Brett Favre Returns To Minnesota Vikings: Five Talking Points

Brett Favre is back, at least that seems to be what the story is today.

The landscape of the NFC North now looks different, although to be completely fair, it's safe to assume the Packers, Lions, and Bears probably were anticipating Favre's comeback and prepared accordingly.

That being said, there's a difference between "might be," and "definitely."

Now that Favre is back within the fold of the Minnesota Vikings, there are several things opposing teams will have to consider as they prepare to face the Vikings in 2010.

Not only that, but the Vikings now have to decide what to do with their own offense, and the repercussions his arrival will have on the rest of the team.

The Vikings Offense Now Has Clarity

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ST. LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 14: Sage Rosenfels #2 of the Minnesota Vikings gets sacked by Chris Long #72 of the St. Louis Rams during the preseason game at Edward Jones Dome on August 14, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

With Favre back in the mix, there is no question now as to who is the team's starter. The "battle" between Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels is officially over.

Jackson didn't play long, so his stats aren't that meaningful. Rosenfels, however, did play some significant time and went 23-34 for 310 yards and three touchdowns.

Granted most of his work was against second and third team players, but Rosenfels hasn't spent much time as a starter, so this was encouraging for Vikings fans to see.

The only question now is if the team holds on to both of these guys as insurance going forward, which brings us to . . .

Can Brett Favre Survive the Season?

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings picks himself off the turf against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 31-28 in

Favre had to have his ankle surgically repaired this offseason just to be able to play in 2010, and Favre isn't exactly 25 years old anymore. He's not even 35 years old anymore.

Favre's durability has been legendary throughout his career, but that durability will be put to the test this year as his soon-to-be 41-year old body will be put through yet another season of punishment.

The Vikings will have to prepare for the possibility Favre won't be able to start all 16 games this season, and that a season-ending injury could be a bigger risk than it was even two years ago.

How Does Favre's Return Affect the NFC North?

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GREEN BAY - AUGUST 14: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers passes during the NFL preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field August 14, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Dahlin/Getty Images)

Favre rubbed the Green Bay Packers' collective noses in the dirt last year, so that kind of motivation won't be as great this year.

Plus, the Packers are going to be the team that is well-motivated to avenge the losses from 2009 when they face Favre and the Vikings this year.

Both of these divisional battles will be out-and-out war, and therefore must-see TV for any NFL Fan.

The Bears and Lions don't have the personal grudges against Favre the Packers do, but the Bears are in a make-or-break season for Lovie Smith and the Lions are desperate to prove they will be a force to be reckoned with now that quarterback Matthew Stafford has a year under his belt.

Every divisional game this year will be big.

How Will Favre's Return Affect Team Chemistry?

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Head coach Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty I

Let's call a horse a horse: Brett Favre is getting the kind of preferential treatment that can make other Vikings players very angry.

While a handful of players approached the gates of Temple Favre and begged for his return from the mountain, there probably are more than a few players on this team who aren't too happy about the situation.

Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels come to mind, but they knew what they were getting into going into this training camp.

Winning cures everything, and if the Vikings don't win early and often, expect the resentment from guys keeping their mouths shut now to come oozing out of the locker room.

Can the Vikings Reach the Super Bowl?

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after Adrian Peterson #28 scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisana Superdome on Jan

As long as Favre is on the field, and as long as the Vikings are winning game, the question of whether or not the Vikings can reach and win the Super Bowl is a legitimate one.

Let the debate begin, one opinion is as good as another in August.