Predicting the NFC North: The Green Bay Packers Will Be Elite in 2010

My NFL predictions continue today with the NFC North, the second of my predictions today (did AFC East earlier). So far the AFC East, AFC North, AFC West, NFC East, and NFC West have been completed.

The NFC North has been getting more love in recent months. The Green Bay Packers are becoming elite in many people's eyes, and believed to be a threat to the Vikings. Brett Favre made another famous return to Minnesota camp last month. The Bears and Lions both look to make strides in 2010, as they look to get to their winning ways.

Who will win the NFC North? Here are my predictions for the division.

1. Green Bay Packers—I am on the Packers band wagon, and it starts and ends with Aaron Rodgers. Last year was the first year we saw the potential Rodgers has, as he looks to become elite in 2010.

Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Jermichael Finley are a great deal of weapons Rodgers has to throw to in the passing game.

The offensive line improved down the stretch in 2009, and drafting Bryan Bulaga in the first round should help clear up that weakness.

The biggest question remaining is on the defensive side. The return of Al Harris is unknown right now, and last year the Packers were torched in the passing game during the postseason. That area will need to show improvement if Green Bay wants to return to the Super Bowl, in the post Favre-era.

Prediction: 12-4

2. Minnesota Vikings—My confidence in Brett Favre's team continues to drop every day. Number four's age is continuing to be exposed in the first two pre-season games he has played in.

Couple the fact with losing the best receiver on the team in Sidney Rice for at least half the season, and this is a team I see in trouble.

More importantly, the Vikings did not make enough upgrades in the secondary to convince me they can hold any lead during a long period of time.

I believe they'll squeak into the wild-card spot, but it won't be pretty, and it may be a pick I regret later down the road.

Prediction: 9-7

3. Chicago Bears—2010 is a year where jobs are on the line in Chicago. In the end though, I see them as a .500 team right now.

Jay Cutler may have a better campaign in Mike Martz's offense, but the turnovers are still going to be an issue. Are the young group of receivers ready to take a big enough of a leap this season and emerge as a No. 1 target? Not to sure about that.

The defense should be healthier this year, but despite the signing of Julius Peppers, this is a unit that is on the decline and not the dominant force of a few years ago.

Prediction: 8-8

4. Detroit Lions—The post-Millen era is a bright one if you're a Detroit Lions fan. Another successful off-season leads to a bright and competitive season for the Lions this year.

Ndamukong Suh has already begun to show how he will be a force in the NFL, demanding double teams from opposing line man.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch provides leadership to this young defensive front, but should also put up solid numbers this year.

On the offensive side, weapons were brought in (Jahvid Best through draft, Tony Scheffler via trade) to comfort second-year starter Matthew Stafford.

I still have questions about the offensive line, and the brutal secondary. But another key off season and a .500 record isn't out of the question for next year.

Prediction: 5-11