The NFC North: Rankings By Position

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Every team in the NFC North managed to make significant improvements in the offseason, whether it be through the draft, free agency, or trades. It should be a tight race throughout the season, as every team has a shot at winning the division.

To determine what teams have the best shot at the divisional crown, each team has been ranked in each key position.

Quarterback

1. Green Bay Packers: The Packers have Aaron Rodgers behind center, and he more than proved himself last season, throwing 26 TD's to just 13 picks. He has arguably the best receiving tandem in the division as well with Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. With a full season under his belt, he should be even better than he was last year.

2. Chicago Bears: In what was easily the biggest trade of the off season, the Chicago Bears traded for Jay Cutler. Cutler is just 25 years old and coming off a pro-bowl caliber season. The only reason I won't rank Cutler higher is the lack of weapons he has to throw to in Chicago, and the fact that he has to adapt to a new offense.

3. Minnesota Vikings: The starting QB in Minnesota is likely to be free agent pickup Sage Rosenfels, who did an admirable job backing up Matt Schaub in Houston last year. He should provide some of the same stability that veteran Gus Frerotte gave the Vikings in '08. Tarvaris Jackson could take back the starting job if he can perform like he did towards the end of last season.

4. Detroit Lions: Daunte Culpepper will start the season as quarterback, and it will be his job to lose, as the Lions don't want to rush Matthew Stafford into the starting role. He claims he's in the best shape of his life, and he has one of the best receivers in the game in Calvin Johnson. If he is anywhere near the form he was in when he played in Minnesota he'll do well. Unfortunately I don't think he's as good as he says.

Running Back

1. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have Adrian Peterson, arguably the best running back in the NFL. He will challenge for the rushing title again this year, and his only weakness appears to be his tendency to fumble on occasion.

2. Chicago Bears: Last season rookie Matt Forte exceeded all expectations and carried the Bears offense on his back. He provided a solid rushing attack that the Bears haven't had since Thomas Jones left, and showed that he can catch the ball as well as any back in the game.

3. Detroit Lions: The Lions took a chance in drafting Kevin Smith last year, as he racked up a ton of carries in college. It paid off, however, as he quickly established himself as a solid NFL running back. He very nearly topped the 1,000 yard mark in '08, despite sitting behind Rudi Johnson for the first few games.

4. Green Bay Packers: Two years ago Ryan Grant came out of nowhere and put up some sick numbers, running all over everyone. Last year he came back down to Earth, and his YPC average dropped tremendously. If he doesn't start to play like he did in 2007, the Packers will start looking for another option in the backfield.

Wide Receiver / Tight End

1. Detroit Lions: "Megatron" AKA Calvin Johnson, maybe just be the most gifted athlete in the NFL. If Daunte Culpepper can consistently be mediocre or better, then CJ will put up some gaudy numbers. The additions of Brandon Pettigrew, Bryant Johnson, and Ronald Curry should also help whoever starts at quarterback.

2. Green Bay Packers: They have the deepest receiving core in the division. Jennings and Driver are both great, although Driver's getting old. Behind him they have some more solid options in James Jones and Jordy Nelson. They also have two decent tight ends in Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley.

3. Minnesota Vikings: This is a team that has some serious speed at the wide receiver position. Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, and Bobby Wade can all fly down the field. There are still question marks, however, as the Vikings still need a quarterback capable of getting them the ball. None of the receivers in Minnesota are good enough to go up and get the ball on a bad pass, with the exception of maybe Berrian. Visanthe Shiancoe will be the QB's best friend this year, as he's the safest option the Vikes have.

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