NFL Picks Week 4: Which Teams Will Emerge as NFC Favorites?

The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions will establish themselves as the top teams in the NFC.  Both the Packers and Lions play in the very competitive NFC North. Only one of these teams can win the division, but both could make the playoffs. Last season, the NFC championship game featured two NFC North teams, the Chicago Bears and Packers.

Green Bay has not fallen victim to the Super Bowl hangover. The Packers have looked very impressive and primed for another Super Bowl run. Last season, they suffered a massive amount of injuries, but were able to overcome. So far they are mainly healthy, but have suffered a few key injuries, including Nick Collins. 

Despite a few injuries, the Packers are the top team in the NFC. They have managed to remain unbeaten even after traveling to Chicago and facing the Saints. To be considered among the elite, you need to beat the other top teams.

The Detroit Lions were everybody's favorite breakout candidate. However, I doubt anybody expected them to look this impressive. Matthew Stafford is among the league leaders in every passing stat.  He has taken care of the football, while still leading an explosive offensive attack. This team has a ton of offensive weapons, including Calvin Johnson. 

Johnson has been able to be more effective because of his teammates. Nate Burleson, Brandon Pettigrew and Titus Young have been able to command attention. Their success has loosened coverage for Johnson. He has still received plenty of double teams, but he has not allowed that to slow him down.

Defensively, the Lions are gaining a reputation as a nasty and disruptive unit. They are led by Ndamukong Suh, who is one of the more disruptive players in the NFL. The defensive line's ability to create pressure helps mask their questionable defensive backfield.

The Lions need a big victory today vs the Dallas Cowboys. Defeating the Cowboys would go a long way toward convincing themselves and the league they are for real.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on Twitter @Jon_Dove42.