By George, They Think They’ve Got It

The Vikings are happy to have quarterback Jeff George in the lineup. Heck, they’re happy just to be winning again. “It felt like ’98 out there,” receiver Chris Walsh said about Sunday’s win over the 49ers. “It was the kind of win we had last year. It was fun. It’s been a while since we’ve had fun, but this one was real fun.”

Herman Moore’s absence hurts the Lions in the red zone because he forces teams to double-team him--or give up a touchdown. In the regular set, Moore isn’t missed as much because second-year receiver Germane Crowell has developed into a playmaker. But the Lions’ effectiveness in the three-receiver set--which they planned to run much more--is greatly reduced.

Chicago quarterback Shane Matthews thinks his pulled hamstring will be sufficiently healed for him to play in Washington. He figures to be the third quarterback at best after being inactive for the last two games. Despite his solid play before the injury, there is no guarantee his job will be waiting.

Packer quarterback Brett Favre admitted this week that his accuracy has been affected by his swollen thumb, which gets hit every week.

With Warrick Dunn struggling to rush for yards, Tampa Bay has decided to make more use of Mike Alstott and the power running attack. The team may also start running Alstott out of a one-back set more.