So I'll never get a job in a sports book, nor will make my millions betting there.

I tossed out my fan-based optimistic predictions for the outcomes of the NFC North.

The Vikings had their bye week, so their record stands 1-4.

As predicted, the Packers defeated the Saints. A crushing 52-3 victory, the Pack evidently had some aggression to vent. As predicted, they'll enter their bye week (and exit it) 1-4 for the season.

Also as predicted, the Bears were defeated by the Browns. Their 20-10 loss left them at 1-3, with a bye in the past.

Unfortunately, not according to my hopeful prediction, the Lions defeated the Ravens in a 35-17 victory. This brings them to 2-2, with a bye in the past, in a solid lead of the division.

Today, it's Lions (2-2), Bears and Vikings (1-3), Packers (1-4).

The Pack has their bye next week, so their standings will stay 1-4, leaving them at the bottom of the division. The Lions host the Panthers (3-2) next week, so we can hope they're defeated, leaving them at 2-3. Winning or losing, the Lions will be at the top of the division, either tied (at 2-3 if they loose), or alone (at 3-2 if they win).

The Vikings and Bears play at Chicago, which is a tough game for the Vikings; they haven't won there in quite some time. The Vikings have a horrible recent road record, with only a smattering of wins, and a crushing number of defeats. With all reasonable thinking, this should result in a Bear victory, leaving the wounded Vikings then at 1-4 and the Bears at 2-3. We, of course, hope for the opposite, rooting loud and proud for our Vikings to defeat the Bears.

Depending on the Lions game, the Vikings-Bears game victor will either be tied for first, or alone in second place in the division, with the loser alone in the next place.

Go Purple!