Sunday Insider: Fourth and five

December 11, 2011 at 6:33AM

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.

• 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.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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