The schedule looks tougher than it really is. The Vikings caught a number of breaks. The 13-3 Packers are factored into their strength of schedule twice. Few people are thinking the Packers will repeat that record. They drew no cold-weather sites in November and December, which is something the Vikings traditionally struggle with.

They face the easier part of the schedule in the second half of the season. They play Chicago, at Detroit, at Arizona, and Houston from Week 13-16, before closing with the NY Giants at home. That bodes well for them taking control of the division with a late season surge.

I look for the Vikings to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004. I think they will win the NFC North for the first time in their franchise history, and their first divisional title since their NFC Central crown back in 2000.

Minnesota Vikings’ Record: 11-5—NFC North Divisional Champion; NFC No. 2 Seed

2) Green Bay Packers

'07 Record: 13-3

Points Scored: 435 (4th)

Points Allowed: 291 (6th)

Playoff Result: Lost NFC Championship Game

2008 Strength of Schedule: 136-120 (.531) (T-11th in NFL)

Strengths

The Packers had an unbelievably balanced team in 2007. They finished fourth in points scored and sixth in points allowed. Brett Favre had an impressive season, finishing second in the MVP race. Ryan Grant had the most yards of any back not named Tomlinson in the NFL in the second half of the regular season.

Mason Cosby finished second in the Pro-Bowl voting at kicker. Other than at Chicago, Ryan did a decent job of punting. Even the special teams gave good contributions in the return game. Robinson and Williams were strong in that regard.

There were few changes that needed to be made, and people assumed "No. 4" would come back for a final title run. However, that changed on March 4, 2008. Now, one player leaving has created a lot of questions.

It is hard to judge the Packers’ 2008 chances with such a key member of their offense gone. What the Packers should still be able to expect is a good defense. That starts with the front seven and the corners.

The Packers have an extremely deep defensive line.  Kampman is a great pass rusher that supports the run well. Jenkins does well at stopping the run and moves to DT on passing downs. KGB, Jolly, Harrell, and others provide good depth.

The linebackers support the run well, but they struggle to cover the pass, and in particular, the tight end.  That should improve simply by not facing Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, and Jeremy Shockey this season.

Still, there are good tight ends on the schedule, and they need to improve in that area. Nick Barnett is always solid, and Hawk is on the verge of making a Pro Bowl.

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