NFL Picks Week 5: Why Lions Will Take Lead in NFC North

The Week 5 prime-time schedule will see every relevant NFC North team in action. When the smoke clears, the Lions will be sitting atop the division.

On Sunday night, the Atlanta Falcons will get a shot at revenge against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

At home again, the Falcons will bring some new weapons into the game. The Packers handled the Falcons 48-21 in the NFC playoffs last year and haven't lost a game since last year in Week 15.

The Falcons' offseason moves were in preparation for dealing with the new bully on the NFC block. The Packers offense has been just as deadly this season, as it was in that playoff slaughter.

The Packers defense is another story, though. While the unit gets plenty of credit, it has been lit up in nearly every game so far this season.

Drew Brees threw for 419 yards and the Saints scored 34 points in the season opener. Cam Newton threw for 432 yards and the Panthers scored 23 points. Even Jay Cutler, he of little protection, threw for 302 yards. 

Last week, the Packers held Kyle Orton to fewer than 300 yards passing. It was the first time they've accomplished that all season.

The Falcons bring a capable passing game with three dynamic passing options in Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White and rookie Julio Jones. The Falcons can score with Green Bay, especially if they can run the ball with Michael Turner to slow the pace.

I believe the Falcons will pull the mini-upset in this one at home.

In the Monday Night tilt, those Lions host the Chicago Bears. The Lions are on a mission this year, but the Bears have had their number as has every one else over the past three years.

Many remember opening week in 2010 when it appeared the Lions were robbed of a last second victory. Calvin Johnson appeared to have caught the game winner but it was waved off due to officials saying he didn't control the ball through the catch.

That loss still stings the Lions and now powered with confidence, they will launch a major assault on the Bears. The primary recipient of this will be Jay Cutler as Ndamukong Suh and his mates will frequent the backfield.

The Bears can keep the game close and possibly even win, if they run the ball with volume as they did last week.

In the end, I predict they won't be able to hold down the powerful Lions offense and Detroit will win the game and capture sole possession of first place in the NFC North.