Week Four NFC North Power Rankings

The NFC North went a disappointing 1-3 this past weekend. Each team had a chance to make a big statement about their football team—only the Vikings were able to. But here it goes, in my very first NFC North Power Rankings...

1. Green Bay Packers (2-1)

A loss to the Dallas Cowboys isn't enough to drop the Pack down, but the loss of Al Harris could be huge. The running game is still a concern, and Ryan Grant still doesn't look 100 percent.

It will also be interesting to see how Aaron Rodgers responds to his first loss. But the Packers still have the most talented team in the division, and should come out hungry this weekend against Tampa Bay. Expect a ten point win or more.

2. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

Antoine Winfield's fumble return for a touchdown unofficially saved the Vikings season. This defense is scary good, and it showed what it can do in the second half against Carolina.

While Gus Frerotte looked decent, he isn't the Vikings answer at quarterback; there is a reason he has been a career backup. However, with RB Adrian Peterson behind him, he only needs to be mediocre for this team to win games. Big test this week at 3-0 Tennessee.

3. Chicago Bears (1-2)

A heartbreaking loss for the Bears in the home opener. It has to be disappointing for Bears fans to see them shut down Peyton Manning in the opener, then get dismantled in back to back forth quarters by Carolina's Jake Delhomme and Tampa Bay's Brian Griese.

There are encouraging signs for the Bears though, such as WR Brandon Lloyd's big day (124 yards, two TD's) and rookie RB Matt Forte's continued success. But the defense has to get better, and it doesn't get any easier this weekend in prime time against Philadelphia.

4. Detroit Lions (0-3)

The Lions continue to disappoint. After their epic melt down last week against Green Bay, the Lions came out flat in San Francisco and got blown out by team whose quarterback, J.T. O'Sullivan, was recently a Detroit backup.

GM Matt Millen needs to be fired. In fact, the Ford's should fire every single Lion employee below them and start over. This is the only way I see the Lions being contenders anytime in the next decade. However, not all is wrong in Lions land: this weekend is every Lions' fan's favorite week of the season, the bye week. 

MVP of Week Three:  Antonie Winfield, MIN

Winfield's sack, and subsequent return for a touchdown, might be the defining play of the Vikings young season. I think if this play doesn't happen, the Vikings are sitting at 0-3, and it is well documented how many teams make the playoffs after starting 0-3.

Player to Watch in Week Four: Greg Jennings, GB

Was I the only one to see what Bears WR Brandon Lloyd did to Bucs' corner Ronde Barber last weekend? Either Lloyd is going to become a star or Barber has lost a step. The latter looks to be the most realistic. Look for Jennings to have a huge game for Green Bay, and should find the endzone for the first time this year.

Game to Watch in Week Four: Minnesota @ Tennessee 

This game might not be fun to watch if you like a lot of points. But this is going to be defensive battle. The first team to 20 points might win this game, and that's IF either team even gets there. Both offenses have had struggles early on, but both defenses get it done week in and week out.

Predictions

Green Bay 31 Tampa Bay 17 - Bucs have a let down after OT win @ Chicago, and Rodgers and company rebound big in Tampa.

Tennessee 17 Minnesota 13 - Defensive struggle I give to Tennessee solely on the fact they are the home team.

Philadelphia 30 Chicago 14 - The Eagles can score, and can pressure the QB. Look for both to happen in abundance against Philly.

OVERALL (0-0) - check back next week!