Week Five NFC North Power Rankings

It was a good thing for the Chicago Bears, or the NFC North would have had another disappointing weekend. The Bears were able to beat the Eagles in prime time 24-20. Still, another weekend under .500, and two more missed opportunities for a division searching for answers.

1. Chicago Bears (2-2)

The Bears make the jump to number one after a solid win over Philly. Their goal line stand in the forth quarter to preserve the win was very impressive. However, the Eagles were without Brian Westbrook, and something tells me he would have found a way into the endzone.

Either way, it's a big win, and after beating the Colts in Week One, the Bears now have two premier wins. That's more than either the Packers and Vikings could say. Bears get lowly Detroit next week at home.

2. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

The Packers need a turnaround, and in a hurry. After beating two non-playoff teams in the first two weeks, the Pack have been out played and beat up by two NFC playoff teams from last year. The offensive and defensive lines are a mess, and RB Ryan Grant has yet to find any kind of rhythm.

The Packers also have to be worried about their backup quarterback situation. If Aaron Rodgers has to miss any significant time, the Packers are in a lot of trouble. The turnaround should be aided when the Falcons visit Lambeau this weekend.

3. Minnesota Vikings (1-3)

For the first time in a long time, I can honestly say that the Minnesota Vikings were not the most physical team on the field. The Titans smacked Minnesota in the mouth, and gave the Vikes a lesson on how to win with physical play. With that said, the Titans are a solid football team, and going on the road to beat them wasn't going to be an easy task for anyone.

Then QB Gus Frerotte complained about Kyle Vanden Bosch's "dirty hit", but get real Gus, this is football we're playing here, not Scrabble. The only thing dirty about that game was Adrian Peterson only getting 18 carries. The Vikes get another tough road game next week, traveling to New Orleans to take on the Saints.

4. Detroit Lions (0-3)

What a week for the Lions! They didn't lose, fired GM Matt Millen, and no one got hurt, so last week couldn't have went much better for Detroit. Sure, it was also a bye week, but someone has to be optimistic for the Lions, right? The post-Millen era begins this weekend in Chicago. Sorry Lions fans, but next week might not be as pretty as this last one was.

MVP of Week Four: Devin Hester, CHI

Hester's impact went beyond the stat lines. Did you see his touchdown catch? He beat Asante Samuel, one of the game's top corners, down the right sideline for a 20-yard TD. The way he just exploded past Samuel at the last moment to gain separation was unbelievable. Hester also had a 51 yard kick return, and throughout the game he swung field position the Bears' way.

Player to Watch in Week Five: Matt Forte, CHI

Chicago plays the Lions at home, and expect to see a lot of the first year back in this one. The Lions run defense is porous at best, and Forte has been special in both the run and pass game for the Bears. I wouldn't put 150 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving with a couple of scores past Forte this weekend.

Game to Watch in Week Five: Minnesota @ New Orleans

In a game that could decide the Vikings season, we will get to see if their "improved" pass defense is really up to the test. Drew Brees has been lights out to start the season, and the pass heavy Saints won't hesitate to use Brees early and often. The Vikings will need a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson and a relentless pass rush to slow down the Saints in this crucial road game.

Predictions

Chicago 27 Detroit 10 - Bears will use Hester, Forte and a second straight solid defensive effort to beat the Lions at home.

Green Bay 24 Atlanta 17 - Packers will need to shore up run defense to stop Atlanta's Michael Turner, but the Pack score just enough to beat the Falcons at home.

New Orleans 31 Minnesota 21 - Saints' Brees is too much for Vikes to handle, and AD can only do so much for Minnesota's lowly offense.

OVERALL: (1-2) - Rough start last week, as Chicago beat Philly and the Pack fell to Tampa Bay.

Be sure to check back for next week's edition!