Shack’s NFC North Predictions: Week 3

September 16, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Lions 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

After two weeks of play the NFC North is dead even with each team standing at 1-1. The Detroit Lions look to bounce back against a struggling Tennessee Titans team that remains win less through two games. The Chicago Bears could be in for a tough match up against the resurgent Rams, and the Packers look to continue their winning ways as they head into one of the toughest stadiums to play at in the Seattle Seahawks. Can the Minnesota Vikings shock the San Fransisco 49ers at the Metrodome?

Below are Shack’s week 3 NFC North Predictions:

Detroit Lions at Tennessee Titans

The Lions have struggled offensively each game so far this season, whether it be because of turnovers, the inability to move the ball, or because they haven’t been able to finish drives. Look for that to change Sunday, as I fully expect the Lions to regain their 2011 form on offense. Also, the Lions’ Mikel Leshoure will be making his career debut which should help the running game.

Prediction: Lions win 30-17

St. Louis Rams at Chicago Bears:

This game could be exciting if the Rams continue to play the way they have the first two weeks of the season. The Rams may not be great yet, but they are a very resilient team. However, it looks as if the Rams star running back Steven Jackson might not play Sunday. With Jackson not 100 % and perhaps not even playing, and the Bears playing at home at a tough Soldier field, I’m not sure the Rams can hand the Bears their second loss in a row.

Prediction: Bears win 23-13

San Fransisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

While Adrian Peterson is confident he and the Vikings can get their run game going and upset perhaps the best team in the NFL right now, I’m not. The 49ers have shut down arguable the two best offenses in the NFL, and although neither the Lions or Packers had much of a running game, I expect the lack of passing game from the Vikings to hurt their chances of success in the running game.

Prediction: 49ers win 27-10

Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks

This is Shack’s game of the week. The Seahawks have on of the best defenses in the NFL and they are playing at home. While I don’t think those two factors will be enough to take down the Packers, I do think it could give the Seahawks an edge, especially if they can take an early lead on the Packers.

Prediction: Packers win 24-17

Recap: I have NFC North going 3-1 with the Lions, Packers, and Bears coming away with wins in week 3 and the Vikings suffering their second loss of the season against one of the hottest, if not the hottest, team in the NFL in the 49ers. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your NFC Predictions!

Shack’s record so far this season: 5-2