Behind Matthew Stafford's on-field dominance and Jim Bob Cooter's play calling, the Lions were able to defeat their division rivals. This victory completely changes the season for the Detroit Lions.

The Lions are now in second place in the NFC North, tied with the Green Bay Packers (Editors Note: The Packers who absolutely shit the bed Sunday against the Colts. They are really bad. Defenses only rush three defenders all game. Either nobody is open or Rodgers horribly under-throws them. Carry on.), and only 1/2 of a game out of first place.

So where does that leave the state of the NFC North? With the season more than half-way over, lets get some predictions:

Minnesota Vikings.
After an unfathomable 6-0 start, the Vikings have lost their last 3 straight games. The Minnesota Vikings have lost their starting running back, starting left tackle, and starting right tackle so far this season. They are likely to regress further. I expect an 8-8 finish at best for the Vikings (Bovada season line was 6.5 wins).

Detroit Lions.
The Lions are very much alive after beating the Vikings on the road on Sunday which means they acquire the tie breaker in a same-record scenario. Matthew Stafford is being talked about by big media as a MVP candidate(No way Tom Brady wins MVP during a 12 game season, in my opinion. Take away Brady, and who else is in the MVP field? Matt Ryan?), and the defense is expected All-Pro LB Deandre Levy to return for their next game. With the state of the NFC in such horrendous shape, I expect the Detroit Lions to finish 9-7 and earn a wild-card berth (Bovada season line was 7 wins).

Green Bay Packers.
It pains me to crown the Packers this early, especially with Rodgers playing at a bottom 20 QB level, but they are approaching a soft part of their schedule which the Lions and Vikings have already played through. The tundra in Green Bay creates such a unique and powerful homefield advantage, I expect the Packers to just barely win the division with a 10-6 record (Bovada projected 8 wins).