by Neil Hayes, The Chicago Sun-Times , Chicago Sun Times

Favre's retirement dramas have become a tired subject. Still, in a city that Favre repeatedly has tortured, you'd think there would be more of an outcry about the possibility of a longtime Bears nemesis hiring on with a division rival.

Instead, flat line. How about those Cubs? Did you hear what Ozzie said?

How a future Hall of Famer might tip the scales in the NFC North heading into what might be the most anticipated season in Bears history largely has gone undiscussed.

A case could be made for the Vikings being the preseason favorite even without Favre. With him, the NFC North instantly becomes riveting theater and the NFL's most intriguing division.

The Bears' road game Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers might be the most anticipated season opener in team history. If Favre signs with the Vikings, though, he and Cutler might decide the division in two memorable late-season showdowns. Think high noon on the dusty street outside the Acme Saloon.

Vikings coach Brad Childress reportedly wants Favre to decide this week whether he wants to suit up for the Vikings this season. Favre underwent surgery on his right shoulder, which he presumably wouldn't have done if he didn't plan to play again, and should be more effective than he was with the New York Jets late last season. He's throwing as part of his rehabilitation, which appears to be another indication that he wants to return for a 19th season. The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported that someone close to Favre rented a block of hotel rooms for the Vikings' game Nov. 1 in Green Bay.

ESPN reported late Tuesday that the Vikings had suspended their pursuit of Favre after he failed to report to offseason workouts. Even if that's the case, there's nothing to prevent the parties from reaching an agreement in the coming weeks.

Favre isn't whom he used to be, but he might not have to be. If there is such a thing as an ideal situation for an aging quarterback, it is in Minnesota, where Adrian Peterson runs through and around tacklers and sells the play-action pass like nobody else. The offensive line and the defense are strong. Bears castaways Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade, coupled with first-round pick Percy Harvin of Florida, give Favre down-the-field options.

What if Favre hands the ball to Peterson, manages the team and throws 20 to 25 times a game? It might be a winning formula if one of the most prolific playmakers in league history is willing to turn into a caretaker.

Another comeback gives Favre an opportunity to stick it to the Packers. That must hold some appeal, even though his I'm-retired-or-maybe-not act proves the Packers were right to turn the page on their icon. He might stick it to the Bears some more. He never tires of that.

The NFC North would become the NFL's most compelling division based on quarterbacks alone. You've got the rookie in Detroit, where Matthew Stafford will try to do for the Lions what the government is doing for automakers. You have the heir apparent in Green Bay, where Aaron Rodgers will have to go head-to-head with Favre, the old master, twice next season. Watching Cutler put his skills on display at Soldier Field is a once-in-a-generation event.

Remember when defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was considered the biggest acquisition of the Bears' offseason? That was before general manager Jerry Angelo signed offensive tackle Orlando Pace. That was before he rewrote the history of the team's futility at quarterback in one bold stroke. Angelo has remade the offensive line, acquired depth at linebacker and made some intriguing draft-day decisions.

In all, the most exciting offseason in the Bears' long and storied history seems to have muted whatever dread normally might accompany news that a new and improved Favre might return to a division rival -- one that is loaded, no less.

If Favre does play, it only will make the most anticipated season in Bears annals even more so.

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