Week Six NFC North Power Rankings

What a game on Monday Night Football in New Orleans! Now that was fun to watch. Big win for the Vikings and the NFC North. NFC North finishes the week 2-2, but at least for the two winning teams, things are starting to look up.

1. Chicago Bears (3-2)

The Bears are officially the class of the NFC North. I hate making that claim this early, but the rest of this division is pretty suspect and Chicago dominated the out-manned Detroit Lions. But the big story was quarterback Kyle Orton. He looked good, really good. Orton threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns, solid numbers against any NFL defense.

And speaking of defense, the Bears allowed under 200 yards to a pretty decent Lions offense. When the offense and defense both click like that, Chicago has a chance to beat anyone.

Bears are now all alone in first place, but face a stiff road test next week in Atlanta. Teams just can't overlook the Falcons anymore.

2. Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

Even though the Packers beat the Vikings head-to-head in Week one, that Packers team is a shell of its former self. The Vikings won a fantastic game in New Orleans. They overcame two Reggie Bush punt returns for touchdowns with a game winning drive in the final minute. Minnesota didn't deserve this win, but they get a huge win nonetheless.

Gus Frerotte deserves a lot of credit for leading this team back, but Antoine Winfield saved the Vikings season for the second time with his two first quarter plays. The Saints looked like they were going to take that game over, but Winfield stepped up again for Minnesota. He has to be an early contender for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Vikings get the Lions at home next week, so look for the Vikes to get back to .500.

3. Green Bay Packers (2-3)

Tough loss for the Packers to swallow. Never should a rookie quarterback come into Lambeau Field and leave with a win. Never. The Packers made Falcons' QB Matt Ryan look like a seasoned veteran.

Green Bay has considerable problems on both offensive and defensive lines, and it appeared that the injuries finally caught up to the Packers. Even worse, the team was again haunted by critical penalties on both sides of the ball and special teams.

However, on the plus side, QB Aaron Rodgers looked great despite being in visible pain throughout the game. Very gritty performance--maybe this team can build on it.

Packers face an almost must win this week in Seattle. The Seahawks have been terrible this season, but Qwest Field is no easy place to play.

4. Detroit Lions (0-4)

What a wonderful way to start the Post-Millen Era. There's really not much to look forward to for Lions fans until they get a new quarterback and a new defense.

Wait a second, I guess the first pick in the NFL draft would be something to look forward to, right? That would be a reasonable goal for Detroit.

They have some pieces to build on: WR Calvin Johnson, RB Kevin Smith, and LB Ernie Sims. But the rest of the rebuilding has to start in the this years' draft. Wouldn't Matthew Stafford look good in Lions' blue?

MVP of Week Five: Kyle Orton, CHI

Orton is finally showing signs of being a solid NFL quarterback, and he has the Bears atop the NFC North. He threw for over 300 yards, and didn't turn the ball over in a massacre of Detroit. If Orton keeps playing this well, the Bears are going to be a tough team to beat down the road.

Player to Watch in Week Six: Adrian Peterson, MIN

I hate choosing him solely on the fact his is playing the Lions, but I have a feeling AD is going to be angry. New Orleans shut him down, and he's going to want to have a big game this week. Lions did a decent job on Chicago's RB Matt Forte last week, but something tells me that Peterson might be a little step ahead of Mr. Forte.

Game To Watch In Week Six: Green Bay @ Seattle

Both these teams have hit their breaking points. The Packers lost at home to a rookie QB, and Seattle got spanked in New York 44-6. Green Bay has lost three in a row, and with the way Chicago is playing, they cannot afford to drop two games back. Seattle has dealt with injuries comparable to Green Bay, but there is no reason they can't win the lowly NFC West. Expect to see a healthy dose of Seahawks RB Julius Jones against the Packers' struggling run defense.

Predictions

Chicago 24 Atlanta 21 

Atlanta has played well at home, and QB Matt Ryan looks like the real deal. But Chicago prevails on the backs of Orton and Forte, and I expect to see Devin Hester in the endzone somehow.

Minnesota 31 Detroit 10 

Peterson will have a huge day, and the Vikings' defense will suffocate Detroit's offense. The poor Lions can't catch a break, much less a football, so expect a blow out in the Metrodome.

Green Bay 21 Seattle 17 

It's do or die time for the Pack. I've picked them the past two weeks, and they've paid me back with two losses. But the defense steps up for Green Bay in this one, and Ryan Grant has his first big day of the season as the Packers beat Seattle.

OVERALL: (2-4) Another rough week of predictions for me: Falcons beat the Pack, and Minny stuns New Orleans on MNF.

Be sure to check back in next week!