Detroit Vs. Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings' weather-altered three-week journey in December began at Ford Field on a night when Brett Favre's consecutive games streak came to an unceremonious conclusion.
That's also where their disappointing season - and likely Favre's prolonged career - will finally end.
Favre might again be on the sidelines for his final sendoff Sunday, but Joe Webb's first start has the Vikings feeling better about their future under center as they look to keep the resurgent Detroit Lions from their first four-game winning streak in more than a decade.
Minnesota (6-9) has been one of the league's biggest underachievers a season after nearly making it to the Super Bowl, and Favre has certainly been one of the biggest culprits.
Along with a career- and league-worst 5.3 percent interception rate, the 41-year-old has spent the season facing allegations that he sent inappropriate messages and below-the-belt photos to former New York Jets employee Jenn Sterger.
That saga finally ended Wednesday with Favre being fined $50,000, and although he wasn't suspended, post-concussion symptoms may keep him sidelined in what's likely his final game before a third retirement.
"We'd love to see him play," interim coach Leslie Frazier said. "It's really not a hard decision for me. Brett is a terrific player. ... If Brett is healthy I think our entire team feels very confident that we have a great chance to win when he's the starting quarterback."
He'll have to pass a baseline neurological test to play Sunday, something he failed to do Thursday.
Favre has missed two of the Vikings' three games during one of the most bizarre stretches in NFL history. Inclement weather has kept Minnesota's past three contests from being played the day they were originally scheduled, including a Dec. 13 loss to the Giants that was moved to Detroit after the roof of the Metrodome collapsed.
That was the end of Favre's streak at 297, though he did step back in a week later in a 40-14 loss to the Bears before leaving with a concussion.
Webb got the call Tuesday night against Philadelphia - 48 hours after that snow-delayed game was supposed to be played - and gave the Vikings something to think about for the finale and, perhaps, beyond. Webb threw for 195 yards and ran for 31 and a touchdown, engineering a stunning 24-14 upset that knocked the Eagles out of contention for a first-round bye.
"It was a big win, especially with what we have gone through," Webb said. "It was a long trip for us and to get a win against the Eagles, we are trying to finish the season on a high note."
That's certainly what Detroit (5-10) is doing. The Lions lost six times by five points or fewer in their first 12 games, but seem to have solved their woes in close contests.
Detroit came from behind in the fourth quarter to beat Green Bay and Tampa Bay, then pulled off an even more impressive rally Sunday at Miami. Down 10 with under five minutes left, the Lions scored 17 points, the last coming on DeAndre Levy's 30-yard interception return with 2:11 left to seal a wild 34-27 victory.
"There's some experience gained from playing in close games," coach Jim Schwartz said. "I don't think that's a game we would have won earlier in the season."
A win Sunday would allow Detroit to finish tied with Minnesota for last in the NFC North, marking the first time since 2007 it didn't end up alone in the division's basement. More importantly, it would be the Lions' first four-game winning streak since 1999 - the last time they made the playoffs.
"We're obviously not going to the Super Bowl," said tight end Brandon Pettigrew. "We just want to get it done and lay a foundation for next year."
The key to Detroit avoiding a 17th loss in 18 games against the Vikings might lie in Adrian Peterson's bruised knee. Minnesota's All-Pro running back had 118 yards and a touchdown Tuesday despite taking a shot to his already banged-up knee on his first carry.
Frazier said he'll be watched closely this week, and the Lions certainly wouldn't be upset if he couldn't go. Peterson has surpassed 100 yards in five of his last six games against Detroit, including 160 yards and two TDs in a 24-10 win on Sept. 26.
Favre - whose teams have won eight straight against the Lions - and Peterson aren't the only key players nursing injuries. Detroit wideout Calvin Johnson, who's tied for the NFC lead with 12 TD receptions, is questionable with an ankle injury.
Minnesota receiver Sidney Rice's status is also uncertain due to a concussion.
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