Packers Take Over First Place in NFC North

In today's 31-13 Green Bay win over the Browns, the Packers displayed a revitalized offense, tremendous defense, and questionable special teams.

However, by far the biggest development Sunday was the Packers' overtaking division rivals Chicago and Detroit for sole possession of first place in the NFC North.

With the win, Green Bay moves to 4-2, good for a half game lead over the Lions and Bears (both 4-3). The Packers also remain the only NFC North team without a loss within the division.

While the Packers have endured more than their fair share of injuries (included a big one today with Jermichael Finley's head/neck injury), they're perhaps better off than the rest of the division. Bears' starting quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a hip injury bad enough to compel the team to re-sign Jordan Palmer. Detroit's best player Calvin Johnson has spent the past few weeks dealing with a bad knee while the Lions' secondary has endured multiple injuries.

With the Packers facing only one team with a winning record over the next five weeks, they possess the great opportunity to take a stranglehold on the NFC North crown.