| 1 | Mon, Sep 8 | at Green Bay | 7:00 PM |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 14 | Indianapolis | 1:00 PM |
| 3 | Sun, Sep 21 | Carolina | 1:00 PM |
| 4 | Sun, Sep 28 | at Tennessee | 1:00 PM |
| 5 | Mon, Oct 6 | at New Orleans | 8:30 PM |
| 6 | Sun, Oct 12 | Detroit | 1:00 PM |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 19 | at Chicago | 1:00 PM |
| 9 | Sun, Nov 2 | Houston | 1:00 PM |
| 10 | Sun, Nov 9 | Green Bay | 1:00 PM |
| 11 | Sun, Nov 16 | at Tampa Bay | 1:00 PM |
| 12 | Sun, Nov 23 | at Jacksonville | 1:00 PM |
| 13 | Sun, Nov 30 | Chicago | 8:15 PM |
| 14 | Sun, Dec 7 | at Detroit | 1:00 PM |
| 15 | Sun, Dec 14 | at Arizona | 4:05 PM |
| 16 | Sun, Dec 21 | Atlanta | 1:00 PM |
| 17 | Sun, Dec 28 | NY Giants | 1:00 PM |
Detroit Lions
| 1 | Sun, Sep 7 | at Atlanta | 1:00 PM |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 14 | Green Bay | 1:00 PM |
| 3 | Sun, Sep 21 | at San Francisco | 4:05 PM |
| 5 | Sun, Oct 5 | Chicago | 1:00 PM |
| 6 | Sun, Oct 12 | at Minnesota | 1:00 PM |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 19 | at Houston | 4:05 PM |
| 8 | Sun, Oct 26 | Washington | 1:00 PM |
| 9 | Sun, Nov 2 | at Chicago | 1:00 PM |
| 10 | Sun, Nov 9 | Jacksonville | 1:00 PM |
| 11 | Sun, Nov 16 | at Carolina | 1:00 PM |
| 12 | Sun, Nov 23 | Tampa Bay | 1:00 PM |
| 13 | Thu, Nov 27 | Tennessee | 12:30 PM |
| 14 | Sun, Dec 7 | Minnesota | 1:00 PM |
| 15 | Sun, Dec 14 | at Indianapolis | 1:00 PM |
| 16 | Sun, Dec 21 | New Orleans | 1:00 PM |
| 17 | Sun, Dec 28 | at Green Bay | 1:00 PM |
Ok, now that we have that out of the way, let's get down to the dirty work: predictions and key acquisitions.
Chicago Bears
As we all know, Cedric Benson is gone, thank the lord, Brian Urlacher is happy being on the field, Lance Briggs is still a Bear, Robbie Gould got a new contract, as did Tommie Harris, who became the highest paid DT.
There is quarterback controversy brewing with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman, but whoever wins the starting job will not bring the team much success.
Now, I know people are saying that this team stinks, but they did make some key upgrades via the draft and free agency.
The Bears drafted: Chris Williams (OL, Vanderbilt), Matt Forte (RB, Tulane), Earl Bennett (WR, Vanderbilt), Marcus Monk (WR, Arkansas), Kellen Davis (TE, Michigan State), Chester Adams (OT, Georgia), Ervin Baldwin (DE, Michigan State), Marcus Harrison (DT, Arkansas), and Craig Steltz (S, LSU).
The Bears also picked up receivers Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd from free agency.
Chris Williams should move into the starting job, as should Matt Forte, Marty Booker, and Brandon Lloyd, if he can live up to his potential.
I see the Chicago Bears going 9-7 this season, which might be a wild-card spot, but I doubt that will happen.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers had some key players leave the team, but the one that hit them the most was the retirement of Brett Favre. Aaron Rodgers comes into the season with the starting job, but it is also his to lose. Rookie Brian Brohm is right on his heels. The Packers released WR Koren Robinson and TE Bubba Franks.
The Packers picked up two QBs in the draft, Brain Brohm of Louisville, and Matt Flynn from LSU. They also drafted Jordy Nelson, WR from Kansas State, Brett Swain, WR San Jose State, Jermichael Finley, TE from Texas, Jeremy Thompson, DT from Wake Forest, and Patrick Lee, CB from Auburn.
I see the Green Bay Packers going 12-4 this year.
Minnesota Vikings
What a surprise last year. Adrian Peterson's record-breaking year, a defense that was amazing, and a team that almost made the playoffs when nobody thought they would come even close.
This surprise has a lot of high expectations this year, due to the success of the running game with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.
In the draft the Vikings took: John David Booty (QB, USC), Jaymar Johnson (WR, Jackson State), Justin Surrency (WR, Northern Iowa), John Sullivan (OL, Notre Dame), Letroy Guion (DT, Florida State), and Tyrell Johnson (CB, Arkansas State).
Now, for the really big news: Jared Allen is the new starting DE for the Minnesota Vikings, as if Kevin and Pat Williams weren't enough. They also picked up Bernard Berrian in free agency.
I see the Minnesota Vikings possibly going 12-4, but probably more along the lines of 10-6 or 11-5. If the QB play is consistent, and the defense and running game can start where they left off last year, then they will go 12-4.
Detroit Lions
Oh, the season they could've had. But they blew it.
In the draft, the Lions brought in: Kevin Smith (RB, UCF), Kenneth Moore (WR, Wake Forest), Cliff Avril (DT, Purdue), Landan Cohen (DT, Ohio), Andre Fluellen (DT, Florida State), Jordan Dizon (LB, Colorado), and Caleb Campbell (CB, Army).
They lost DT Shaun Rodgers to the Browns in free agency. They also released RB Kevin Jones.
I see the Lions going 8-8 and nothing more, but possibly a whole lot less.
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comments (11) write a comment »
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3 months ago
Nice article Kyle, and I like the posting of the schedules. It helped provide support for your analysis.
The more I read about the Packers, the better they sound to me. I am really starting to buy in to Ryan Grant and their young, talented receivers helping ease the transition of Rodgers.
The Vikings could be dominant if they can keep their stars healthy.
I hope the Bears finish with a winning record, that would be a surprise to me...
3 months ago
thanx Sam this article took me a while, had to travel a bit, but it got done. The Bears got to the Super Bowl 2 years ago because Rex was ok throughout a whole seaon, and the defense was amazing until the last few weeks. If they can have solid defense and OK quaterback performances, then they will have a winning record.
3 months ago
I think you are overly optimistic for the Packers and Vikings. This coming from a Packers fan. I don't think anybody in the NFC North will win more than 11 games in 2008. I don't think the Bears will be any better than last year and the Lions will be about the same. The Vikings are still questionable at QB and while they added Allen at DE, they had the WORST passing defense in the NFL last year. The big question for the Packers is obviously at QB. I don't really think that Rodgers can do much worse than Tarvaris Jackson though. It will be a shootout between the Vikings and Packers with one of these taking the division and the other with a wild card playoff appearance. I see the Packers going 10-6 or 11-5 while the Vikings go 9-7 or 10-6. It should be a close race. Overall the Packers have the best overall team in the division position by position, but the big question is at QB, with the departure of Favre.
3 months ago
I can understand the whole i'm worried about Rodgers, I mean u guys did lose a legend, but remember that Dallas game where Rodgers came in, he did very well. He has arm strength and is very accurate. I see the Packers, right around where they were last year. Like i said though for the Vikings, if they stay healthy and have consistent QB play, then they will be better than last year.
from 3 months ago
This includes Chris comment also. The Packs left the door open for Favre. They drafted two QB's, no brainer that Brohm will back up Rodgers and if Rodgers get hurt or preforms badly. Do you honestly think with what the Cheesheads have that they would start a Rookie QB. No way, Favre as I type this probably still sleeping since it's 5:29AM Eastern. But you can bet he's working out and will be ready should Green Bay be calling him down in Mississippi. Heck he might just be up in the Owners booth watching. I do think Rodgers, looked good against Dallas and think he'll be good.
Now the Steelers lose Plaxico won SB, Colts lose James won SB, Giants lose Barber won SB. Could it mean the Pack lose Favre and will end up winning the '08 Superbowl. Thats from '05 to '07, worth a thought to think about and file away to remember.
No I'm not a Cheesehead, follow Da Bears. Just wish Angelo was smart enough to draft Brohm in the 2nd round and Forte in the 3rd round.
3 months ago
packers better then the vikings position by position?
1. qb.. toss up.. equal at best Tjack has experience that Rodgers doesn't.. back ups.. Gus vs.. Rookie? give the vikings + 1 on this one.
2. RB. although Gant was a nice surprise for the Pack.. The combo of AP and CT is probably one of the best in the NFL. Vikings have +2 on this one
3. OL in the trenches it could go both ways, The Vikings have a solid left side, with suspect coming from Cook and Herrera. If all starters remain healthy they should be one of the best units in the NFL.. The pack, well.. based on the play of Farve (he could make even the worst OL look good) their OL was solid. but with a rookie like QB stepping in. this will change dramaticly. vikings +1
4. DL your trying to say that a DL with 3 pro-bowl players is less then the Pack's? I do agree that they have talent, but Jared/Williams Wall/ and the return of Ray Edwards.. This will be the return of the famous Purple People Eaters. Vikings +2
5. CB Here is where the pack step ahead, Al Harris and Co are considered to be true shut down corners.. Antione W is a great tackling CB but with 2nd and 3rd year players opposite.. the Vikings are still lacking in true shutdown abilities. Pack + 1
6. Safties. Sharper is still a ball hawking saftey, and with MW added in for coverage the vikings have only improved including drafting Tyrell Johnson who listed as CB is more of a young Sharper waiting to learn from the mentor. Pack might be more consistant as they have the time in the system, but with the loss of one starter this house of cards will fall.. This one is Even for now.
So i don't see how you or any real football fan can say.. the pack are better in every position.. good try though..
from 3 months ago
now i didn't say the Pack were better at every position, you have to look at the schedule, here's a fun fact since the NFC North actually became the NFC North( originally the NFC Central) only two teams have won the division, the Packers and the Bears
3 months ago
How can all of these teams end up over .500, and a couple at 12-4, when they all play each other twice? Do you really expect these teams to be dominating the rest of the league but then splitting intradivision games? Have you seen how bad the NFC North has been lately?
Rodgers is probably a very competent QB but he's not the playmaker that Favre was. They'll likely finish around .500. The Vikings will probably win 9 or 10 (and win the division), and the Lions and Bears will be doormats as usual. The Vikings will do better if they bench Jackson and go with Frerotte.
from 3 months ago
With each team playing each other twice, there are 12 total losses just in intradivision games. You have the entire division only losing 23 games. Do you think this division is that good to only lose 11 games of the 40 outside of the division?
from 3 months ago
dude you have to look at the schedules, some of the teams they are facing straight up stink.ok for the Pack they did very well last year, now i know Rodgers is a down grade, but he isn't going to lose you many games, Detroit finish at .500 last year, so why can't they do it again.
3 months ago
Ok heres a fun fact, since the NFC North had become the NFC North (originally the NFC Central) only two teams have won the division, Green Bay and Da Bears.
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