The 19-year veteran is proving he can still air it out, too. Favre looks to build on another impressive performance and help the Vikings open with a fifth straight win Sunday against the lowly St. Louis Rams. Favre suffered a partially torn biceps in his throwing arm last season with the New York Jets, and his nine interceptions to two touchdowns over the final five games led to four losses and cost the team a playoff berth. He's put that disappointing stretch far behind him. After passing for 301 yards and engineering an 80-yard drive that culminated with a 32-yard TD pass with 2 seconds left in a 27-24 win over San Francisco in Week 3, Favre was his vintage self against his former team Monday in a great win over the Packers. The Rams are in real trouble - even at home. Take the surging Vikes -10.
Falcons at 49ers -2.5
San Francisco has also had a strong first month and is 3-1 even without first-round draft choice Michael Crabtree, the 10th overall pick in April's draft. After several months of negotiations, the 49ers agreed Wednesday to a six-year contract with the former Texas Tech star, the only draft pick who had yet to sign. Despite an offense that ranks 28th with 264 yards per game, the 49ers lead the NFC West and are off to their best start since winning four of their first five games in 2002. Coach Mike Singletary wants his team to play tough defense and have a strong running game, but San Francisco has had trouble gaining yards on the ground. The 49ers will try to take advantage of a Falcons defense that has allowed a total of 312 yards rushing in its last two games. The Falcons have had their bye week and will be ready, but we still like the new 49ers at home, with Singletary doing a fine job coaching. Take the Niners -2.5.
Pats at Broncos +3
First-year coach Josh McDaniels was widely panned for trading Jay Cutler in the offseason, but his rebuilt defense has helped put the Denver Broncos in position for their first 5-0 start in 11 years. To get his team its fifth win this week, McDaniels will have to defeat a familiar face in New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. In McDaniels' first head-to-head battle with his mentor, the surprising Broncos face a major test Sunday when they host the Patriots, also riding the success of a new-look defense. The 33-year-old McDaniels spent eight seasons under Belichick with New England, including the last three as offensive coordinator. His success in helping the Patriots to three Super Bowl wins made him a highly desirable coaching candidate and the Broncos hired him in January. McDaniels' tenure in Denver got off to a rocky start with his controversial trade of Cutler, a Pro Bowl quarterback in 2008. The Broncos got quarterback Kyle Orton and three draft picks from Chicago in the deal, prompting criticism from fans and experts. After the Cutler drama unfolded, McDaniels was set on revamping a defense that finished as one of the worst in the AFC, allowing 146.1 rushing yards per game and 228.5 through the air while creating a league-low 13 turnovers. Even with all the good luck and playing at home, we are going against the streaking Broncos and taking the Patriots -3. Simply put, Tom Brady has played in too many of these big games. It's just another day at the office for him, and Belichick gets to make a statement against his former assistant.
Colts at Titans +3.5
Last season, Tennessee and Indianapolis both made the playoffs out of the AFC South as the Titans finished with the league's best record to end the Colts' run of five straight division titles. Both teams were expected to contend for that crown again this season, but only one looks like it will make a return trip to the playoffs. Peyton Manning and the Colts look to improve to 5-0 on Sunday night as they face the winless Titans. Manning has gotten off to a superb start with a franchise-record four consecutive 300-yard games, helping Indianapolis open 4-0 for the fourth time in five seasons. The three-time league MVP is the league's top-rated passer after completing 31 of 41 for 353 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in last Sunday's 34-17 win over Seattle. Manning has the Colts back in a familiar place, leading the division. After a slow start last year led to the team finishing out of first place for the first time since 2002, the Titans took advantage, opening 2008 with 10 consecutive wins en route to a 13-3 record to run away with the South. The Titans are only getting 3.5 which will more than likely be 4 by game time, but it is far short of what the Colts should win by. Indy is far superior at this point, and we have no problem laying the Colts -3.5.
Buccaneers at Eagles -13.5 (-125)
The Philadelphia Eagles are glad to have Donovan McNabb back from his rib injury Sunday as they try to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time in four meetings. This year's winless Buccaneers, however, don't figure to pose the problems they have in the past for McNabb. There's no Jon Gruden at the helm for Tampa, nor no Monte Kiffin running his Cover-2 defense that has given McNabb fits. The Eagles superstar is returning for his first action since Sept. 13, when he took a hard shot in the end zone after a rushing touchdown in a season-opening win over Carolina. Kevin Kolb started the last two games in McNabb's place. McNabb, who still feels some discomfort when he laughs, coughs or sleeps on his side, got some extra rest with the Eagles' early bye last weekend. Extended periods of sitting and standing are also uncomfortable for the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback, who doesn't expect to be fully recovered for another two to four weeks. Although Ronde Barber is still with the Buccaneers, McNabb should find this matchup easier this time. Tampa Bay features the worst defense in the NFC, allowing 393.5 total yards per game. With that in mind we suggest buying a half point here and taking the Eagles -13.5 at -125. A two touchdown win is very possible, but it could well be worse.
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