The Brett Favre saga continues to churn with ESPN now reporting that x-rays of Favre's injured shoulder have been sent to Minnesota and Favre will return next season as long as he doesn't need major surgery. Can't say that comes as a big surprise to anyone who follows the NFL, but this might: The NFC North is now the best division for quarterbacks in the NFL.

Including Favre, the old black and blue division has gone glam with Jay Cutler in Chicago, Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford in Detroit. Stafford probably won't start from the get, and both Rodgers and Cutler had their struggles last year, but no other division moves the meter under center like the north – even without a singular talent like Tom Brady.

The AFC North is No. 2 in my book with Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer, Joe Flacco and Brady Quinn running their respective teams. Interestingly enough, the divisions cross over this year.

Two other Lions notes of interest. First, if you didn't see it already, running back Kevin Smith blogged earlier this week that the Lions “will definitely make the playoffs this year.” Smith is one of the best personalities in the locker room and I don't mind his confidence, but he better be ready for some Jon Kitna jokes over the next few months. His blog, if you're interested, is www.Smith34.com.

Finally, the Lions made a minor roster move today, releasing middle linebacker Chris Graham and signing another receiver, Tommy Saunders, who caught 72 passes last year for Missouri.

Update: The Lions also signed Florida State running back Antone Smith to a three-year contract. Smith, a tryout player at last week's rookie orientation, impressed coaches with his speed.