NFL Betting: Brett Favre knocked out as Patriots top Vikings

Brett Favre started today's game for the Minnesota Vikings, but the battered veteran quarterback was knocked out and unable to finish.

The New England Patriots busted open a game that was tied at halftime and defeated the Vikings, 28-18, as Tom Brady won a duel with Favre. The Patriots scored a touchdown with 1:56 remaining to cover as 5 1/2-point home favorites.

Favre, despite a fractured left foot, made his NFL-record 292nd consecutive start. But he was helped off the field midway through the fourth quarter and needed 10 stitches to close a cut on his chin.

"I really think it's over for Favre. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes home," said Jimmy Vaccaro, director of operations for Lucky's sports books.

Favre might not be finished just yet, but the Dallas Cowboys' season is definitely done.

The Cowboys, 6 1/2-point home favorites, dropped to 1-6 after being embarrassed in a 35-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Vaccaro said Week 8 should prove to be a small winner for most Las Vegas sports books. Oakland and San Diego posted wins in the afternoon to help favored teams go 6-4 against the spread.

Then the Saints, who closed as 2-point home favorites over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the night game, covered with a 20-10 victory.