Revisiting Micah's predictions for the NFC North in Week 17

1 week ago 2

The Bears came out on top in the NFC North this weekend without even getting a victory. Every team lost in the North in Week 17, minus the Minnesota Vikings, who, to be fair, this season have had way too many losses to enjoy their victory this week.

Here is how my five expectations for the NFC North played out in Week 17:

Lions win by 20-plus points

"The Lions, on a usual occasion, have no issues putting up points with the best of them. With their season on the line and going against an NFC North foe that beat them in their last meeting, it will be personal. I think Dan Campbell and the Lions offense run up the score on Minnesota. The Lions still have a chance at the playoffs in their rear view mirror, this Lions offense will come ready."

The Lions did the opposite of taking care of business and got embarrassed by the Minnesota Vikings. A game like this is even more reason to believe that this offense desperately misses Ben Johnson.

Justin Jefferson puts up 100 yards receiving

"It will be another Max Brosmer showing for the Vikings, and for this offense to have any type of success, Minnesota will have to feed Justin Jefferson early and often. Justin Jefferson has had a tough stretch of games lately, none of which have reached 100 yards. Last week, Jefferson managed to get 85 yards receiving. I think he will build on that and get his first 100-yard outing since Week 5."

The Vikings put up 23 points and beat the Detroit Lions, and Justin Jefferson had little to no impact on that win. The streak continues for Jefferson as he only put up 30 yards receiving on just 5 targets. It is fair to assume that if the Vikings still have no answer at quarterback, Jefferson could very well request out.

Ravens pull off an upset this weekend

"It does not matter if it is Tyler Snoop Huntley or Lamar Jackson, I think Baltimore, in a must-win situation, gets a much-needed victory over the Packers. Teams have had success on the ground versus Green Bay, and I think Derrick Henry has a big day, and Huntley or Lamar does enough through the air to keep this offense upright. Green Bay has just about every injury imaginable, and I think for another straight week it costs them. It will be interesting to see which quarterback suits up for Green Bay. Malik Willis just might give the Packers the best chance to win. Ultimately, neither quarterback will make up for all the issues the Packers are facing heading into this game."

Tyler Huntley did just enough, and Derrick Henry carried the Ravens to a huge upset over the Packers. While Malik Willis played really well until he got hurt, the current state of the Packers' defense could be a bigger issue than a potential quarterback controversy.

Bears score the most points in the division this weekend

"The 49ers' defense is honestly a very favorable matchup for the Bears. It is a young defense, and their Achilles heel is stopping the run. Robert Saleh has done a phenomenal job with this unit, but Caleb Williams has all the confidence in the world, and the Bears' run game can be successful against anyone. I think the Bears will put up 30+ points this weekend against the 49ers. They will need to beat a pretty good 49ers offense as well. In terms of the Week 17 slate of games, Bears vs 49ers will be the highest scoring game, resulting in the Bears putting up the most points in their division this week."

The Bears did, in fact, put up the most points in the NFC North by a wide margin; unfortunately, their opponent put up even more points and secured a victory.

Bears clinch the NFC North after Week 17

"The Chicago Bears have been having perfect weekends as of late. I don't think the run will stop this weekend. The Bears clinched the playoffs already, and now it is time to clinch the division. The Bears will take care of business on Sunday Night, while the Packers will suffer another close loss. Ryan Poles will finally grant Bears fans his praise, but time will tell if the Bears will keep or give the North back next year."

The Bears were able to clinch the NFC North as I predicted, but they lost their shot at the 1 seed. Ryan Poles finally makes up to his promise, but he and Ben Johnson are looking for even more this season, but some legit playoff success.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Looking back at Micah's Week 17 predictions for Bears, NFC North

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