Brett Favre says his injuries have healed significantly and that he expects to start against the host New England Patriots on Sunday.

In a phone conversation with ESPN's Ed Werder on Saturday afternoon, as Favre prepared to board the team charter to fly to Providence, R.I., the Minnesota Vikings quarterback said he wouldn't have made the trip unless he expected to start.

"My expectations are to play and play well enough for us to have a chance to win this game," Favre told Werder.

Favre said he's had extensive discussions with the Vikings's trainers and equipment staff about what can be done to allow him to play with two fractures.