Shack’s NFC North Predictions: Week 9
Week 9 features some interesting match ups for the NFC North. Bears take on the Titans who have a losing record, but continue to improve each week. The Packers are at home against a struggling Cardinals team, but with Green Bay’s inconsistent play this year who knows which team will show up? The Vikings have a tough task against the Seahawks, who might be the best home team in the NFL, and the Lions go on the road to play the Jacksonville Jaguars who were a score away from taking the Packers into overtime with two minutes left in the game, but got blown out by the Bears.
Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Tony Scheffler (85), guard Rob Sims (67), and running back Joique Bell (35) celebrate the touchdown by wide receiver Titus Young (bottom) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Detroit won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE
I’ve been on a hot streak the last three weeks (8-2), but this week might be were the streak ends if the underdogs can pull of the upsets.
Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans
It seems like the Bears are starting to cool off after squeaking by the Panthers last week in a final second field goal, and winning at home against the Lions by six, in a game they should have probably won by 20. The resurgence of the Titans run game has made the Titans formidable, with a 2-1 record over the last three weeks (their only loss in overtime). The key to this game will be the Bears run defense vs. the Titans run game. The winner of this battle will determine the game as the Titan’s pass offense is only as good as their run offense. I could see this game playing out anywhere from a close Titans win to a Bears blowout victory. I have the Bears on upset alert this week. This is Shack’s Game of The Week.
Prediction: Titans win 20-17
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
I’ve been saying for weeks that the Vikings are not as good as the hype they received after their 4-1 start. This week they take on the Seattle Seahawks who are undefeated at home with wins against the Packers and Patriots. Injuries could be the only thing that might slow down the Seahawks as they reportedly could have just four healthy receivers for Sunday’s game.
Prediction: Seahawks win 27-17
Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers
The Packers didn’t have all their weapons last week and it showed as Aaron Rodgers passed for under 200 yards and the Packers escaped with a close win. However, if there is a time to play the Cardinals it’s now. After starting 4-0 the Cardinals have lost four straight. Until Kevin Kolb returns, or the offensive line improves, the Cardinals are in a lot of trouble.
Prediction: Packers win 24-10
Detroit Lions at Jacksonville Jaguars
After Nate Burleson broke his leg my first thought was, “It’s time to see what Ryan Broyles is made of.” With the absence of Burleson, Ryan Broyles has six receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns, and Titus Young has stepped up his game with 15 receptions for 181 yards and two touchdowns. The key for these young receivers will be consistency. If they can continue to play at a high level it will open up opportunities for Calvin Johnson, who’s drawing all the attention. If Broyles and young are inconsistent then Johnson will continue to be blanketed by defenses and the Lions will be very mediocre.
The Lions should win this game regardless of if the offense starts slow, but it would be nice to see a blowout victory for the Lions. If the Lions can win handily they should gain confidence and momentum moving forward.
Prediction: Lions win 35-20
Recap: I have the Packers and Lions winning with the Bears and Vikings losing on the road. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your NFC North Predictions! I’ll do my best to respond to any questions or comments you might have.
Last weeks record: 3-1 (DQ for Vikings game)
Record so far this season: 17-11