NFC North Predictions for 2009

Let's be real here, the Lions are going to suck again this year. Even the most die-hard Lions fan knows this.

Jim Schwartz has his work cut out for him, but the good news is they are getting good, young talent at some positions, with Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson, and if Stafford works out, they could start to work on the O-line and potentially have a pretty decent offense in the next few years.

But not this year.

Final Prediction 2-14

Hey, 2 wins is a good thing after going 0-16.

Just too bad your defense isn't elite anymore.

Now, don't get me wrong, the Bears' defense is still pretty good talent-wise, but Urlacher, and the rest of the defense for that matter, isn't getting any younger.

The Chicago Bears once-vaunted defense finished in the bottom 3rd of the NFL last year, being ranked only 22nd in overall defense. One of the reasons was due to the offense which has, for lack of a better word, sucked for a long time, leaving the defense out there constantly getting little to no rest in between series.

But the Bears and their fans hope for that to change this season with the addition of Jay Cutler, giving the Bears their first legit QB since Jim McMahon.

The Bears, though, lack something that is almost equally important: a legit WR. Devin Hester is a great talent, but he's just not a WR. I saw the him play this past season when the Bears visited my local team, the Panthers, and I wasn't impressed. Most offensive plays had him basically running deep every play, no route running, just going deep and praying he'll get open.

Final Prediction 7-9

Questions about the rest of the offense outside of Cutler and the aging defense keep me from putting them higher.

The Vikings look like they have it all for the most part; a rock solid O-line, a super-star RB and great defense. But they lack a QB.

I am a strong believer in never going for the quick fix, especially after experiencing the so-called quick (Keyshawn Johnson) fix that was going to make my team become Super Bowl Champs blow up in my face.

So, Vikings fans, just say no to Favre.

Give your other QB's a chance and if you want to upgrade, wait and do it in next year's draft, which will be loaded with QB's.

Final prediction 9-7

Just say no to Favre.

The Packers were decimated by injuries all over the place last season, but that won't be the cast for the start of this season at least.

If Grant returns to 2007 form, he should propel the Packers over the edge making their offense truly potent.

The defense though is a big question. Dom Capers hasn't been a DC since 1994 when he was one for the Steelers, and I'm not entirely sure how the Packers players will fit in a 3-4 system. But there is talent there, so I like their chances.

Final Prediction 12-4 NFC North Champs

Their offense could be very good this season.