Monday Night Football "Doubleheader"

For the first time since 2005, a second, unscheduled Monday night game will be played right alongside ESPN's prime time contest. For the second time in as many instances, the game was moved because of Mother Nature, and it speaks to the NFL's efficiency that they were able to come up with a solution so efficiently once again.

The Vikings and Giants kick off the first of two contests this evening. However, neither squad will have home-field advantage, as Roger Goodell acted quickly to move the game to Detroit following the collapse of the Metrodome. You have to wonder how both teams will be affected by this last-minute change in plans, and although Tom Coughlin is a skilled motivator and task-master, I believe we'll see more of an effect on the Giants, who flew halfway back across the country just to play this one after spending a night in Kansas City.

The biggest storyline on the Vikings’ sideline, however, is undoubtedly Brett Favre, as it typically is. The ailing quarterback said he wouldn’t have played had the game been held on Sunday, and he remains a last-minute decision , according to interim coach Leslie Frazier. As recently as this afternoon though, the Vikes’ coach said it was “doubtful” that he would play. Although Tarvaris Jackson was effective in leading the Vikings to a win over the Bills, he did toss three picks. Say what you will about Favre and his play this season, but his experience clearly puts him ahead of the fifth-year back-up, and with Minnesota fighting for their playoff lives, they need him under center. However, as of right now, it looks like Jackson will start for Minnesota.

Just an hour and ten minutes after those two teams kick off, the Ravens and Texans will go toe-to-toe. After losing control of the AFC North following a loss to the Steelers, Baltimore will undoubtedly need a better offensive output- in falling to Pittsburgh by three points, the Ravens gained just 269 total yards on offense.

However, the Texans need this one even worse than the Ravens. At 5-7, Houston is on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, despite a 1,230-yard effort from unheralded running back Arian Foster. A win tonight rides not only on his shoulders, but on the arm of QB Matt Schaub. In four of their five wins, he’s thrown at least two touchdowns, and in three of those same wins, Foster has topped 100 yards. To keep pace with the Ravens, that duo will have to play at a high level. Along with strong offensive contributions, Gary Kubiak and defensive coordinator Frank Bush (now on the sidelines instead of the coaching booth) will need to orchestrate a quick turnaround for a unit that’s given up an average of 388.9 yards per game.

With both contests overlapping tonight, it’ll be a busy time across the country. Check back here tomorrow for a wrap-up of those games and more thoughts from the wide world of sports.

--Beau