NFL Predictions Week 3: NFC North Primed for Week 3 Shakeup

With so much going on in the NFL, its best to concentrate on one division at a time. The most exciting one happens to be the fluid and ever-changing NFC North. Week 3 will be another weekend of delightful shakeups. 

This was by far one of the most interesting divisions coming into the season. We knew the Packers were going to lead the way, with second place being battled over by the Bears and Lions. 

For once, we were assured that the Lions had what it took to make a real run at the division, barring any injury to Matthew Stafford. 

What we didn't know was that the Lions were going to be this good. Stafford has been on a tear, and the defense is only going to get better as the pass rush matures. 

This weekend will signal the end of the Packers run atop the table. Green Bay will no doubt challenge for first in subsequent weeks, but Week 3 is all about the Lions, and here is why. 

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

The Lions are legitimate contenders after two remarkable games in which Matthew Stafford has thrown for close to 600 yards and seven touchdowns.

In that time, the Lions have created a fierce defensive presence that allowed the Chiefs just a field goal last weekend.

The Vikings come in on the opposite side of momentum. They are a one-trick pony that will go only as far as Adrian can take them. The Lions will be 3-0 team by Sunday's end.

Prediction: Lions 27, Vikings 17

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

This is the game we will be talking about on Monday morning. The Packers come in with their fair share of issues, most of them relegated to their secondary. 

Their pass defense was soft before Nick Collins went down. Now it may teeter on dangerously awful. The Bears blemish is a young offensive line that can't seem to protect Jay Cutler. 

At some point, the mighty have to fall. This is as good a week as any. The Bears will dial back their vertical game in an effort to keep Cutler safe from a season-altering head injury. 

That will give the Bears enough of an advantage to take this upset.

Prediction: Bears 27, Packers 24