NFL: NFC Central Report

After settling for 3 on the 2-yard line, the Lions blew a big chance to pull off an amazing come from behind victory against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

However, they were given one more shot, but David Macklin picked off a Charlie Batch pass late in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice for the Colts.

Edgerrin James pounded in one more score to nail down the 30-18 victory. Detroit was solid once again on defense, picking off two Peyton Manning passes and recovering all three of Indy’s fumbles, but they simply couldn’t get things going on offense.

Things don’t get easier by any stretch of the imagination as the Lions play host to the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. Good news for Detroit is that first round pick in the draft, Stocker McDougle, returns from a knee injury and will make his debut against Miami. It has also been confirmed that Miami LB Zach Thomas will miss Sunday’s game. Thomas is a force up the middle and his injury could allow Detroit to the run ball much easier. Final record prediction: 10-6

Ladies and Gentlemen: Kudos to my Dad, the football guru! He told me all last week that there was no way that Tampa Bay would lose to Minnesota, making it their fifth loss in a row. How right he was. The Bucs came out storming against the undefeated Vikings and placed 41 points on the board, more than their last two games combined (37).

While I doubt they’ll be able to produce that many points on offense once again, they’ll be able to handle Atlanta this week in Georgia. The Bucs are right back in the thick of the playoff hunt at 4-4. The key to their success, as always, will be that blistering defense that held Minnesota to 13 points last Sunday. Final record prediction: 9-7

Have no fear Viking fans, they were bound to lose. Randy Moss sans his 25,000 dollars, taken by the NFL for his bumping of an official, and the Vikes travel to Green Bay to play the Packers on Monday Night Football this week and will rebound with a victory. FS Orlando Thomas will be out 8-10 weeks with a broken shoulder blade. This news comes in the midst of a four game intercept-less streak. Watch for the Vikings to pick off Brett Favre at least once. A healthy Robert Smith plus that receiving corps plus St. Louis' continued defensive struggles equal Super Bowl appearance for the Vikings. Final record prediction: 13-3 *NFC Central winner

The floundering Pack doesn’t get any luckier this week as they face Minnesota at home. Ray Sherman, now with Green Bay, was the offensive coordinator in Minnesota last season. They’ll need more than his tips to beat the Vikings. In 15 games versus Minnesota, dating from 92-99, Favre has thrown 21 TDs to 18 INTs with a 6-9 record. To pile on more bad news, Dorsey Levens remains questionable for the Monday night battle. With Favre’s tendency to force balls when things are going well and an inconsistent running game, the Pack is eager for the season to end. Final record prediction: 5-11

While no one had them in the Super Bowl, plenty of people had the Bears at a better record than 1-7. Jim Miller gets the start this week versus the Colts, however it’s likely to produce the same result as having Cade McNown in: a loss. The off chance of Indianapolis suffering a let down would allow the Bears to spark up their second half, but it’s an off chance. Curtis Enis returns to the lineup this week and appears ready to get going. Hey Bears fans, at least Brian Urlacher rocks! Final record prediction: 3-13