates before heading to Wrigley Field this weekend. Ten-game winner Johnny Cueto, who is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts against Pittsburgh this season, will start for Cincinnati.
With Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez still stuck on 599 career homers, it is fair to wonder whether the Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista will reach the 600-homer plateau before A-Rod. OK, maybe not, but Bautista does lead the majors in homers this season.
If A-Rod is unable to go deep tonight against the Jays—right-hander Shaun Marcum will start for Toronto—it would add some intrigue to this weekend’s series against Boston. A-Rod would have four games at Yankee Stadium to hit No. 600 against New York’s biggest rivals.
Prior to making the trip to the Bronx, Boston will host Cleveland for two more games. Tonight, former Red Sox right-hander Justin Masterson will start for the Indians. Masterson is just 3-10 with a 5.55 ERA this season but he tossed a complete-game shutout against the Red Sox back in June in his most impressive outing of the season.
Boston will counter with Jon Lester, who was roughed up (six earned runs in six innings) by Cleveland in the teams’ previous series.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
The New York Daily News reported the Mets will not ask pitcher Oliver Perez to accept a minor league assignment. Nor will it simply release the left-hander, who signed a three-year, $36 million deal prior to the 2009 season.
The team attempted to convince Perez to go to the minors earlier this season before eventually placing him on the disabled list because of a knee injury. Perez began the season in the rotation but now is among the last options in the Mets’ bullpen.
The New York Daily News reported the Mets will not ask pitcher Oliver Perez to accept a minor league assignment. Nor will it simply release the left-hander, who signed a three-year, $36 million deal prior to the 2009 season.
The team attempted to convince Perez to go to the minors earlier this season before eventually placing him on the disabled list because of a knee injury. Perez began the season in the rotation but now is among the last options in the Mets’ bullpen.
New Braves outfielder Rick Ankiel told The Atlanta Journal Constitution that he hasn’t ruled out a possible return to the mound later in his career. Ankiel began his career as a highly touted starting pitcher but control problem resulted in a successful transition to the outfield.
"I keep thinking when I can’t run any more and I still want to be in the game, maybe I’ll give (pitching) a shot," Ankiel said. "For now, I’m an outfielder and that’s how I look at it."
New Braves outfielder Rick Ankiel told The Atlanta Journal Constitution that he hasn’t ruled out a possible return to the mound later in his career. Ankiel began his career as a highly touted starting pitcher but control problem resulted in a successful transition to the outfield.
"I keep thinking when I can’t run any more and I still want to be in the game, maybe I’ll give (pitching) a shot," Ankiel said. "For now, I’m an outfielder and that’s how I look at it."
Are the Vikings sunk? Not so fast.
Just two seasons ago, with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, Minnesota went 10-6 and won the NFC North. So if Brett Favre’s third annual retirement actually sticks, the Vikings will still have a quarterback capable of winning games.
"I believe in my teammates," Jackson said Tuesday. "Hopefully, they believe in me."
The Vikings would miss Favre’ big-play proficiency, the team would remain loaded with All-Pro talent such as Adrian Peterson, defensive end Jared Allen and defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
"We played football without (Favre) once before," Allen said. "If we have to do it again, we’ll do it again."
If Favre doesn’t change his mind, it no doubt tips the balance of power in the division to Aaron Rodgers’ Packers. And it also opens the door for the desperate Bears, who spent aggressively to land top free agents such as defensive end Julius Peppers and running back Chester Taylor.
"I hope he doesn’t come back," Taylor said of Favre, his teammate last season. "I mean, he had a great career. But he’s our opponent now, and it’ll benefit us if he doesn’t come back."
With the Vikings sure to slide a bit without Favre, it would give the Cowboys and Saints some separation at the top of the NFC.
"To be real with you, it’s going to be a big setback," Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said. "We are all feeling it today. We are feeling it today to be real."
Considering the East and the South are the conference’s strongest divisions, the middle tier of playoff contenders—Giants, Eagles, Falcons and Panthers—could be right there in the fight with Minnesota for a wild-card berth.
The only thing certain about Favre is his indecisiveness. Sure, his ankle hurts today and he’s talking of retiring for good. But considering he didn’t join the Vikings until Aug. 18 last year, it’s hard to take Favre’s word.
"There’s still a lot of time before Sept. 9," Saints safety Darren Sharper said of the season opener. "We’ve haven’t seen a final chapter yet in that book."
Vinnie Iyer is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Are the Vikings sunk? Not so fast.
Just two seasons ago, with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, Minnesota went 10-6 and won the NFC North. So if Brett Favre’s third annual retirement actually sticks, the Vikings will still have a quarterback capable of winning games.
"I believe in my teammates," Jackson said Tuesday. "Hopefully, they believe in me."
The Vikings would miss Favre’ big-play proficiency, the team would remain loaded with All-Pro talent such as Adrian Peterson, defensive end Jared Allen and defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
"We played football without (Favre) once before," Allen said. "If we have to do it again, we’ll do it again."
If Favre doesn’t change his mind, it no doubt tips the balance of power in the division to Aaron Rodgers’ Packers. And it also opens the door for the desperate Bears, who spent aggressively to land top free agents such as defensive end Julius Peppers and running back Chester Taylor.
"I hope he doesn’t come back," Taylor said of Favre, his teammate last season. "I mean, he had a great career. But he’s our opponent now, and it’ll benefit us if he doesn’t come back."
With the Vikings sure to slide a bit without Favre, it would give the Cowboys and Saints some separation at the top of the NFC.
"To be real with you, it’s going to be a big setback," Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said. "We are all feeling it today. We are feeling it today to be real."
Considering the East and the South are the conference’s strongest divisions, the middle tier of playoff contenders—Giants, Eagles, Falcons and Panthers—could be right there in the fight with Minnesota for a wild-card berth.
The only thing certain about Favre is his indecisiveness. Sure, his ankle hurts today and he’s talking of retiring for good. But considering he didn’t join the Vikings until Aug. 18 last year, it’s hard to take Favre’s word.
"There’s still a lot of time before Sept. 9," Saints safety Darren Sharper said of the season opener. "We’ve haven’t seen a final chapter yet in that book."
Vinnie Iyer is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
The Red Sox have placed first baseman Kevin Youkilis (thumb) on the 15-day disabled list, according to The Boston Globe.
Youkilis, who is hitting .307 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs, is the fifth position player from Boston’s opening day lineup to land on the DL this season.
With Youkilis out, the Red Sox activated infielder Mike Lowell from the disabled list to start at first base. Lowell is hitting .213 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 31 games this season.
Lowell hasn’t played since June 22 because of a sore hip and was rumored to be a candidate to be designated for assignment earlier this week.
The Red Sox have placed first baseman Kevin Youkilis (thumb) on the 15-day disabled list, according to The Boston Globe.
Youkilis, who is hitting .307 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs, is the fifth position player from Boston’s opening day lineup to land on the DL this season.
With Youkilis out, the Red Sox activated infielder Mike Lowell from the disabled list to start at first base. Lowell is hitting .213 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 31 games this season.
Lowell hasn’t played since June 22 because of a sore hip and was rumored to be a candidate to be designated for assignment earlier this week.
The A’s website reported righthander Ben Sheets will have surgery next week to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.
A similar procedure sidelined Sheets for the entire 2009 season.
"It will be a significantly long time again," Sheets told the website. "Probably about 12 months, I think, then I’ll be back dominating."
Prior to the injury, Sheets went 4-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 20 starts this season. He will be a free agent following this season.
The A’s website reported righthander Ben Sheets will have surgery next week to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.
A similar procedure sidelined Sheets for the entire 2009 season.
"It will be a significantly long time again," Sheets told the website. "Probably about 12 months, I think, then I’ll be back dominating."
Prior to the injury, Sheets went 4-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 20 starts this season. He will be a free agent following this season.
If Brett Favre does in fact retire, as he’s been reportedly informing his teammates, it would have a huge effect on the Minnesota Vikings’ playoff chances.
| Vikings | W | L | % | DIV | PLAYOFF | PPG |
| With Favre | 11.5 | 4.5 | 71.9% | 73% | 91% | 30.0 |
| Without Favre | 8.9 | 7.1 | 55.6% | 32% | 53% | 24.0 |
| Difference | -2.6 | 2.6 | -16.3% | -41% | -38% | -6.0 |
The Vikings were AccuScore’s strong favorite to win the NFC North, but without Favre, they become the second favorite after the Packers. The first chart shows the NFC North division with Brett Favre (WF) and the second chart shows the NFC North division without Favre (NF).
| NFCN (WF) | W | L | % | DIV | PLAYOFF |
| Vikings | 11.5 | 4.5 | 71.9% | 73% | 91% |
| Packers | 9.5 | 6.5 | 59.4% | 22% | 60% |
| Bears | 7.4 | 8.6 | 46.3% | 4% | 18% |
| Lions | 4.8 | 11.2 | 30.0% | 1% | 1% |
| NFCN (NF) | W | L | % | DIV | PLAYOFF |
| Packers | 9.7 | 6.3 | 60.6% | 52% | 69% |
| Vikings | 8.9 | 7.1 | 55.6% | 32% | 53% |
| Bears | 7.8 | 8.2 | 48.8% | 14% | 29% |
| Lions | 5.0 | 11.0 | 31.3% | 2% | 2% |
Please visit AccuScore.com to make sure you are up to date with the latest game forecasts, which are updated throughout the week based on injury and weather updates.
If Brett Favre does in fact retire, as he’s been reportedly informing his teammates, it would have a huge effect on the Minnesota Vikings’ playoff chances.
| Vikings | W | L | % | DIV | PLAYOFF | PPG |
| With Favre | 11.5 | 4.5 | 71.9% | 73% | 91% | 30.0 |
| Without Favre | 8.9 | 7.1 | 55.6% | 32% | 53% | 24.0 |
| Difference | -2.6 | 2.6 | -16.3% | -41% | -38% | -6.0 |
The Vikings were AccuScore’s strong favorite to win the NFC North, but without Favre, they become the second favorite after the Packers. The first chart shows the NFC North division with Brett Favre (WF) and the second chart shows the NFC North division without Favre (NF).
| NFCN (WF) | W | L | % | DIV | PLAYOFF |
| Vikings | 11.5 | 4.5 | 71.9% | 73% | 91% |
| Packers | 9.5 | 6.5 | 59.4% | 22% | 60% |
| Bears | 7.4 | 8.6 | 46.3% | 4% | 18% |
| Lions | 4.8 | 11.2 | 30.0% | 1% | 1% |
| NFCN (NF) | W | L | % | DIV | PLAYOFF |
| Packers | 9.7 | 6.3 | 60.6% | 52% | 69% |
| Vikings | 8.9 | 7.1 | 55.6% | 32% | 53% |
| Bears | 7.8 | 8.2 | 48.8% | 14% | 29% |
| Lions | 5.0 | 11.0 | 31.3% | 2% | 2% |
Please visit AccuScore.com to make sure you are up to date with the latest game forecasts, which are updated throughout the week based on injury and weather updates.