NFL: Back Packers, Lions and Saints in tremendous treble

Monday night’s defeat at home to New Orleans was shambolic and indicative of a team that seems to have given up. The 31-15 loss was just the latest in a three-game losing streak that has seen Chicago concede 35.3 points per game to recent opponents.

Such defensive woes should make the Bears easy prey for the Lions offense. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson caught two touchdowns against Chicago when these two teams faced off in Week 13, and is 5/1 to grab the first score at Soldier Field.

With these two teams heading in opposite directions, a comfortable Detroit win could be on the cards – a result which (coupled with a Green Bay victory) would see the Lions and the Packers meet in Week 17 to determine who wins the 2014 NFC North title.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
New Orleans could also clinch a playoff place this weekend by triumphing over divisional opponents Atlanta.

A Saints victory, combined with defeat for Carolina in their game against Cleveland, would be enough to secure the NFC South division title for New Orleans.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees is third in the league for passing yards in 2014. Should he average 321 yards-per-game over the next two weeks, Brees would pass the 5,000 yard passing mark for an incredible fifth time – no other quarterback in NFL history has multiple 5,000-yard seasons.

Atlanta could be the perfect opponents for Brees to play against this weekend, as they have conceded more passing yards than any other team in the league this year.

New Orleans tight-end Jimmy Graham leads his team with nine touchdowns this season, and is sure to cause problems for the Falcons’ struggling secondary on Sunday. He is 13/2 to score first.

Atlanta’s recent record at the Louisiana Superdome is poor, with the Saints winning seven of their last eight home contests against the Falcons.

Punters may expect Brees to lead his team to an eighth home win against Atlanta this weekend.