Report Favre to sign with Vikings on Tuesday: fantasy implications

Hey guess what...Brett Favre is coming back...shocker. Too bad all the confetti was already used on the previous "here he comes" moments. ESPN and other outlets are reporting that Favre will sign with the Vikings on Tuesday for a reported $10-12 million (I assume a one-year deal, but could be for 5-years the way Favre goes). We will discuss breaking news and other NFL/fantasy football nuggets in greater detail tonight on the 2009 season premiere episode of the FFToolbox Podcast.

Ok, taking away all the annoyance of the will he or won't he aspect of the Favre drama, the question on everyone's mind now is when he will see the field and where should he be drafted in fantasy leagues.

For those uber-casual fans that haven't bought a fantasy magazine since Antonio Freeman was still in the league, please note that despite all the buzz, Favre is not the folk hero he used to be, though he was effective early on for the Jets last season. Ok, the questions:

When: Let's assume the reports are true and today is the day Favre dons the purple. The good news is he has played in a similar offense for most of his career, so other than some terminology differences or tweaks that Vikings staff have implemented, Favre should be able to adapt quickly. Of course, playbook is one thing, getting into a rhythm with the other players is another and why I suspect he gets out onto the field ASAP.

The Vikings next game is at home this Friday. My initial thought is that is too soon, but I would not be shocked if the Vikes at least allude to #4 playing in the game to get a full house in these tough economic times. More likely, he would see real action 10 days later when Minnesota travels to Houston. Current Vikes starter Sage Rosenfels spent the last few years with the Texans and he likely was looking forward to this game as a Welcome back/Check me out type event, but now he will just become one of the other Kardashian sisters answering questions all day long about their sister Kim. Sounds like fun.

While I am believer of Rosenfels as far as the fantasy world goes, he obviously doesn't have a resume in the same universe as the three-time MVP, which is exactly what the Vikes are bringing Favre in for, to see if he still has the magic left. It looked like all the fairy dust was gone when Favre slogged his way through the final weeks last season as the Jets collapsed and missed the playoffs. Assuming the elbow is good to go, there would seem to be little doubt that Favre is the starter by week one, if not that game with the Texans. Considering defenses will be using 8-man fronts to try and stop Adrian Peterson, Favre should have opportunities to match his 22-touchdown output from last year. That is of course assuming he throws the ball down field to the likes Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin and not the opposition, something he also did 22 times last season.

For a team with legitimate aspirations of a Super Bowl run, it is totally fair to not want Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson under center, but to wait this long seems rather foolish. Yes, Favre is familiar with the system, but unlike other positions, it is much harder to integrate a quarterback

Where: Ok fantasy owners, this is what you really want to know; where to draft Favre. First things first, he is not a QB1, period. Do not forget his poor showing late in the year - two touchdown passes compared to NINE interceptions over the final five games. Do not forget that even if he is familiar with the Vikes offense, he is still just getting into camp - assuming he doesn't flip the script again. Do not forget that at this moment, we still do not know the strength of his arm. All of that knocks him out of the top-15 on my board and probably down to around 20, which is where I have Rosenfels currently. Taking him anywhere before the 10th round would be unwise and I say that even if reports say he is good to go.

His name value likely jacks up his ADP prior to the start of the season, though I do not anticipate taking him regardless. Also, this is a rather weak year for QB2 options, which also likely moves him draft boards faster than he should. If my top quarterback is say Jay Cutler, who is not exactly loaded with weapons in Chicago, then maybe I'd want a backup with some big-game potential and stylistically, Favre gets you that over say David Garrard, who I otherwise would rank higher.

On the positive side, the Vikes early schedule (@ Cle, @ Det, SF, GB, @ St.L) should provide a soft cushion for Favre, though I would need to see him perform on the field before I felt compelled to even consider using him as a rotation QB that soon in the season. Favre could be a popular bye week option in Week 5 when the Vikes play at the Rams and Cutler, Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers all are off that week.

If you are a Favre-guy, there is nothing I can say that will change your mind about taking him. If you have never worn a big block of cheese on your head, then just focus on the player, not the buzz.