Favre, Best, Gates should play in Week 8

Surprise, surprise, Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre says his ankle and foot have made dramatic improvement this week and he expects to start on Sunday.

Detroit running back Jahvid Best says his injured toe is close to 100 percent and he's good to go this weekend.

In Arizona, it sounds as if Tim Hightower is in the dog house due to fumbling issues and that means Beanie Wells should get the lions share of the carries in Week 8.

It would be best to stay away from San Diego's kicker for awhile. Nate Kaeding (groin) is out and now his replacement, Kris Brown, is nursing an ankle injury. Look somewhere else for a kicker in Week 9.

Reports out of St. Louis are that running back Steven Jackson (finger) will be a game-time decision. He probably won't carry a full load this week so, if you have other options, consider them.

San Diego tight end Antonio Gates (toe) is listed as questionable for Week but he is expected to play. Teammates Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee, both wide receivers, are nursing hamstring injuries and are  considered doubtful.

Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard (concussion) has been cleared to play and he is expected to start in Week 8.

Arizona quarterback Max Hall (head) has been mediocre so far but is still expected to start in Week 8. Derek Anderson will be the back-up.

Indianapolis running back Joseph Addai (neck) is out for Week 8.Donald Brown is also out which means Mike Hart will be the primary ball carrier.

New Orleans running backs Pierre Thomas (ankle) and Reggie Bush (fibula)  are both out for this weekend. Look for Chris Ivory to again get the bulk of the carries.

Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams (foot) is listed as doubtful for Week 8 and is not expected to play

Danario Alexander's time in the spot light was apparently short-lived. The St. Louis receiver suffered a knee injury in practice Friday that will require surgery. He is expected to miss at least 2-4 weeks.