Week Seven NFC North Power Rankings

The Atlanta Falcons absolutely stole a game from Chicago Bears, but news wasn't all bad for the NFC North. The Packers ended their three-game slide, and either way, the NFC was going to be a winner in the Lions-Vikings game (a lot more to come on that one). Nonetheless, the division went 2-2 this weekend.

1. Chicago Bears (3-3)

I won't drop them from No. 1 since the Falcons seem to be legitimate now, but this was a total shocker.

What a roller-coaster final three minutes! First, Falcons' kicker Jason Elam misses a gimmie field goal from inside 40 yards. Then, with 11 seconds left, the Bears go up one on a touchdown pass to Rashied Davis.

What happened from there on was absolutely inexcusable because there is no way you can give up that long pass play along the sidelines. Any pass completion in the middle of the field ends the game.

The only way Atlanta had a chance was on the sidelines and the Bears gave it to them. Of course, Elam redeemed himself and hit the game winner as time expired.

But let's be realistic—Atlanta dominated this entire game. There really was no reason why the Bears should have been in that position anyway. A week after I proclaim them as the class of the NFC North, they already have me doubting it.

They get the Vikings at home next week, a pivotal game for both teams.

2. Green Bay Packers (3-3)

I know it was the Seattle Seahawks, and Matt Hasselbeck was out, but this was a dominating performance for Green Bay. This could have been (and probably should have been) a 35-3 type scoreline for the Pack. This game wasn't as close as the 27-17 score suggested.

QB Aaron Rodgers continues to play at a Pro Bowl level, despite his lingering shoulder problem. What he has accomplished is admirable, considering the guy hasn't throw a pass in practice in over two weeks.

The Packers' defense played outstanding. They pressured the quarterback, stopped the run, and created turnovers. CB Charles Woodson continues to show why he is a top three cornerback in this league.

By the way, if the word isn't out around the league yet, it soon will be: WR Greg Jennings is a superstar. He makes plays for this offense week-in and week-out. I don't even want to fathom were this team would be without him.

It was a season-saving win for Green Bay, but next week the Colts will come into Lambeau fresh off their drubbing of Baltimore.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)

For the second weekend in a row, the Minnesota Vikings were handed a football game. But this one was put on a silver platter for the Vikes. That interference call at the end of the game was one of the worst calls of this young season—in the ballpark of Ed Hochuli's mess in San Diego. Lions' CB Leigh Bodden did absolutely nothing wrong on that play.

To have to steal a game from the Detroit Lions at home is a sad enough commentary in itself. But in all reality, the Lions outplayed the Vikings. Minnesota got an early safety (read below), an 86-yard fluke touchdown from Bernard Berrian after several missed tackles, and that field goal after the terrible call. The Lions controlled this game throughout.

A win is a win in this league, though. The Vikes are back to .500, and that's all that matters. Big game at Chicago next weekend for Minnesota.

4. Detroit Lions (0-5)

The Lions continue to find new ways to lose, but this one was stolen from them. This was their game, and someone wearing black and white, not purple and gold, took this game from them. If I'm Mr. Bodden, I am one furious individual tonight.

However, on the lighter side, I hope everyone got a chance to see QB Dan Orlovsky's safety. He looks so clueless that it's hard to watch. I promise you it's a good laugh though. Check it out here.

Anyway, unless I didn't say it already, the Lions got screwed. They get the now one-win Houston Texans at Reliant Field next weekend.

MVP of Week Six: Aaron Rodgers, GB

What a gutsy performance again from Rodgers. He continues to prove his doubters wrong, and he's doing it with no practice time. Packers saved their season in Seattle, and Rodgers was a huge part of that by completing 21-of-30 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. He added another on a sneak, giving him three rushing touchdowns this season. Early NFC Pro Bowl candidate?

Player to Watch in Week Seven: Ryan Grant, GB

Grant is slowly making his way back from a lingering hamstring injury. He ran for 90 yards, albeit on 33 carries, against Seattle. The Colts' run-defense has struggled mightily at times this season, so Grant could again have a nice game. If the Packers want to win this game, Grant will have to big part of that. Expect Packers' coach Mike McCarthy to give Grant the rock early and often.

Game To Watch in Week Seven: Indianapolis @ Green Bay

This is a huge game for Indy and Green Bay. Both are coming off big wins Sunday, and each are still trying to establish themselves as a contender in their respective leagues. Colts QB Peyton Manning looks like he has righted his ship, and should pose a daunting task for the Packers' depleted secondary. The Packers defense, however, appears to have possibly turned the corner as they dismantled Seattle's offense Sunday. Should be a fun one to watch from Lambeau Field.

Predictions

Chicago 24 Minnesota 10

Chicago is coming off a heart breaker but is returning home to Soldier Field. Look for Chicago to come out angry. Bears' QB Kyle Orton will have plenty of open receivers to throw to, and Chicago's defense will do enough to stop Adrian Peterson and company.

Indianapolis 31 Green Bay 21

Indy is finally starting to look the team everyone thought it was going to be. The Packers, coming off a big win, are still beat up at several key spots. Rodgers and Grant should have decent offensive numbers, but Manning and the Colts are too much for the Packers at this point in the season.

Detroit 28 Houston 24

It is time for the Lions to get a win. This pick is certainly a stretch, as Houston is much better than their record indicates. I think Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson have big days for Detroit, and the defense forces Texans' QB Matt Schaub into a couple mistakes.

OVERALL: (4-5) My best week of picks thus far, as Packers beat Seattle and Minny beat the Lions at the Dome. I was 11 seconds away from perfection, but Jason Elam took that and a Chicago win away with his last-second kick for Atlanta.

Be sure to check back in next week!