Week Eight is the halfway point in the NFL regular season. It has been an eventful first half full of surprises, shockers, and disappointments.

In the first half, we saw Tom Brady struggle, but then rebound. We saw the Denver Broncos go 6-0 and the Tennessee Titans 0-6.

We saw Cedric Benson emerge as a top running back and Jake Delhomme forget how to play. The Detroit Lions won a game and the St. Louis Rams are making their push for 0-16.

Those are just a few of the things we saw in the first half. What's in store for the second half? More importantly what will we see in Week Eight?  Take a look:

 

Matchup of the Week: Minnesota Vikings (6-1) at Green Bay Packers (4-2)

Today, Brett Favre makes his return to Lambeau Field where he played for 16 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

On that field he won games, shattered records and built a great legacy.

As a Packer he was loved, and looked up to. He was the definition of a fan favorite.

Now, just two years after his ugly divorce from the team, Favre will step foot onto the Frozen Tundra once again. But this time he's wearing Viking purple and could maybe, just maybe, hear some boos.

In their Week Four matchup at the Metrodome, the Vikings beat Green Bay 30-23 in what was the most watched cable television program ever.

In that game, Favre threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns. His counterpart, Aaron Rodgers, tallied 384 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The difference in that game was the performances by the offensive lines.

Favre rarely had pressure on him and had plenty of time to stand in the pocket and make smart decisions and good throws. Rodgers didn't quite enjoy the same protection, as he was sacked eight times and hurried even more.

If the Packers have any chance to tie the season series they will have to protect Rodgers much better this time around.

Since that Week Four battle the Vikings are 2-1 and coming off a heart-breaking 27-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in last weekend's game of the week .

The Packers are 2-0 since Week Four including last week's 31-3 stomping of the sad Cleveland Browns.

But all that is in the past now and doesn't matter anymore.

Forget 6-1 vs. 4-2, forget all the Favre mania.

This is a midseason matchup between two division rivals with a playoff atmosphere.

 

Keys to the game

-Brett Favre's nerves

-Which O-line protects their QB better

-Can Minnesota's defense slow down Aaron Rodgers?

-Ryan Grant vs. Adrian Peterson

Predicition: Vikings win 23-20 in OT

 

 

Small Names, Big Games

Here, we will take a look at three non-superstars who will post big numbers in Week Eight.

 

Spencer Havner (TE, Green Bay)

With Jermichael Finley listed as doubtful with a sprained knee, the Packers could call on Spencer Havner to play a significant role in their offense vs. the Vikings this afternoon.

Last week, Havner caught two passes for 59 yards including a 45-yard touchdown in the second quarter. On the season, he has four catches for 89 yards and that one touchdown.

Havner, a converted linebacker, goes against the Vikings this afternoon and could have his fair share of success.

The Vikings defense has struggled against tight ends this season. On four occasions an opposing tight end has either led his team or was tied for the lead in receptions against Minnesota.

Those performances include Vernon Davis' 96 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches in Week Three and Finley's six receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown back in week four.

If Minnesota continues to struggle against tight ends, Havner could put up career highs this afternoon.

 

David Garrard (QB, Jacksonville)

Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has been inconsistent this season, but his Week Eight matchup makes him a candidate for a big game.

Garrard goes against the 0-6 Tennessee Titans who rank last against the pass.

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