Let’s take a Lambeau Leap here and guess that the welcome back party for Brett Favre won’t be all hospitable in Green Bay on Sunday. There just might be a few derogatory chants and critical banners along Lombardi Avenue when the Minnesota Vikings come calling.

Purple is practically a banned color in Green Bay when the Packers’ division rival visits. Some Cheeseheads call Minnesota the Viqueens, and, lately, the Phony Favres. This is a rivalry that needs no extra fuel.
But Favre’s decision to end a second retirement and sign with Minnesota — a year after he basically forced the Packers to trade him to the Jets — added a rocket booster to this series.
Not that he’s letting on much.
“To me, being able to focus, being relaxed, kind of seeing things clearly as they’re happening, is a much better and more productive way to play,” Favre said. “Being nervous and having anxiety and things like that, I don’t think can be a plus when you’re in a decision-making role.”
The Packers are 3›-point choices, basically the home-field advantage. But what quarterback is more comfortable at Lambeau Field? And who really believes Favre will be unnerved by all that negativity?
Minnesota is 6-1 in great part because it has won the close games, finishing nearly every week with a flourish. The Packers are coming on, but those two straight defensive gems did come against Detroit and Cleveland, who combined might not find the end zone against anyone.
In the second half of the schedule, Green Bay might be the better team. Right now, Minnesota is.
VIKINGS, 23-20

Cleveland (plus 13 1/2) at Chicago
The Bears get an Ohio team they can handle after being manhandled by the Bengals.
BEST BET: Bears, 30-6

Miami (plus 4) at N.Y. Jets
Dolphins had Saints on the ropes, and the banged-up Jets aren’t the Saints. Miami beat Jets three weeks ago. Repeat ...
UPSET SPECIAL: DOLPHINS, 24-17

Broncos (plus 3) at Ravens
A Denver win and all the doubters will disappear. So might Baltimore’s division title hopes with a loss.
RAVENS, 16-14

Houston (minus 3 1/2) at Buffalo
Texans rarely are road favorites, but they’ve hit their stride on offense and defense. Gritty Bills can keep it close.
TEXANS, 20-17

San Francisco (plus 10) at Indianapolis
Colts are rolling, Niners are reeling.
COLTS, 30-14

Seattle (plus 9 1/2) at Dallas
Seahawks desperately needed the bye to get somewhat healthy. That doesn’t mean they got better.
COWBOYS, 27-17

Oakland (plus 16 1/2) at San Diego
San Diego knows how to beat bad teams. Despite their two wins, the Raiders are BAD.
CHARGERS, 35-9

Jacksonville (plus 3) at Tennessee
Is Bud Adams really telling Jeff Fisher who to play?
JAGUARS, 14-13

Carolina (plus 7 1/2) at Arizona
Guess who has a defense? Try Arizona, which could be ready for a lengthy surge.
CARDINALS, 28-13

NY Giants (plus 3) at Philadelphia
First half of the Big Apple-Brotherly Love doubleheader in South Philly. New York’s secondary will struggle against Eagles’ young playmakers. Eagles’ OL will struggle more against pass rush.
GIANTS, 24-22

Atlanta (plus 8 1/2) at New Orleans
Hard to not believe in the Saints after last week’s win at Miami. Hard to believe in Atlanta’s D after last week’s loss at Dallas.
SAINTS, 35-24

St Louis (no line) at Detroit
The Rams’ best opportunity to avoid matching Detroit’s 0-16 of 2008. Lions would love the company in such ignominy.
LIONS, 10-7
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RECORD:
Versus spread, 5-6-1 (48-49-2 season); Straight up, 8-5 (71-32 season)
Best Bet: 3-4
Upset Special: 4-3