NFL Week 10 Picks: NFC North Will Yield Most Exciting Matchups

If thrilling NFL action is what you seek in Week 10, then look no further than the NFC North, which features two intriguing rematches—the Detroit Lions at the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings at the Green Bay Packers—with playoff implications.

The Lions will renew their rivalry with the Bears at Soldier Field in one of just three afternoon games on Sunday. Detroit downed Chicago rather soundly in Week 5, 24-13, behind a career day from Jahvid Best, who torched the Bears' vaunted defense for 163 yards and a touchdown, and a sound beating put on Jay Cutler by Ndamukong Suh and the "Silver Crush."

Much has changed since then, though. The Lions have lost two of three in the intervening month to from undefeated to 6-2, with Best expected to sit out his third game in a row after sustaining a concussion against the 49ers in Week 6. That will leave a banged-up Matthew Stafford to shoulder (and arm) the load with only Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams to hand the ball off to.

The Bears, on the other hand, have won all three of their games in the time between their meetings with the Lions. Mike Martz has finally figured out a way to keep Cutler upright—by keeping two tight ends in to block—thereby allowing his much-maligned quarterback to remind the league of his considerable talent.

Throw in the spectacular play of Matt Forte of late and switch the venue from the Motor City to the Windy City, and the Bears should have the upper hand this time around to pull even with the Lions for second place in the division.

The other tilt, between the Vikings and the Packers, might seem like an easy walkover for Green Bay, but could very well be a tougher game than one would expect. These two familiar foes met at the Metrodome in Week 7 in a game that the Packers pulled out for a 33-27 win. Aaron Rodgers was on point, with 335 yards and three touchdowns.

But it was rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, in his first NFL start, who stole the show. Ponder was far from perfect, throwing two picks and completing just 13 of his 32 pass attempts, but he did show considerable promise, accounting for two touchdowns with his arm and 31 yards on four carries with his legs.

Oh, and Adrian Peterson had 175 yards and a touchdown. No big deal.

Of course, that doesn't mean the Packers won't whoop up on the Vikes, though Minny could just as well spring the upset to tarnish Green Bay's unblemished record. Despite their abysmal 2-6 record, the Vikings are still a talented team and have looked much improved since Ponder took over under center for Donovan McNabb.

That being said, this game doesn't necessarily have to be competitive to be entertaining. If nothing else, football fans will have the opportunity to marvel at A-Rod's gridiron brilliance on national television.

Either way, look for the Packers to extend their lead atop the NFC North and for the Lions and the Bears to throw the NFC Wild Card race into chaos.