NFC North- Week 10

By: Colin Cook

Chicago Bears:
They had a blowout day last weekend against the Tennessee Titans. Period. And did you see Urlacher out there running like he was twenty-five again? Woah! There isn't much to say about last weekend, except that we should know by now that the Bears defense is not a one-week act; they're here for real this season.
Next week, however, they play the Texans. Considering how both teams have played, we should be treating Sunday Night Football like a blockbuster movie release! This may be the best game of the year, considering both teams epitomize the 'complete package', as in both offense and defense rock it. You know, just as long as the 'good' Cutler shows up in his Jekyll and Hyde play style.

Detroit Lions:
Is the Motor City looking to roar back into relevancy this season? They pulled out a win against Seattle, then beat Jacksonville; only one of those victories can be seen as a 'worthwhile' one. Their real test comes this next week as they visit Minnesota and face one of the most dominant defenses this season.
Matthew Stafford has had quite a pedestrian season so far after racking up 40+ touchdowns last season. Nobody knows this better than me...who went with Stafford across the board in fantasy teams, expecting the same. In any case, he seems to be on a turbulent streak following his first multiple touchdown game of the season two weeks ago, and then recording zero touchdowns against, possibly, the softest defense in the league.

Green Bay Packers:
The biggest story revolving around the Packers is, arguably, the injury to linebacker Clay Matthews. The biggest thing about this team is the amount of injuries plaguing both sides of the ball, after the Packers finally began their winning streak. Their top receiver and now their top pass rusher are out, along with a line of other injuries that have held Aaron Rodgers to just about 200 yards for two straight weeks.
Luckily enough, Rodgers has found a penchant for tossing touchdown passes. That, coupled with the Packers' wide receiver's freakish ability to grab the most insane of catches, makes this a deadly offense regardless of how injured the team gets. As long as they persist, expect the Packers to make their annual playoff run.

Minnesota Vikings:
Christian Ponder's amazing performance against the San Francisco 49ers in week three seems like a distant memory. Now he's underperformed in two of his last three games, throwing for less than 100 yards and tossing three interceptions. Unfortunately, when young players have a great set of games, it's forgotten that they are just that- young players. He'll get his sea legs eventually, but not against the top-notch teams in the NFC. At least not this season.
The biggest piece of the Vikings is Adrian Peterson, followed closely by their defense. Adrian Peterson had a monster day against Seattle; unfortunately, Seattle hosted. Otherwise, the Vikings may have ridden Peterson's back to a win. Against the Lions, the Vikings may find their spark once again in divisional play. Don't expect a great game from Peterson, KNOW a great game is coming because, come on, it's Adrian Peterson.