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While only the Packers and Bears are on a bye in the NFC North, the Vikings are on a self-imposed bye week for the rest of the season. With a 1-6 record in hand, they're playoff hopes should be gone and they should be focused on playing the role of spoiler. So the only NFC North game of note this week will be to see whether the Lions can end their two game losing streak with a win at Denver.
The line is a close with the Lions favored by 3 points. I have to admit I have no feel for this game. The Broncos defense is bad to average (depending on the stats), but the Lions offense has gone into a funk around the time RB Jahvid Best was lost against the 49ers with a concussion. They can replace what Best can do as a runner, but they've got no replacement for him as a receiver. How will Matthew Stafford play after injuring his knee and ankle last week?
That Tim Tebow only threw for 161 yards with a 48% completion rate (and the Dolphins have arguably the worst pass defense in the NFL), and it makes me wonder what he'll be able to do against a much better defense? His ability to run might be negated by a very good Lions front seven.
What do you think of this game? Can Tebow have any success against the Lions's defense?