Week 16 NFC North Power Rankings

If anyone noticed, I again missed my weekly NFC North Power Rankings last week. To top it off, I'm going to do a very condensed version this week. Sorry fans, it's Finals Week here at UW-Madison!

1. Minnesota Vikings (9-5)

It's their division to lose. Games at Atlanta and home against the Giants are large obstacles, however. Adrian Peterson should be getting more MVP looks, and Bernard Berrian has been a huge pickup for Minnesota. Last but not least, was that really Tavaris Jackson in the white No. 7 jersey Sunday? Look out if he starts playing well.

2. Chicago Bears (8-6)

Bears need some help to get into the playoffs, but it's not impossible. First, however, they have put their first game against Green Bay past them and beat the Packers this Monday night. Green Bay is struggling mightily, but the Pack will be ready to sweep the Bears on Monday night if Chicago isn't up to the task.

3. Green Bay Packers (5-9)

It took 14 weeks, but the Packers are officially out of playoff contention. There's been a combination of factors that has caused the slide, but please refer to Bart Winkler's article if you feel like saying something about Brett Favre.

It's important for the Packers to win out from here—remember back in 2006 when Green Bay rattled off four straight wins to finish its season 8-8. That streak set up the Packers' 13-3 season in 2007, and the same could happen for this squad. Check out the latest Packer Report for more on this.

4. Detroit Lions (0-14)

They let another one get away last week, but you have to like their will to win. Rod Marinelli says all the right things for this team, but it doesn't matter. There isn't enough talent on this team to win in the NFL. The Lions play the Saints, then the Packers at Lambeau to finish the season, so it looks as though 0-16 is right around the bend.

Predictions

Minnesota 24 Atlanta 21

Vikings cement their playoff run with a win over the Falcons. Run defense stops Michael Turner and controls rookie Matt Ryan.

Green Bay 38 Chicago 35

Here's the week where Aaron Rodgers brings the Packers back with under two minutes left. Add this game to the classics that the Bears and Packers have played.

New Orleans 42 Detroit 28

Shootout at Ford Field, but the Saints have too many weapons for the Lions. Calvin Johnson responds to his Pro Bowl snub with a big game.