The return of Brett Favre might have hit that proverbial fork in the road over the weekend, as the Green Bay Packers have told him he will not be released.

Brett Favre, QB,
Green Bay Packers

2007 statistics
Comp: 356
Att: 535
Yards: 4,155
TDs/INTs: 28/15

That leaves a few scenarios.

First, the Packers could trade Favre to another non-NFC North team or release him. Of course, trading a player of his stature could turn the Cheesehead Nation on the franchise. The second scenario would have Favre return to the Packers and serve as the immendiate backup to Aaron Rodgers.

Personally, I think the Kansas City Royals have a better chance to win the World Series this season than for Favre to come back in a reserve role.

And third, Favre would come back and re-assume his spot atop the Packers’ depth chart.

None of these scenarios (not even the third one) will guarantee Favre’s status as an elite fantasy quarterback.

If the Packers decide to trade him, I think his value is destined to fall. Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he didn’t return to prominent status in fantasy circles alone. Favre had a tremendous supporting cast, not to mention an offensive line that gave up a mere 19 sacks (tied for third fewest in 2008).

Possible suitors like Baltimore, Miami and Tampa Bay just can’t offer that same sort of support.

Fantasy footballers should also remember that in two seasons prior to 2007, Favre threw for a combined 38 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. He was so bad, in fact, that Drew Bledsoe, Kerry Collins and Jake Plummer all had more fantasy points in 2005. His mediocre performances even landed him on the waiver wire in countless formats.

There’s also a little matter of the Madden cover curse. (Come on, you knew I was going to mention it!)

Favre is this season’s cover athlete on what might be the most powerful and dubious curse in all of sports. Even if you’re superstitious, it’s hard to ignore how this hex seemed to haunt the likes of Daunte Culpepper, Marshall Faulk, Eddie George, Donovan McNabb among others. That could make some owners reluctant to draft Favre altogether, even if he does wind up as the starter in Green Bay.

So before you get too excited about his return, keep in mind there are no guarantees that Favre will remain a solid No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

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