Shack’s NFC North Predictions: Week 6
After five weeks of play, teams in the NFC North are finally beginning to separate themselves and week six will determine how large the gap is. The Bears and Vikings sit atop of the NFC North with 4-1 records, while the Packers stand at 2-3. The Lions remain at 1-3 and in last place after their bye week. Can the Lions return to 2011 form and close the gap in the NFC North? Will the Packers beat the Texans and prove they are still one of the best teams in the NFL? Are the Vikings the real deal?
Sep 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE
Here are my predictions for week six:
Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins:
The Vikings will have one of their toughest tests this week when they go to Washington to try and slow down Robert Griffin III and the Redskins, who were a few plays away from beating the 5-0 Falcons last week. While the Vikings have a good chance of winning this game, I’m still not sold on them. If Griffin is 100 % Sunday I expect his mobility to help create opportunities for the Redskins run game which has been solid so far this season. The winner between the Vikings run defense and the Redskins run game may be the deciding factor in this game.
Prediction: Redskins win 27-23
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles
These next two games could decide the fate of the Lions season. The Lions need to win this week against the Eagles or next week on Monday Night Football against the Bears if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. With that said, I think the Lions will play with the focus and discipline they have lacked at times this season. Also, the Lions get their version of the energizer bunny in Louis Delmas back from injury, who if healthy, should make a significant impact on the Lions’ secondary. If the secondary can play solid and capitalize on Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick, the Lions should have a strong chance of winning this game.I also think this is the week the Lions find their way on offense, particularly in the red zone, after struggling for the first quarter of the season. Hopefully the Lions utilized their bye week and corrected the mistakes they were making that cost them loses against winnable teams. If not, it could be a rough day for Lions fans.
Prediction: Lions win 24-21
Green Bay Packers at Houston Texans
The Packers had a very out of character melt down against the Colts last week after giving up their 21-3 lead at halftime. Not only did the Packers lose the game last week, but they also lost their best running back in Cedric Benson. Unlike the Lions correctable problems, there might be something seriously wrong with the Packers that might take an off-season to correct. Perhaps more depth on the roster and more youth in the secondary could go a long way for this team. Unfortunately for the Packers, they don’t have the luxury of a bye week, they don’t have the resources to make key roster upgrades, and they are playing the hottest team in the NFL in the Houston Texans. However, it’s hard to count out a team that won the Super Bowl two seasons ago, went 15-1 last year, and beat the red hot Bears this season handily. With that said, this is Shack’s Game Of The Week.
Prediction: Texans win 35-27
Recap: I have the NFC North going 1-2 this week with each games decided by less than ten points. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your NFC North Predictions! I’ll try to respond to any comments or questions you might have.
Last weeks record: 2-1
Shack’s record so far this season: 9-9