NFL Picks Week 5: Lions and Packers Will Maintain NFC North Stalemate

This weekend will provide an opportunity for the rulers of the NFC North to settle the score.

Only, they won't. 

This is yet another chance for either the Detroit Lions or Green Bay Packers to lose their first game. We know that it's going to happen at some point. 

With the Lions' issue with stopping the run, and the Packers' problems with stopping the pass, something has to give. 

Otherwise, we will still be stuck with undefeated teams atop one of the toughest divisions in football.

I really would like an answer to the question of which team deserves to rule the NFC North, but I doubt we'll get a definitive answer any time soon. 

They are the only teams left in the race for perfection.

Let's see how this leg of the race will shake out in Week 5.

Green Bay Packers

 The Packers head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. The defending NFC South champions are not the team you want to face when you are having issues keeping teams from passing the ball all over the field.

Indeed, the Packers have issues with their secondary. However, it won't matter. 

The Falcons are nearly as bad at stopping the pass as they are, and will have to face the best quarterback in the game.

Add the Packers rush defense to the equation and it becomes clear that Green Bay will come out of Atlanta unscathed.

Prediction: Packers 34, Falcons 27

Detroit Lions

 The Detroit Lions get the Chicago Bears in a divisional rivalry that will go the way of Detroit.

In any other year, this would be the Bears' game to have. 

However, this is not the Lions team we are used to. They have a tremendous pass rush, which is the one thing the Bears are susceptible to.

Jay Cutler has issues staying upright behind what is a still maturing offensive line. 

On Monday night, we will see a pressured Cutler making some bad decisions. You should be used to it, though. It happens from time to time.

Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 20