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Life on the NFL Playoffs Bubble: Who’s In and Who’s Out

By Bryce Olin

Nov 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs to the sidelines against Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs to the sidelines against Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after the game at Ford Field. Detroit won 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) after the game at Ford Field. Detroit won 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers (7-3) and Detroit Lions (7-3)

The NFC North always seems like it’s a tough race, and this season is no exception.

Initially, I thought the Packers didn’t have a chance because of how poorly they were playing to start the season. Fast-forward seven weeks or so, and the Packers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL and are destroying (almost) everyone in their path.

The Lions, on the other hand, are squeaking out victories week after week, except against a team just a tad better at squeaking out victories than them, the Arizona Cardinals.

What It Will Take For The Packers: 

While the Packers’ offense has gone full-throttle in recent weeks, averaging 54.0 points in their last two games, I still don’t trust their defense. The Packers can’t drop 50 on everybody, but they’ll need their defense eventually. The Packers do have a very easy schedule the rest of way with games against Minnesota, Buffalo, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay remaining. The Packers also take on the Patriots and face the Lions in Week 17, but the Packers should easily get to 11-5.

What It Will Take For The Lions: 

OFFENSE!

I know the Cardinals’ defense is good, but six points was all Matthew Stafford, Calvin “Megatron” Johnson, and Golden Tate could muster… That’s just not good enough. The Lions have a fairly easy schedule down the stretch, but they’re going to have to steal a game from the Packers in Week 17 and, possibly, another against the Patriots in Week 12 to win the division.

Prediction: 

It think the Lions are going to win the division. I don’t know why, but something about the Packers strikes me as phony. Maybe, it’s that I can’t believe Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are running circles around the league. I don’t know. The Lions got out played in Arizona, but I don’t even think the Packers were winning that game, not with how good Arizona’s defense has been playing.

Next: Cowboys vs. Eagles

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