Week Nine NFC North Power Rankings

The Detroit Lions couldn't pull off a win in the NFC North's only game of the weekend. In this altered version of the weekly rankings, I'll preview the Packers, Vikings, and Bears' upcoming games.

1. Chicago Bears (4-3)

Next week vs. Detroit

The Bears can't consider this a gimmie, even though the Lions are one of the NFL's two winless teams. The Lions stayed with a good Redskins team this week and had a chance to tie the game on their last drive.

Nonetheless, the Lions are 0-7, and the Bears are the superior team by a wide margin. Chicago quarterback Kyle Orton should be able to find open receivers, and running back Matt Forte shouldn't find it hard to break 100 yards against a porous Lions defense. Washington was able to gain 439 yards of total offense against Detroit, so expect Chicago to put up similar numbers at home in this one.

One area of concern could be covering Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, who caught a touchdown pass Sunday and has become QB Dan Orlovsky's main target. With the Bears' secondary hurting, Johnson could inflict some additional pain to this unit.

2. Green Bay Packers (4-3)

Next week at Tennessee

This will be a huge test for Green Bay. One of the Packers' biggest weaknesses, rush defense, will be going up against the NFL's premier rushing duo in the Titans' LenDale White and Chris Johnson.

White is a bruising back, and Johnson is one of the fastest backs in the game, setting up a big challenge for the Packers' improving, yet still soft, run defense.

In addition, the Titans' defense has been lights-out this season. Headlined by defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and linebacker Keith Bullock, this is an aggressive unit that could cause the Packers problems. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will need to protect the football for Green Bay to win this game.

However, the Packers should be the healthiest they've been since Week One and still have momentum stemming from their blowout of Indianapolis. This will be a hard-fought game between intrerconference contenders.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)

Next week vs. Houston

The Texans' record matches the Vikings', but Houston will be coming into the Metrodome with a three-game winning streak after dropping their first four. Texans QB Matt Schaub has started to settle into the starting job and will present the Vikings some problems in pass defense.

Houston WR Andre Johnson has four-straight games with nine or more receptions, and rookie RB Steve Slaton has emerged into a legitimate rushing option for the Texans. The Vikings' defense has continually stopped the run, but their secondary has been very suspect and could be exploited by Johnson and Schaub.

If the Vikings have any plans on getting back to .500, their special teams will have to play better. Texans WR Jacoby Jones took a punt back for a touchdown last week against Cincinnati and could make an impact if Minnesota's recent special-teams play continues. 

4. Detroit Lions (0-7)

The Lions are playing better football; no question about that. But just playing better doesn't mean wins in the NFL. I don't think they'll go 0-16, but the schedule is pretty brutal for Detroit from here on out, and they won't be favored in any of their remaining games.

Orlovsky played well against Washington, completing 21-of-35 for 233 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. If Detroit plans on Orlovsky as the Lions' future at QB, his development in the remaining games is important.

The running game is a larger concern for Detroit. They couldn't muster a runner who topped 30 yards against the 'Skins and finished with only 57 total yards on the ground. That's not going to get it done in this league.

The Lions get to travel to Chicago next week in a crucial NFC North game with the Bears.

MVP of Week Eight: Dan Orlovsky, DET

This is a default pick, but like I said above, Orlovsky played well against the 'Skins. He looks to be over his running-out-of-the-back-of-the-end-zone nightmare, so that bodes well for the winless Lions. Orlovsky has weapons in Detroit, and he must continue to get them the ball in his development as the starter in the Motor City.

Player to Watch in Week Nine: Kyle Orton, CHI

Orton continues to impress thus far, and that shouldn't stop when the Lions come into Chicago. Washington QB Jason Campbell went over 300 yards against Detroit last week, and Orton should have no problems following that up with one of his own.

Look for Orton to spray the ball around to the likes of Devin Hester, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis in a big game for the Bears' QB.

Game to Watch in Week Nine: Green Bay at Tennessee

The Packers come into this game full of momentum, but the Titans are a very formidable squad. For Green Bay to have a chance, they will need a heavy dose of RB Ryan Grant, and a stellar performance from their own rush defense.

The Packers will hope to get a few turnovers out of Titans QB Kerry Collins with their ballhawking defense. Expect a hard-hitting game in which the team who ends with fewer turnovers probably wins the game.

Predictions

Chicago 28, Detroit 9

The Lions will have upset on their minds in the Windy City, but the Bears are too much. Orton will play well, and Chicago's defense steps up in a big way at home. Detroit goes to 0-8.

Tennessee 24, Green Bay 23

The Packers are in it until the end, but the Titans' defense will cause a couple of Aaron Rodgers turnovers. That should be the difference. Green Bay struggles to stop the two-headed running monster that is White and Johnson.

Houston 30, Minnesota 28

This should be another great game, but Houston is playing too well right now. Texans WR Johnson has another huge day, and their defense does just enough to stop Peterson and company. Vikes QB Gus Frerotte struggles again against an underrated Houston pass defense.

OVERALL (6-7): Washington beats Detroit to bring me within a game of .500. It wasn't as convincing as I predicted, but it's a win either way.

Previous Rankings:

Week Eight

Week Seven