It will definitely be a huge week for NFC North teams this Sunday afternoon. The division leading and undefeated Green Bay Packers head to the Metrodome to face the Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions host the struggling defending division champion Chicago Bears and their new starting quarterback, Brian Griese. Let’s examine these divisional matchups and speculate as to what will transpire and how the division standings will look come Sunday night.
Green Bay vs. Minnesota
The Pack have a golden opportunity to go up 2 games in the division with a win at Minnesota coupled with a Bears win in Motown. It’s no secret that offensively, the Packers have been paced by legendary QB Brett Favre thus far during the first 3 weeks. The running game could get a boost with the expected return of RB Vernand Morency this week although Brandon Jackson is still slated to get the lion’s share of the carries. That being said, running against the Vikes is no easy task as they have a top 5 run defence led by the Williams boys (Kevin and Pat) in the middle of the defensive line.
However, the staunch run D has forced Viking opponents to head to the air where they have had much better success. This strategy plays right into the hands of the Packers strength offensively and this trend should continue on Sunday.
Meanwhile on the other side of the ball, the Vikings are led by rookie RB Adrian Peterson who has gotten off to a solid start taking the bulk of the carries with veteran Chester Taylor out with an oblique injury. QB Kelly Holcomb gives the Vikes a better chance to win right now than injured youngster Tarvaris Jackson. However, the main weakness for the Vikings appears to be their wideouts. Troy Williamson, Bobby Wade and rookie Sidney Rice do not strike fear into the hearts of opposing CB’s across the league, especially Green Bay’s solid corners.
Uunfortunately for Vikings fans, it could be a long day unless their pass rush and secondary can hold the Packers aerial attack in check
GREEN BAY 24 MINNESOTA 10
Chicago vs. Detroit
A key game for both teams this Sunday at Ford Field in Detroit. The Bears are coming off a second half beatdown from the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football while the Lions were brought back down to earth by the Eagles following their 2-0 start. With the Packers looking like a solid bet to go 4-0 this week, both of these teams desperately want to avoid dropping another game to the division leader.
To make matters worse for the Bears, they head to Motown with a plethora of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Corners Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman along with tackle Tommie Harris are all nicked up and not expected to play this week. Lance Briggs is also injured but may be able to suit up and give it a go. Nevertheless, this isn’t a good recipe for taking on the high-flying passing attack of the Lions. Add to the mix the expected continued incorporation of RB Kevin Jones back into the fold as he returns from last season’s Lisfranc foot injury. Although rookie WR Calvin Johnson is a game-time decision with his bruised back following a magnificent sideline catch in Philly last week, it would be surprising if the Lions did not move the ball well through the air versus the thin Chicago secondary.
On the flip side of the coin, QB Rex Grossman has been given the hook following another dismal performance last week vs. Dallas. In comes veteran Brian Griese to attempt and stabilize the Bears offensive production. Facing the Lions defence could be the right medicine. That being said, the Lions do boast a solid defensive line led by Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding which could disrupt things in the Bears offensive backfield.
Nevertheless, I do expect the Bears to put up some points on Sunday as the Lions secondary and linebacking core are its major weaknesses. The Bears need to do everything in their power to exploit this. Look for Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad to have a big day catching the ball.
CHICAGO 27 DETROIT 24
