Last week's Packers-Vikings showdown was beyond electric, and Brett Favre was like Beethoven's famous "Symphony No. 5."

Favre's lowest moment of the game was at the start, when he jogged out from the tunnel, and the boos rained down on him as if he didn't belong.

His highest moment came near the end, when he connected with Bernard Berrian on a 16-yard touchdown pass, stabbing a dagger right through the heart of Titletown, USA.

Now, Favre and his Viking mates get a much-needed break from all the madness, and that means we do, too.

Yes, the Week 9 forecast is a little calmer, but you'll still get the regular player watch, the regular questions answered, the regular game breakdown and even a little classical music.

By the way, don't forget to sign-up for the RapidDraft.com weekly contest and your shot at $50,000.

Good luck.

Players to watch

Giants QB Eli Manning -- Manning has been in a little bit of a funk over the last three weeks. He has thrown twice as many interceptions (six) as touchdowns (three) and the Giants have suffered three giant losses.

This week, he'll have the home crowd behind him, but he must limit the mistakes and get his red and blue offense back on track against a Chargers defense that has allowed just nine touchdowns through the air.

Manning was considered a must start after his first four games when he found the end zone eight times, but since that foot injury he hasn't been the same accurate Eli.

Ravens RB Ray Rice -- In Rice, the Baltimore Ravens and fantasy owners have found a gem at running back this season. The best part about Rice is that he has finally added the final dimension to his fantasy game that could make him a must-have star in the second half of the season.

But first, Rice has to lead his Ravens teammates on the road against a Bengals defense that has allowed just three rushing touchdowns, and is only surrendering 88 rushing yards per game.

Then again, Mr. Rice has averaged 4.8 yards per carry, has been responsible for 302 total yards, and has scored three touchdowns in his past two games against opponents ranked in the top ten in rushing.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne -- How great has Wayne been in 2009?

With perhaps the best quarterback in the NFL throwing him sharp darts, Wayne has been game-changing great. More importantly, though, Wayne has also shown great consistency.

Wayne has recorded at least six receptions, 60 receiving yards, and one touchdown in six of the seven games in which he started. Coincidentally his only bad game was in Week 2 against Miami; you know the same city where he once suited up as a Hurricane.

This week, Wayne's Colts host Houston, the 5-3, high-scoring AFC South surprise. The Texans feature Andre Johnson, another standout wide receiver with Miami roots. Which will have the bigger impact?

Fantasy MVP Watch

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (178 RD points) -- 1989 passing yards, 188 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns (1 rushing), 2 interceptions.

Texans QB Matt Schaub (173 RD points) -- 2342 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 7 interceptions.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (173 RD points) -- 801 total yards, 10 total touchdowns.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (170 RD points) -- 979 total yards, 9 total touchdowns.

Colts QB Peyton Manning (163 RD points) -- 2227 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 4 interceptions.
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