NFC North

Vikings Offense vs. Packers Defense

Final week of the regular season, and NFC North gives us a late gift in the form of a potential playoff preview between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are desperate for a win, as it would take losses by the Giants, Bears, and Cowboys for the Vikings to lose and still make the playoffs. Adrian Peterson is chasing a record, and the Vikings offense has been running wild. The Packers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, 10th in total defense, and looking to lockup a first round bye with a win over their NFC North rival Vikings.

Adrian Peterson vs. Packers Run Defense

Packers Offense vs. Vikings Defense

No one will be resting in the Packers offense, as Green Bay has plenty to play for this week. With the chance to secure a first round bye, and at least one home game in the playoffs, the Packers want this win badly, but don’t need it like the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are winners of 9 of the last 10, and look to eliminate the Vikings before having to potentially play them in a playoff scenario. Rodgers is once again leading one of the more effective offenses in the NFL, ranked 13th in total yards, and 7th in scoring offense. The Minnesota Vikings 16th ranked defense has a tough time ahead of them in containing the dynamic Packers offense.

Aaron Rodgers and Weapons vs. Vikings Secondary

Cowboys Offense vs. Redskins Defense

Tony Romo and Dez Bryant have been on fire as of late, connecting for 43 receptions for 721 yards and 9 touchdowns in the last 6 games. They will need to continue their success, as it is win or go home game for Dallas. Dallas can win the NFC East with a win over the Redskins, or see their playoff hopes destroyed on the road against their passionate divisional rival Redskins. This game should see it’s share of offense, as the Cowboys 6th ranked overall offense will aim for big points against the Redskins 28th overall defense.

Tony Romo and Weapons vs. Redskins Secondary

The Chicago Bears, clinging to playoff life after two straight division losses, look to bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Arizona is hoping to gain momentum from its 38-10 rout of the Lions, a win that snapped a nine-game losing skid for the Cards.

In a battle of two atrocious passing games, which team will come out on top? These three factors will tell the tale:

1. Whose defense will score more points?

The Bears are accustomed to winning with defensive touchdowns, of which they have seven in 14 games this season. Arizona, though, has an opportunistic defense of its own to throw at a struggling Jay Cutler.

The Cards picked off Matthew Stafford three times last week, returning two for scores. Don’t be surprised if the big plays in this game all come from the defensive side of the ball.

2. How sharp will Matt Forte be?

With stalwart backup Michael Bush on injured reserve, Matt Forte gutted out a hard-fought 20 carries in last week’s loss to Green Bay. Add in five receptions, and Forte took an awful lot of punishment against the Pack.

When Adrian Peterson tore his ACL on Christmas Eve last year he was written off. Most predicted the most prolific and dominant running back in the NFL would struggle to get back to the level he's accustomed to being at. Those sceptical had good reason to be. With Rehabilitation taking anywhere from 9 months to 18, players just don't come back the same player. Some alter their style of play to minimise risk of injuring it again. Others lose that sharpness that set them apart from other athletes. Some are mentally not able to overcome the injury, instead playing it safe to avoid any further distress. Not Peterson.