The NFL was hustling around this week trying to find a way that New York would be sure to have next Thursday night’s, NFL Network, Giants/Redskins game on local television.

No word on if the same effort was going into tonight’s Minnesota/Green Bay game or Saturday’s Kansas City/Oakland game.

Minnesota (6-8) at Green Bay (6-8) – 8 p.m.

With both teams still &uot;mathematically alive&uot; for an NFC wild card spot, the Vikings will be turning to debuting rookie Tavaris Jackson to sub for injured Brad Johnson.

For Green Bay, Brett Favre will be making his 256th straight start and it might, or might not be, Favre’s final game at Lambeau Field.

Last week, Favre set the all-time mark for completions and he moved into second all-time in interceptions.

Packer fans will probably be chanting for &uot;one more year&uot; tonight, and it’s hard to blame any fan because of everything’s Favre meant to Green Bay, a town, literally a small town, that is closer than any other American city to its pro sports team.

Favre, 37, needs seven touchdown passes to catch Dan Marino’s record.

Aside from two outstanding games from Favre, which would be in character, that record would come next season should he return.

All that said, Favre or not, are the Packers capable of getting 10 or 11 wins next year?

That answer seems clear, making Favre’s decision and the Packers’ desire to move on with Aaron Rodgers or someone else both difficult.

Line – Green Bay by 3

My pick – Packers, 30-14

Kansas City (7-7) at Oakland (2-12) – 8 p.m., Saturday

Line – Chiefs by 6.5

My pick – Oakland (for the first time this season I think), 24-22

For the season…

Straight-up – 136-87 (11-5 last week)

Against the spread – 107-116 (10-6 last week)