While working on my Monday column (which will appear on 1A of the paper, or what some sports fans call ``The Wrapper"), I crunched a few numbers.

Brett Favre finished with the best passer rating (107.2) of his career, and the lowest interception rate (1.3) of his career. For all the concern every rational observer had about his health and his recklessness, he performed with admirable restraint and finished the season healthier that could have been expected.

He passed for 4,202 yards, and was particularly successful at home.

On the road, he completed 68 percent of his passes while throwing 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. At the Dome, he completed 69 percent for 21 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Let's face it - the guy was phenomenal, and his interactions with teammates in the lockeroom, on the field and on the sideline make it pretty clear that he was very popular even if he didn't spend a lot of time off the field with his teammates.

I asked Jared Allen to sum up Favre's season and he said, ``Ah, phenomenal year, great guy, great teammate, great season. What more can you say?"

``The guy has played great,'' said Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. ``I'm happy for him on a different level.
For whatever reason, everybody wants to root against him, say, `Well, here's why he's washed up.' It's good to know he's still playing at this high level. There are a lot of people here who had confidence he could do this.''

Someone asked Favre how he was able to escape the pocket to make big plays. ``Speed," he said.

-Suddenly the Vikings' playoff chances look much better, for these reasons:

1) The bye will allow Favre and the Vikings' injured players the best opportunity to be at full speed. The bye should particularly help cornerback Antoine Winfield and defensive tackle Pat williams.

2) The Vikings will get to play a home playoff game after the bye. The Vikings are 8-0 at home; 4-4 on the road. No elaboration necessary.

3) The Saints looked terrible the last month of the season. If they lose their first playoff game and the Vikings win theirs, Minnesota would host the NFC title game.

-Again, I'll be on am-1500 with Reusse at 6:40 a.m., and on WJON at 7:14 a.m. You can follow me on Twitter at Souhanstrib.