With the Lions on a bye last weekend I could sit back, relax and enjoy a weekend of football without the stress of a Lions game, which was quite nice considering the nerve shredding experience of the final drive against the Cowboys. It did, however, mean I would be worrying more about my fantasy football line-up. However, Suh Girls One Cup strolled to victory with a 50 point difference so that was all good. Even though the Lions were on a bye the rest of the NFC North was in action and of course we have to keep a close eye on those games to see how they affect the Lions chances of making the playoffs.
Let’s start with Vikings.
The Vikings have suffered their 7th loss this season after narrowly losing out to the Cowboys. Though it’s still mathematically possible for the Vikings to make the playoffs, their 1-7 record and lack of a “franchise QB” will mean their impact on the NFC North this season could be very minimal. Saying that Adrian Peterson is back to his old ways (clearly evidence by the fact that he dragged three Cowboys into the endzone for a touchdown) after a slow return from the Vikings bye week. The Vikings with Adrian Peterson may yet grab a win against a divisional rival and wreck someone’s playoff hopes.
Onto the big one Bears @ Green Bay
As much as they’d hate to admit it, every Lions fan became a bit of a Bears fan on Monday night. They needed a Bears win to stop Green Bay from taking a lead while the Lions were on bye. Lions fans of course will be delighted with the Bears 27-20 win over the Packers, which ended Green Bay’s 4-game winning streak. The Bears, Packers and Lions are all now at 5-3 with, as I mentioned earlier the Vikings at 1-7.
The fact that the Bears knocked the Packers driving force QB Aaron Rodgers out of the game with a shoulder injury will be music to Lions fans ears. It would appear Rodgers has an incomplete and non-displaced fracture on his left clavicle. There is no time frame for return. There is no surgery needed and many have said he could be out for as little as 3 weeks. That would be of course if the Packers were to rush him back into action, but since he wouldn’t be fully healed in 3 weeks and could easily reinjure his clavicle on any play they may play it safe and keep him out for a lot longer. Then again he may heal quickly and be back in 3 weeks though I wouldn’t count on it.
Rodgers had the ability to turn even his average receivers into weapons. Whoever his deputy will be, Seneca Wallace or Scott Tolzien does not or at least has not to date shown that ability, and with the Packers receiving ranks diminished with injuries they are left with Jordy Nelson at wide receiver and rookie running back Eddie Lacy. If Wallace or Tolzien don’t perform then Nelson could be out of the equation leaving only Eddie Lacy, who is possibly the best offensive rookie this season to carry the work load. Even with his talent it may just prove too much. If Rodgers were to miss just 3 weeks he would miss games against the Eagles, Giants and Vikings. I could honestly see Green Bay losing at least two of these without Rodgers and that could end any division title hopes they have.
The Bears meanwhile, could use this win as motivation to also topple the Lions. A weakened Bears defense may suffer against Stafford and his offense but the Lions will still have to contend with Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett who could still put up big numbers. Reports have suggested Cutler may be back but he himself has said that he might not. He hasn’t even been practicing so it is looking more likely McCowan will lead the offense and he hasn’t done too badly, so it will be interesting to see what happens there. There is an air of confidence around Lions fans that this game can go no other way than a W for Detroit. I wouldn’t be so confident myself but the Lions will have had two weeks to prepare for the Bears so I am expecting a good performance.
The Lions on their bye this week were able to rest any slight injuries and give a well-deserved break to their offensive line who have been outstanding this season. Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush also get some extra time to recover from their early season injuries. The Lions may also be without Ziggy Ansah as he was injured in the game against the Cowboys and they’ve signed Austin Lane, which means Ansah may not have his services against the Bears. One man who will definitely grateful of the Lions bye week is number 2 receiver Nate Burleson. It’s unlikely he will feature against the Bears but having this “extra” week will mean that he will miss one fewer game when he finally recovers from his broken arm. He has still yet to be cleared for contact but will be glad he won’t have missed an extra game.
A quick look at the Lions schedule
Week 10 @ Bears
Week 11 @ Steelers
Week 12 V Buccaneers
Week 13 V Packers
Week 14 @ Eagles
Week 15 V Ravens
Week 16 V Giants
Week 17 @ Vikings
With the teams the Lions have left to play you would have to think they have a very good chance of winning the NFC North but I guess time will tell. I am just going to take it one game at a time and with the 2 weeks to prepare I’m hoping the Lions can go to Soldier Field and get the win.
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