Shack’s NFC North Predictions: Week 4
Dec 11, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Mistral Raymond (41) tackles Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE
It was a disastrous week for the Lions and Packers last week as both teams suffered controversial losses on the road in winnable games. Meanwhile, the Bears beat the up-and-coming Rams at Soldier field and the Vikings pulled off a surprising win against one of the best teams in the NFL in the San Francisco 49ers. It is certainly shaping up to be one crazy season for the NFC North.
Below are my NFC North Week 5 predictions:
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
Who would’ve thought the Saints would start the season 0-3? Who would’ve thought the Packers would start 1-2? Although these teams have near identical records,these are two teams who are in completely different situations. The Packers have had a tough schedule so far and were one call away from being 2-1 (thanks replacement officials) while the Saints are a completely different team without their head coach Sean Payton on the sideline. I’m not sure the Saints can overcome a Packers team who just suffered s loss in one of the most controversial games in a long time, and the Packers are playing at home. It doesn’t look good for the Saints, however I do expect them to play the Packers close.
Prediction: Packers win 27-20
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Are the Vikings on the cusp of being one of the top teams in the NFL? No, but they did play really well in their win over the 49ers last week. The Vikings look solid on offense with Christian Ponder maturing as a quarterback and building a good connection with tight end Anthony Randolph who coming into his own as well. Add the ferocious running of Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin on the outside and the Vikings suddenly have an explosive offense.
Unfortunately for the Lions, their potent offense has been very abysmal at times this season, and very underachieving at other times. If the Lions don’t get off to a hot start on offense and play consistently well, they are going to get beat for the third week in a row. The Lions defense is just to mediocre to make up for their offensive struggles. Expect another nail biter this week in Detroit.
Prediction: Lions win 30-26
Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of teams that underachieve, the Dallas Cowboys are the poster boys. The Cowboys consistently have one of the best rosters in the NFL, yet fall short every year, mainly because of their inconsistency. However, they play the Bears this week who have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, and who are missing one of the best running backs in football in Matt Forte. Add the fact that the Cowboys are playing at home and it doesn’t look good for the Bears. Get ready NFL fans, this is Shack’s game of the week
Prediction: Cowboys win 26-17
Recap: I have the Lions and Packers winning at home, with the Vikings and Bears suffering losses on the road. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your NFC North Predictions!
last weeks record: 1-3
Shack’s record so far this season: 6-5