NFC North

Revenge is one of those clichés that’s dusted off whenever two playoff opponents from the previous year meet in the regular season. The Green Bay Packers (7-3) heading into New York (well okay, New Jersey) to take on the Giants (6-4) is such a case.

Unfortunately for Green Bay fans, revenge as a motivation for winning has been a bit overrated. But that’s not to say the Packers will not be able to leave MetLife Stadium with a win, it is just likely that if they do, it will be for other reasons.

If you like storylines, this is a game for you.  Does Eli Manning have a "tired" arm?  How big is the "revenge" factor?  Can the Giants rebound off the bye?  Will the Packers overcome their injuries?  Let's dig in.

Monday Night Football features a possible NFC Championship preview this week as the 6-2-1 San Francisco 49ers host the 7-2 Chicago Bears. The Bears, though, will be operating with a severe handicap, not only because they’re on the road but because starting quarterback Jay Cutler is out of action following a concussion suffered last week against the Texans.

Chicago’s quarterbacking woes aren’t the only key factor to keep an eye on in the Week 11 finale, but they are the biggest:

1. Can Jason Campbell score any points at all?

Even with the rifle-armed Cutler running the offense for the vast majority of the season, Chicago still ranks 30th in the NFL in passing. Backup Jason Campbell is a competent game manager, but hardly the kind of quarterback who will win many ballgames against a defense as tough as San Francisco’s.

The Bears have hidden their lack of a passing game behind rushing yards and defensive touchdowns this season, but both of those will be in short supply against San Francisco. If Campbell doesn’t make some big plays, Chicago has no chance to win this game.

"Concussion" is the word of the day when talking about the Monday Night Football matchup.  Alex Smith is technically listed as "questionable", but his status is much closer to probable given how his week went.  Jay Cutler wasn't so lucky, so Jason Campbell takes over the reigns.  Let's take a closer look at why I think the Bears are getting overlooked in this game.

When you think of past recipients of the National Football League’s Most Valuable Player, the first names that come into mind are those of quarterbacks. The glory and glamour boys are always the first in line when the awards are handed out at the end of the season.

Only twice in the past 11 years, has the MVP gong been awarded to a non-QB. On those 2 occasions a running back has taken the accolade home.

Many peoples favourite for this years league MVP is Denver Broncos playcaller Peyton Manning, who is having another outstanding season throwing the ball. Even more remarkable if you take in to consideration his serious neck injury, which ended his time with the Indianapolis Colts, and almost ended his career.

If the people that have the final say in choosing the standout player happen to overlook the passers this year, then surely only one other player is deserving this season.

Minnesota Viking’s running back, Adrian Peterson.