NFC North Breakdown

Bears: 9-3, Vs New England Patriots(10-2, 1st in the AFC East)

Packers: 8-4, @ Detroit Lions (2-10, 4th in the NFC North)

Vikings: 5-7, Vs New York Giants (8-4, 2nd in the NFC East)

Lions: 2-10, Vs GreenBay Packers (8-4, 2nd in NFC North)

Packers @ Lions:
   Packers coming off a win at home over the San Fransisco 49ers 34-16, and another steller performance by the "great" Aaron Rodgers. Lions on the other hand lose to the Chicago Bears 24-20, and now are tied for a league worst 2-10 record.  Packers in their previous match up week 4 won by a slim 2 point margin at home. How do the pesky Lions fare this week without there star quarterback, and decent back-up Shaun Hill?
        Lions play good strong,physical football, and are always in late in games. 8 games separated by only 8 or more points. Jets had all they could handle in week 9 as they had to force OT, and barely squeak out a win in the Field House. Last week the 9-3 Bears, who just the week before beat the "So-called" best team in the NFC handily, and the Lions had a lead going into the fourth. Maybe a few calls, and plays go their way and this team has either a winning record or close to. The Lions have lost 5 straight, and with almost all their QB's out they rely on the ready arm of Drew Stanton. Who did a bang up job in Detroit last week. He kept them in the lead late in the game, and gave them a chance to win. If he can manage his team, and play well. The Lions have a chance of winning this game.
   Packers are now 8-4, and are on the tail of the Chicago Bears. A must win for the Packers as the Bears take on the Patriots.  Packers are somewhat healthy, and playing good football. Going into the field house this week can Aaron pull out another great performance to get them past the Lions. Packers play 3 winning teams (@Patriots, Giants, Bears) right after this game, and if they lose they will still be back one game of the Bears. Aaron needs to step up and play well if this team has any hope of making the playoffs.

Prediction: (Might be a little biased, but I truly believe this) 21-14 Detroit Lions at home.

 I like the way the Lions are playing. I know it's a third string QB, but Jahvid Best in running down hill and hard. Plus play makers like Calvin Johnson. Green Bay is too one dimensional.  Suh, Vanden Bosch (if he plays) are too big of a challenge. I got the upset this week.

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings:
   Uh oh, here comes the Vikings.Winning two in a row under the helm of Leslie Frazier (1985 Bears, Superbowl shuffle!) But then we got the New York Giants coming off a big win against the Redskins at home 31-7. The big story coming out if this game really is if Brett Favre will start for the Vikings? Not practicing all week not even today. The record looks just about over, but we all know Brett Favre if he feels he can help his team. He will do what he can to play.
   Brett Favre, or no Brett Favre Vikings have a big opportunity to win this game at home, and get to 6-7. Vikings just recently got their star wide out Sidney Rice back from injury. He played very well last week in the win over the Bills catching 5 balls for 105 yds, with 2 touchdowns. That is the deep threat they wanted from Randy Moss. AP, is also running down hill, and destroying tacklers in front of him. 3 touchdowns last week in Minnesota against the Bills. He also rushed for 107 yds are 16 carries. And finally Jared Allen, and that mean Vikings D-line has come to play. Tough for any opponent when the Vikings are clicking on all cylinders.
   Giants, on the other hand, have almost a must win as they are tied for first place in the NFC East with the Philadelphia Eagles. Giants have won 2 straight, but are still not playing their best football. Now that the Eagles have the tie breaker they need a couple of wins to win a wildcard birth. Upcoming schedule is tough (Eagles, @Packers, @Redskins) getting a win here on the road would be a huge boost for this team.Eli doing an decent job keeping this team in games. He showed resiliency two weeks ago at home playing the Jaguars. Just lost two straight and their playoff chances dying right before there eyes. Eli then hits, Kevin Boss, and Mario Mannigham for touchdowns to win the game. With the D playing outstanding. Totally shutting down Donavon McNabb, and the Redskins offense. All Eli has to do is manage the game, run the ball, and don't make stupid mistakes like he has been doing often this season.

Prediction: 31-21, Vikings

I like the Vikings at home this weekend. No Brett Favre (Maybe) but with Tevares having fresh legs, and Adrian Peterson finding life after the firing of Brad Childress. I see this team pulling the upset.

I will have a whole different post on the Pats @ Bears game. Stay tuned!