As we enter the final stretch of the NFL season, the battle for NFC North Champions and a home playoff game is essentially a two-team race. The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are tied at 7-3, but now enter pivotal stretches of their schedule. Green Bay will face a ravenous Minnesota Vikings squad looking to spoil Green Bay's hopes, while the Lions head New England and hope to avoid their second consecutive loss.
While the Lions showdown with New England is certainly the marquee matchup, we can't forget the Chicago Bears welcoming back their former coach Lovie Smith and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This has certainly been a disappointing season for Chicago but it shouldn't need more motivation than to beat their former coach.
There shouldn't be any reason the Bears walk into a trap against a two-win Buccaneers squad, this is a team they are capable of steamrolling. Of course, Chicago has failed to meet expectations this season, so nothing is out of the question.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears
Sunday, 1 PM EST
Preview:
Lovie Smith is coming home to the "Windy City" in a game that features two of the bigger disappointments in the NFC. Tampa Bay had high hopes with an improved defense and consistent running game that they could be a tough team every week. Instead everything has gone to chaos, especially against the pass where they rank 30th in the NFL. The lone bright spot is rookie Mike Evans, who has 458 receiving yards and five touchdowns in his past four games.
Evans will certainly find success matching up against a pedestrian Bears secondary but he would need another 200-yard performance to keep this game close. Chicago has the weapons with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery to attack Tampa Bay's secondary, while Matt Forte plays at an elite level on a weekly basis. Jay Cutler should be amped up against his former coach and this should be a great chance to silence some of the recent criticism and put up big numbers.
Biggest Matchup:
Gerald McCoy versus Kyle Long: While battles in the trenches don't often get the spotlight, we will have a chance to see two great, young players go after each other on Sunday. McCoy is proving once again why he is one of the best defensive linemen in the game, especially when creating interior pressure. His 20 quarterback hurries on the year rank third amongst defensive tackles and that could be a problem for Chicago.
The Bears will have Long matched up right on him to try and take away that interior pressure, keeping the pocket clean and allowing Cutler to step into his throws and set his feet. Long is once again having a very good season as a pass blocker despite the inconsistency that surrounds him. In order for Chicago to put up big numbers on this secondary, Cutler will need time and it's up to Long to provide that.
Prediction: Bears 31 Buccaneers 21
Detroit Lions @ New England Patriots
Sunday, 1 PM EST
Preview:
Just a week ago the Lions appeared to be favorites in the NFC entering a road battle against the Arizona Cardinals, who were starting Drew Stanton at quarterback. It was a great opportunity for the Lions to prove they could win on the road against great teams. But they fell short, Matthew Stafford never found his rhythm and the offense put up six points. While some will point to poor officiating, you will rarely win a game scoring just six points.
Now Stafford heads into Foxborough, taking on the best team in the AFC. Stafford has found little success on the road in his career, now he takes on a deep secondary that will be physical with the wide receivers and force him to make great throws. While the Lions’ defense certainly can keep this a close game, Stafford may not be able to do enough to win it.
Biggest Matchup:
Calvin Johnson versus Brandon Browner: While Revis is the better play; many believe the Patriots will put Browner on Johnson. The 6’4’ cornerback is extremely physical at the line and will be sure to get his hands on Johnson, trying to jam and push him off his route whenever possible. Johnson will be ready for it; he has the muscle and physicality to go blow for blow with Browner, but also the speed to slip past him. This is going to be a rugged battle between two strong, aggressive players. Johnson should find enough ways to win the battle and have a solid day.
Prediction: Patriots 24 Lions 13
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
Sunday, 1 PM EST
Preview:
The Packers are riding a hot streak winning six of their last seven and scoring 50-plus in consecutive games. While many will point to that and the Green Bay-Minnesota Thursday Night meeting in October, these games can always have a surprise in store.
Fortunately, the Vikings will have Teddy Bridgewater under center in this matchup. Bridgewater was hurt back in October and left Minnesota no choice but to start Christian Ponder. Bridgewater has certainly battled the usual rookie turmoil with inconsistency and some bad decision-making. Of course, the Vikings offensive line has been this team's biggest obstacle, which has allowed the second most pressures allowed, per Pro Football Focus. This will certainly pose a problem against a front-seven with Clay Matthews, Mike Daniels, Julius Peppers and Datone Jones.
Green Bay will be very familiar with the cold, outdoor elements and this should provide another smooth test for their defense. Minnesota lacks the tools necessary to help a rookie quarterback succeed and it certainly won't be enough if the defense can't stop Aaron Rodgers.
Biggest Matchup:
Corey Linsley versus Linval Joseph: Of course Minnesota's plan from the first day of practice is to try and find ways to prevent Rodgers from ripping his secondary to shreds. Mike Zimmer's defense actually limited Rodgers to 17 pass attempts and 156 passing yards the last time they met, but Rodgers threw three touchdowns and Green Bay won 42-10.
The biggest reason for the blowout on Thursday Night Football was Eddie Lacy gashing the defense for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. While Lacy certainly punishes oncoming defenders, credit has to go in the middle of the offensive line to Linsley. This will be the key on Sunday, will Joseph be neutralized just like he was in early October. Linsley controlled the line of scrimmage and pushed Joseph aside, opening up holes in the middle for Lacy to power through.
This will certainly be a great battle in the trenches on Sunday and could be a key role in the success of Green Bay's running game as they play through the elements in Minnesota.
Prediction: Packers 27 Vikings 17