The NFC North is a division that has some of the oldest rivalries in the NFL. The Bears, Lions, and Packers are among the original NFL franchises, and each have a storied history. 

The Minnesota Vikings did not join the league until the 1960s, but assimilated well into the division’s rivalries. This year marks the first time since 1992 that a certain Hall-of-Fame QB in Green Bay will not be taking the field.

The Packers have been the dominant team in the division since Favre became their quarterback. The Packers won seven divisional titles during his tenure, and they won over 60 percent of their divisional games.

Which team seizes control of the division going forward is going to be a very interesting development.

Here is how I see the 2008 season playing out in the NFC North.

1) Minnesota Vikings

'07 Record: 8-8

Points Scored: 365 (15th)

Points Allowed: 311 (12th)

Playoff Result: N/A

2008 Strength of Schedule: 141-115 (.551) (T-fourth in NFL)

Strengths

The Minnesota Vikings were the best in the league at running the football, and they were also the best in the league at stopping the run.

Let’s start with the offense. Adrian Peterson had a tremendous season. He rushed for 1,341 yards and 12 touchdowns, despite only starting nine games. He was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Included in that mammoth total was a 296-yard rushing performance against San Diego, which set a NFL record for rushing yards in a single game. 

He also had a 224-yard game against the Chicago Bears. The key for him will be consistency and doing better with eight men in the box. In his final four games, he was held to 54 carries and 144 yards, which is 2.7 yards per carry. Part of that was his coming back from an injury, but part of it was defenses concentrating on him more than they did in the first half of the season.

Chester Taylor also had a fine season. He rushed for 844 yards and seven touchdowns. Minnesota and Jacksonville easily have the best running back duos in the NFL.

While Peterson and Taylor are good, the line is one of the best in the business.  McKinney and Hutchinson make up the left side of the line, and Birk is a tremendous center. It is imperative that McKinney not be suspended for his disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges that are still pending in a Miami courtroom.

On defense, the Vikings may have the best front four in football. Pat and Kevin Williams are two, mammoth defensive tackles that stop the run extremely well. 

New to the mix is Jared Allen, acquired in a trade with Kansas City. He had 15.5 sacks in 14 games last season. He gives them the pass rusher they sorely missed last season. That should help the Vikings improve on their 32nd-ranked pass defense.

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