Mike31188

and why?

For your consideration:

Minnesota Vikings - 2nd in the NFC North last year. Spectacular running backs, d-line, very solid o-line. Weak at QB, WR, and in the secondary (aside from Sharper). Being hailed as a Super Bowl contender by some fans, but aren't even a sure pick to win their division.

Dallas Cowboys - consensus #1 team in the NFC, with a "Super Bowl or bust mentality", but no postseason wins since 1996; some consider them the only team in the NFC capable of winning a Super Bowl this year.

Cleveland Browns - Were second in their division last year, only one game away from a playoff berth. Derek Anderson was a pro-bowler, but can he repeat his success? Can Jamal Lewis continue to run defenders over while staying healthy? They've got excellent WRs, LBs, and special teams, as well as a solid o-line and decent d-line, but the secondary looks weak, especially after losing Bodden. Are they really a Super Bowl contender, or are they overrated?

NFL Live is reporting that Brett Favre has told a source he "has the itch" to play football again and is considering asking the Packers to reinstate him.

Technically he never officially retired and he is still on the Packers roster, just as an inactive player. All the Packers would have to do is activate him, and they certainly have the cap room to keep him as an active player. However, if the Packers decide they don't want to reinstate him, he'll either have to accept their decision or ask them to release him. The only think that would keep the Packers from wanting Favre back is Aaron Rogers - they apparently have modified the playbook a little bit for him, and he definitely seems mentally ready to play.

What do you think about all that? Did you kind of see this coming? Do you think Favre should shut up and stay retried or go ahead and try and make a comeback? Can you imagine Favre playing for a different team (or even the Packers releasing/trading him)?

quite a few to choose from:

CB DeAngelo Hall - 7 years, $70 million

- only 5 interceptions last year

- 2nd highest paid defensive player in the NFL (Nate Clements from across the Bay is #1 with 8 years, $80 million)

- comparison: Dre Bly 5 years, $33 million

WR Javon Walker - 6 years, $55 million

- missed 8 games last year and 15 in 2005 due to injuries

- comparison: Randy Moss and TO both signed $27 million, 3 year contracts with their respective teams

DE Tommy Kelly - 7 years, $50.5 million

- missed 9 games last year due to injury

- only 13 career sacks over 4 years

- was undrafted in 2003

- comparison: Patrick Kerney (14.5 sacks last year) signed by Seattle for six years, $39.5 million

JaMarcus Russell - 6 years, $61 million (rookie contract)

Darren McFadden - 6 years, $60 million (rookie contract)

Al Davis shelled out about a quarter billion dollars in contracts this last offseason (Hall, Walker, Kelly, McFadden, + others), but which one is the MOST overpaid?

Think in terms of both this season and the long term future. Do any of them have a shot to become the next great head coach or will their time as head coaches all be forgotten in the next 10 years?

John Harbaugh - Ravens

Mike Smith - Falcons

Tony Sparano - Dolphins

Jim Zorn - Redskins

For your consideration:

Dallas - Greg Ellis, Bradie James, DeMarcus Ware, Zach Thomas

Pittsburgh - LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, James Harrison, Larry Foote

Seattle - LeRoy Hill, Lofa Tatupu, Julian Peterson

Baltimore - Jarrett Johnson, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott

Chicago - Hunter Hillenmeyer, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs

New England - Mike Vrabel, Eric Alexander, Adalius Thomas, Tedy Bruschi

Denver - Boss Bailey, DJ Williams, Jamie Winborn

Cleveland - Willie McGinest, Andra Davis, Kameron Wimbley, D'Qwell Jackson

10+ to the person who backs up their answer the best without sounding like a biased jacko or trashing other teams'.

Kerry Collins (TEN), Charlie Batch (PIT), Seneca Wallace (SEA), Mark Brunell (NO), Todd Collins (WAS), Trent Green (STL), Brady Quinn (CLE), David Carr (NYG), Kellen Clemens (NYJ), Brian Brohm (GB), Matt Ryan (ATL), John David Booty (MIN), Chad Henne (MIA), Kyle Boller (BAL), Luke McCown (TB), JP Losman (BUF), Kyle Orton (CHI), and Shaun Hill (SFO) seem to be the most likely candidates.

According to EA Sports (ie Madden), Collins, Wallace and Quinn are the highest rated backups, but what's your opinion?