Weekly Predictions

Monday Night Blues: Detroit face tough road game in Chicago

The NFC North standings aren't shaping up to be what people predicted two months ago. The 15-1 Packers of 2011 have been underwhelming so far, and the Lions have suffered a drop in production from their two biggest offensive threats - Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford. Their banged up backfield situation further complicates the situation in Detroit, forcing them to pass more and more often due to the absence of a solid running game.

The flip-side of this, are the pleasantly surprising records of, especially the Vikings, but also the Chicago Bears. The latter's dominant defense has been so productive this year, and is an integral part of their success, therefore, it is hard to like the struggling Lion's passing game against possibly the best defense in the NFL:

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

Score: DET 23 - 24 CHI

Analysis: The Bears defense should do enough to hold off the Lions at Soldier Field this Sunday. That doesn't mean it won't be close. The Lions have been involved in several tight games this season - the overtime loss to the Titans, as well as the last gasp victory over the Eagles last week - indicating that they will always remain competitive in games, and should never be written off. I see Calvin Johnson breaking his touchdown drought (by his standards) today and putting up impressive numbers, as Stafford will be forced to look for his number one threat. For Chicago, the biggest question on the offensive side of the ball remains Jay Cutler's ability, who has been on and off with regards to his production this season. The Detroit defense is solid, and Cutler could become a key player if the Bears' running game gets stifled by the Lions front seven. He should pull through however, finding Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte for passing touchdowns. Robbie Gould could be called upon for a game winner, turning the tables on Jason Hanson, who performed that duty last week.

Bold Prediction: Matthew Stafford will throw three interceptions.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Oakland Raiders

Score: JAC 16 - 27 OAK

Analysis: These two teams have suffered difficult starts to the season, but the Raiders seem to have more upside going forward. Carson Palmer has had a solid year so far, and should continue to thrive at home, against a Jags defense that has been susceptible to the Pass on the road. Darren McFadden showed breakout signs against Pittsburgh and Atlanta recently, and should be in for a nice day against the 29th ranked Jacksonville run defense. For the Jags, their success will likely rest on Maurice Jones Drew's shoulders, as the Raiders secondary should pick off Blaine Gabbert as they did three times to Matt Ryan, one of the best QB's in the league, last week. It will be a battle of the running backs, but I like the Raiders to win convincingly in the black hole.

Bold Predictions: Darren McFadden will have 150 yards from scrimmage, Denarius Moore will have a 60+ yard touchdown catch.