Shack’s NFC North Predictions: Week 15
Week 15 is here and it offers two exciting games for the NFC North and one potential dud. The division is also chasing history with two individual records that many thought would never be broken. Calvin Johnson is chasing Jerry Rice’s single season receiving record and looks to be on track to break it, while Adrian Peterson looks to eclipse Jim Brown’s single season rushing record. Peterson has a mighty task ahead as he needs to average 169 yards over the next three games.
Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers will face off against the Bears which will be the biggest game of the season, while the Vikings look to keep their playoff hopes alive on the road against the Rams. The Lions will be on the road against the Cardinals who are on a nine game losing streak of their own. Will the Packers clinch the division? Will The Vikings keep their playoff hopes alive? Who’s losing streak will be snapped, the Lions or the Cardinals? Will Johnson and Peterson stay on track this week in their pursuit of two of the toughest records to break in football? As a fan I hope that answer is yes. It would be impressive for the NFC North to claim the best rushing and receiving seasons in NFL history in terms of yards and would no doubt solidify that this is the best division in football. If your not excited after that introduction then your following the wrong sport.
Without further ado, here are my week 15 predictions:
Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
I will be watching as much of this game as I can until the Lions game starts. The Rams may be rebuilding, but they have played pretty well of late, winning three straight games with a signature win over the 49ers during that span. The Vikings on the other hand are playing with an edge and know they have a chance to get within a game of the Bears, and have their sights set on the playoffs. However those won’t be the reasons I’ll be watching this game. The main reason I’ll be watching this game is because of the freight train fueled with NOS that is Adrian Peterson. Peterson has vowed to break Eric Dickerson’s rushing record for most yards in a season and needs to average 169 yards over the next three games to accomplish this feat. I think he can do it. He’s having his best season as a pro and his team is in the playoff hunt. It feels like all signs point to a Vikings win here, and I will be watching eagerly awaiting Adrian Peterson to break a few long runs with a signature stiff arm.
Prediction: Vikings win 21-13
Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
This match up has a lot of factors, mainly because the Lions are incredibly inconsistent and because the Cardinals might give everything they have against a team they think they have a chance of winning against after suffering an embarrassing loss last week. Here’s why this game has the potential to be one of the worst games of the season:
1)The Cardinals have the worst offense in the NFL.
2)The Lions have a knack for letting teams stay in the game and lack that killer instinct to put teams away late.
3)The Lions once dynamic offense is without most of its weapons with Brandon Pettigrew, Titus Young, Nate Burleson, and Ryan Broyles all out.
4)The Cardinals just got shut out last week against the Seahawks losing 58-0 and the defense could come out with something to prove.
Will the Cardinals take a dive for the last three games or look to gain some dignity back after on of the most lopsided games in team history? Will the Lions put together four quarters of football for the first time this season? With these two teams who knows? I’m going to predict a Lions win under any of the circumstances, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the margin of victory was by three points or by thirty points.
Prediction: Lions win 24-10
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
This is the biggest game of these season for the NFC North. If the Packers win, they will clinch the division and send the Bears their fifth loss in six weeks. A Packers win would also open the door for the Vikings to make the playoffs. This game is an absolute must win for the Bears, but I’m not sure they have what it takes to stop the Packers. The Packers are on a hot streak winning seven of their last eight, and more importantly they are getting healthier. Greg Jennings returned two weeks ago and it looks like Clay Matthews will be back from injury. However, the Bears know that their season is on the line and teams tend to play their best football when their backs are against the wall. This should be a great game and there is Shack’s Game Of The Week.
Prediction: Packers win 28-24
Recap: I predict three road wins by the NFC North this week by the Lions, Packers, and Vikings. 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. Do you think Adrian Peterson will break Jim Brown’s rushing record? What about Calvin Johnson’s pursuit of Jerry Rice’s receiving record?
Last week’s record: 1-1
Record so far this season: 25-19