Perhaps we've simply been too buried in high school football and web site changes with the addition of four sport-specific hubs to the lineup (shameless cross-promotion) to really get into Vikings/Packers week, but part of us thinks the buildup -- regardless of how much time we have to devote to it -- has been uncharacteristically flat. After the Vikings' stirring comeback against Arizona two weeks ago, there was a sense that a doomed team might have turned a corner. You looked at the schedule and said, "OK, if they beat this truly mediocre Bears team, things will actually set up for a meaningful run. Beat the Bears AND the Packers, and the Vikings are right back into the division race."

Instead, of course, the Vikings fell flat against the Bears. Now they're three games behind both Chicago and Green Bay. Brett Favre has a new injury every day. It's hard to tell which wide receivers will actually play. The defensive line has resumed "missing persons" status. We expect to see a mullet on a milk carton any day now.

The Vikings are mathematically still in the hunt, and they're trying to say the right things in most cases about trying harder, sticking with it, turning it all around. But after all the turmoil, followed by a humbling loss in Chicago, the players might be spent. The fans sure seem that way.

Packers fans, meanwhile, seem pleased with their team -- but not overwhelmed. Packers fans, please correct us if we're wrong (and we're sure you will): Are you having as much fun with the Aaron Rodgers teams as you did with the Brett Favre teams? Our guess is no -- that there was something about the Favre tight-rope act that can't be replaced and will forever be missed.

Add it up, and we're just not feeling it. This is certainly the least anticipation of any of the four Favre vs. Packers games. Here's hoping the game itself far exceeds the light buildup.