NFC North: Division Rankings

I really hope no one decides to argue this rank. This is pretty straightforward. Detroit has holes all over the place. They don't have very many playmakers and have struggled for years. Why should this year be any different?
Offense is one of the few things the Lions didn't finish last in. But they were very close at 30. To change this, Detroit brought in several new players. QB Matt Stafford (pictured here) is the franchise player the Lions can build a team around. TE Brandon Pettigrew is an excellent receiver/blocker that will do well with the short pass. However, they still have a lot of issues to deal with, and could find themselves ranked low again.
The defense was the worst in the league last year. Maybe the rookies they picked can help turn things around. Or not. regardless of how well Detroit drafted, the defense, and for that matter the team, needs a lot more talent. Some experienced vets might come in handy too.
The schedule is tough, and that is before you consider that they are the worst team in the league. Outside their division they play the Cards, Steelers, and Ravens, as well as several other average to above average teams.
All in all the Lions don't have a lot of chance right now. They have a tough schedule and still have a lot of holes. They could finish last again this year, but I don't think they will lose every game.
On a more positive note, the Lions have taken huge steps to improve. Indeed, I believe them to be the most improved team in the league. They have started to fill in holes and have some good players to develop.

The Packers are building their first 3-4 defense, and really proved how committed they were. Out of eight picks in the draft, Green Bay used five of them on defense. And they could arguably have had the best defensive draft in the league.
Aaron Rodgers impressed many as starter this year. The 25-year-old QB led the team to an eighth place ranking in the NFL. Not much has changed, and so the Packers look ready to have another top ten season.
Defense is where Green Bay put its effort. They have made a lot of changes. In order to set up a 3-4 defense, the Packers drafted NT B.J. Raji, one of the best d-lineman in the draft. OLB Matthews and a few others give the defense a lot of depth and raise the defense to a 16/17 rank competitor.
The schedule starts out favoring Green Bay, playing teams like the Rams, Lions, and Browns. Towards the end it turns difficult with the Ravens, Steelers, and Cards. So they could start strong, but falter as the season ends.
Overall, the Packers are steadily improving. They need to finish developing their defensive players, and acquire a few more to solidify it. In a year or two, Green Bay could be a very good team and a strong competitor. But now, the 3-4 is new to them and they are not quite ready to go.

The Vikings are a solid team, and went to the playoffs with at 10-6 record last year. However, they have not risen enough to win the division again. They are a center for the media, with rumors of Brett Favre becoming the Vikings QB.
The Vikings had an average offense, ranking 17th overall. It's hard to say how they will do this year, with Favre a question mark. Regardless, the Vikings have a decent offense, spearheaded by superstar Adrian Peterson. They have added some depth at WR, and could rise to a 14/15th rank this year.
The defense got the Vikings to the playoffs, and were ranked sixth. The top ten defense looks strong again this year and could see another good year. They have added some depth and should remain as a solid competitor.
The schedule provides chance for success and failure. They could struggle against the Cards, Giants, Steelers, and Ravens. But they get the Lions, 49ers, and Browns. So a moderate schedule this year.
The Vikings are good, and are competitors. However, they aren't superior and need a little more adjusting. They are also facing tough competition for the playoff spot.

Let me begin by saying this. I like the Chicago Bears. Just for the record. But I must still say what I have to say. The Bears can win the division, but it will be close. They will have to play hard to win. The Packers and Vikings are about equal with the Bears.
The offense was not successful, finishing 26th in the league. Many blame it on Orton, claiming that he could not throw, and so the defense knew that the run was coming. However, the offense actually passed more; by 11 percent. That is a significant number. Now, with Jay Cutler on the team, they will do amazing. Or so everyone seems to think. Cutler will certainly help the team, but not as much as people believe. Games are not won on a QBs talent alone. The WRs will have to prove that they can play too.
Defense was better, but still ranked in at 21. To help this, the Bears drafted several players. However, some are questionable as a few are seen as underachievers. But if they can prove wrong, the Bears will have a decent defense. They did not add the talent that makes for a top ten team, but they could end up around the 19th rank. To his credit, Urlacher did not have a very good year.
Fans must be excited about the schedule. They will face opposition in the Steelers, Cards, and Ravens. However they play the Browns, Rams, and best of all, the Lions twice. I would be very surprised if they don't do well this year.
Overall, the Bears have the best chance of winning the division. However, they are not superb. They still have a few holes, and some players need to prove themselves. They should do well, and can improve more over the next few years.

I'm sure many of you disagree. So come on and tell me just why the Packers will win the division. Or why the Lions will beat the Vikings. Or anything else I might have gotten wrong.
Also, I have one more division to do. The NFC South. This is your last chance to tell me how things will play out. So give me your thoughts so that I can make the most accurate prediction.
I have decided that I will do an article on the NFC and AFC playoffs to determine who will go to the Super Bowl. Then I will do the Super Bowl to determine the winner.
So be sure to comment!