Battle for the NFC North: Week 13 and beyond

Behind a resurgent defense, an always reliable special teams, and a balanced attack on offense, the Chicago Bears find themselves atop the NFC North after 12 weeks. Their 8-3 record is good for second in the conference behind the Atlanta Falcons and they are currently in line to win their first division championship since 2006.

Keeping pace right behind them are the 7-4 Green Bay Packers, winners of four of its last five games. Injuries have forced them to chance their approach on both sides of the ball, but their playmakers have kept them in contention and stand just one game behind Chicago in the division race.

Both teams will have their hands full the rest of the season, with three of their five remaining opponents holding winning records. For the Bears, their remaining opponents combine for a 31-24 record while the Packers' opponents hold a record of 30-25. It seems as though the race could come down to the final weekend of the season, when the two teams will meet in Green Bay.

Here's a quick week-by-week look at each team's remaining schedule and who will eventually wind up as the NFC North champion.

Week 13: Bears at Detroit, Packers vs. San Francisco

Both teams will be expected to win their respective games Sunday. The Bears face an inferior Lions team that has lost four straight, but they have had three extra days to rest and prepare after playing on Thanksgiving that will certainly come in handy.It's also tough to forget the Week 1 controversy where Calvin Johnson let go of an apparent touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

For the Packers, they return home for the first time in almost a month to take on a 49ers team coming off a short week and a huge loss on offense. After defeating the Cardinals on Monday Night Football, the Niners will be playing on a short week when they head to Green Bay. They also lost running back Frank Gore to a broken hip and will be relying on 31-year-old Brian Westbrook going forward.

Advantage: Packers

Prediction: Bears and Packers win; Bears 9-3, Packers 8-4

Week 14: Bears vs. Patriots, Packers at Lions

Prediction: Bears lose, Packers win; Bears 9-4, Packers 9-4

Week 15: Bears at Vikings, Packers at Patriots

Prediction: Bears win, Packers lose; Bears 10-4, Packers 9-5

Week 16: Bears vs. New York Jets, Packers vs. New York Giants

Prediction: Bears lose, Packers win: Bears 10-5, Packers 10-5

Week 17: Bears vs. Packers

Prediction: Packers win; Packers 11-5, Bears 10-6

Let the games begin!