When the Chicago Bears play host to the Detroit Lions in a grudge match Monday (Australia time), two names surfaced: Jay Cutler and Calvin Johnson.

Against the Washington Redskins, Cutler, the eight-year quarterback out of Vanderbilt, was sacked by Chris Baker and missed the rest of the game. A post-game MRI showed a torn groin muscle and Cutler missed the next game against the Green Bay Packers. Without the star quarterback, the Bears struggled against the Redskins, losing a tight 41-45 contest.

Drawing a farewell in their next weekend, Cutler immediately set about getting back into shape. Even without him, the Bears dispatched of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau field, improving the record to 5-3 and tying the Detroit Lions for first place in the NFC North. With Cutler being cleared to play against Detroit, Chicago's chances of avenging the earlier loss and getting solo first place have significantly improved.

The Lions have been riding Johnson's broad shoulders the entire 2013 season. The man-mountain nicknamed "Megatron" has proven he is worth every dollar of the $132 million extension he signed in 2012, with a career-high 17.5 receiving yard average per game. He also set the franchise record for single-game receiving yardage against the Dallas Cowboys with 329, including a 22-yard reception that set up the game-tying play at the one-yard line, seven short of the NFL record of 336.

However, new addition Reggie Bush has also been phenomenal, rushing for 139 yeards in the earlier 40-32 win against the Bears and a crucial 1-yard touchdown that shifted the momentum against the Cowboys.

As it is, the Lions are the division leaders and 3rd overall in the NFC with a PA of 197. The Bears, despite a similar win-loss record, have a PA of 226 and are ranked seventh in the conference. The game will more or less determine who rules the NFC North, at least for the next two weeks.