MINNEAPOLIS — What was once unthinkable became reality last night under the big white top of the Metrodome — Brett Favre received a standing ovation in Minnesota.

Long considered the most dastardly of villains in Minnesota sports, Favre's decision to sign with the Vikings has instantly turned him into a quarterback viewed as the state's white knight and the team's key to a Super Bowl run.

After spurning coach Brad Childress's initial advances, Favre signed with the Vikings on Tuesday and, three days later, started the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

He looked a little rusty and went 1 for 4 for 4 yards in two series of a 17-13 victory over the Chiefs. But he was welcomed with open arms by a Vikings fan base that used to despise him like no other during his 16 seasons with the rival Green Bay Packers.

"It felt a little odd after so many years being on the other side," Favre said.

For 16 years, Favre haunted the Vikings while restoring the Packers to greatness. He led them to two Super Bowls, including a victory in 1997, and set nearly every significant NFL passing record there is while achieving unparalleled popularity throughout the league.

Except for in Minnesota.

Nothing delighted Vikings fans more than seeing Favre struggle here at the Metrodome, and it happened often. Favre lost nine of his first 11 games in this raucous arena.

FALCONS 20, RAMS 13

ST. LOUIS — Atlanta's starters were flawless. Michael Turner accounted for all but 12 yards on the opening 77-yard drive and Matt Ryan was 7 for 8 for 81 yards with a touchdown pass in two series before he, too, called it a day in the Falcon's victory.

Steven Jackson had three carries for 10 yards in one series for the Rams (1-1), a bust in new coach Steve Spagnuolo's first home game as head coach in a half-empty Edward Jones Dome.

COWBOYS 30, TITANS 10

ARLINGTON, Texas — Tony Romo looked right at home in the first football game at the nearly $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium, going 18 of 24 for 192 yards to lead Dallas.

The Cowboys gained 249 yards and 17 first downs in the first half. Marion Barber capped a 15-play, 90-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown and Felix Jones had the go-ahead score on another 1-yard run with 1 second left in the first half.

NOTES

BILLS

Top pick gets five-year deal: Aaron Maybin, Baltimore's top draft choice, stood at a podium and expressed his delight after signing a five-year contract that includes about $15 million in guaranteed money.

"Ecstatic, overjoyed, whatever you want to call it, that's me," said Maybin, a defensive end selected 11th overall pick out of Penn State. "I've been smiling from ear to ear for the entire day, man, ever since I got off the plane."

The deal was reached exactly four weeks after Bills players reported to training camp, and a week after the two sides had reached an impasse.

LIONS

Stafford to start at QB: Detroit coach Jim Schwartz says quarterback Matthew Stafford will start the Lions' exhibition game at Cleveland.

Schwartz says Stafford likely will play into the second quarter of tonight's game, followed by Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton.

PANTHERS

RB Goodson fined $7,500: The NFL has fined Carolina running back Mike Goodson $7,500 for making a throat slash gesture after scoring a touchdown in Monday's exhibition game against the New York Giants.

Goodson turned to the crowd following his 14-yard TD run in the second half and put his hand to his throat. He was immediately called for a 15-yard taunting penalty. The NFL fined him yesterday for unsportsmanlike conduct.

JAGUARS

Manuwai might miss game: Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio expects about 10 players to miss tonight's preseason game against Tampa Bay.

Although Del Rio declined to list his injured players, former University of Hawai'i offensive lineman Vince Manuwai (knee) is among players who have missed recent workouts because of injuries.

RAIDERS

Coach attack probe reopened: The Napa police yesterday reopened its investigation into an attack that left Oakland Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson with a broken bone in his face.

Hanson was hospitalized following the Aug. 5 attack that he told police was initiated by a member of the Raiders coaching staff at the team's training camp hotel in Napa. Internet reports said head coach Tom Cable attacked Hanson during a meeting with some of the team's defensive coaches.

Cable would not comment when asked yesterday about the news that the police had reopened the investigation.

TITANS

Receiver charged with DUI: Tennessee receiver Chris Davis has been charged with DUI after being stopped by police early yesterday for speeding in downtown Nashville.

The arrest report stated when the officer pulled over Davis' car, the player smelled of alcohol and his eyes were watery. Davis, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, consented to a breath alcohol test, which registered 0.11. The level of intoxication in Tennessee is 0.08.