Vikings-Saints ‘encore’ kicks off NFL season (AP)

September 9th, 2010

FILE - This Jan. 24, 2010, file photo shows Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) reacting after fumbling the ball,  which was recovered by the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of the NFC Championship NFL football game in New Orleans. The Vikings were left to stew over their loss until this Thursday night, when the NFL's season kicks off with a rematch of one of the most riveting games played last season. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)AP - The Saints' first Super Bowl title was so big in New Orleans that Mardi Gras, a revered local institution dating back well more than a century, became popularly known as, "Lombardi Gras."