After ten weeks of play the NFC North is turning out to be one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. The Packers are riding a four game winning streak, the Bears have lost just two games all season and are in good position for the top seed in the playoffs. The Vikings are in position for a wild card berth, while the Lions have a lot of work to do if they are to turn their season around. Will the Packers hand the Lions another loss and ultimately end their playoff hopes? Will the Bears beat the 49ers without Jay Cutler?
Jan 1, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Detroit Lions line up for a play during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 45-41. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
Here are my week 11 predictions:
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
The Lions are in trouble of succumbing to yet another season without a playoff birth. The Lions have a chance to squeeze into the playoffs, but they must beat their division and conference rivals if they are to get in. That starts this week against the Green Bay Packers. Many analysts and media see the Packers winning this game, some think this will be an easy win for the Packers, however I believe this will be a close game. It seems like every time the Lions get themselves into a deep hole they find a way to climb out of it. With that said I anticipate a Lions win, but this will only happen if the Lions are aggressive on the offense from the get go. If the Lions take shots down the field early in the game and their defense can force a few turnovers, the Lions will have a great shot to win the game.
Prediction: Lions win 27-24
Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers
It looks like the Bears starting quarterback Jay Cutler is out, while 49ers starting quarterback Alex Smith is in. With that said the 49ers should be able to come out of week 11 with a win at home. Last season the Bears playoff hopes diminished when Cutler was out for the remainder of the season with an injury. Will that happen again? With concussions no one really knows and what’s interesting about Cutler’s situation is this is his sixth concussion. Remember Jahvid Best has suffered three concussions in his football career and hasn’t played in over a year. I wouldn’t anticipate Cutler’s concussions to be as serious as Jahvid Best’s, but if Cutler continues to miss games, the Bears’ Super Bowl hopes could be over.
Prediction: 49ers win 20-13
Recap: I have the Cutler-less Bears losing against a strong 49ers team, and the Lions keeping their season alive with a win over the Packers. 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: 1-1
Record so far this season: 21-13