Three observations ...• If Brett Favre hasn't returned to the NFL after all the injuries that have struck Houston and Chicago of late, he never will. Unfortunately, it's going to take until the 2013 season before Favre rumors are finally retired.
Sunday Insider: Fourth and five
• Philadelphia would be the consensus pick for most disappointing team in the league this season. But Tampa Bay isn't too far behind at No. 2. The Bucs (4-8) went 10-6 with a young, talented, exciting roster a year ago.
• The way the Texans defense has played during a six-game winning streak, it really doesn't matter who plays quarterback. Houston's past six opponents have scored 7, 14, 12, 9, 13 and 10 points.
Two bold predictions ...• Favre ramps up leaks to ESPN after Bears lose ground on Lions and Falcons in NFC playoff chase.
• 49ers suffer letdown at Arizona after clinching division early; Packers move closer to clinching No. 1 seed and facing difficult decision on whether to rest starters.
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.