No Favre, bright lights not shining

When a certain quarterback is no longer with the team — well, maybe — the bright lights get awfully dim for the Vikings.

The NFL released its 2011 schedule, and the Vikings are scheduled to appear just twice in prime time — Oct. 16 against the Bears and Nov. 14 against the Packers. Both are on the road, and the reason network officials selected the Vikings probably has more to do with the quality of their opponent.

The Vikings only make three, 3 p.m. starts, meaning the rest of the games — 11 — will have noon starts. Only two are at home.

Last year, with media darling Brett Favre at the helm, it seemed like every other Vikings game was a late start, if not prime time.  

Of course, there might not be a 2011 season so all will be for naught.

— Paul Christian