Morning Hot Links: Breakfast News for May 25, 2012

Well, I hope you're ready for a great Memorial Day weekend! Take a minute to think about, and in some way, shape or form, appreciate the sacrifice of the people we should be honoring this weekend.

For myself, I will be thinking about my grandfather who just passed away this April. Grandpa served in World War II with the Army Air Corp, mostly in England and—if I recall his stories correctly—mostly as what amounted to air traffic control.

He was no blind patriot, but like so much of that generation, joined the service because it was needed, and there was work to be done.

I am incredibly gratified to share the fulfillment of my dream to write about sports full time—a dream that I'm able to pursue because of those who served, like my grandfather, as well as those who left their lives on the field of battle.

So take a minute to appreciate the sacrifice of those who have passed before us, and whose sacrifice and effort have made it possible to spend so much time on things like sports, football and the NFL.

I would have saved this for Monday, but I believe there will be no links that day.

Also, keep in mind that we have the mailbag today, so ask me questions on Twitter, on the Facebook page or email me at [e-mail].

On to the news.

Detroit Lions

Yesterday I dropped a piece on the Lions playing with a little fire when it comes to Cliff Avril and his contract. It started some good debate. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press is talking about the Avril situation too and says that, while Willie Young's not thinking about his teammate's contract, Young could be the guy to step up if Avril leaves. 

Justin Rogers surveys the readership of MLive on what they think of the Avril situation. 

Vegas has posted some initial over/under odds on wins for the 2012 season and has the Lions pegged at 9.5. Josh Slagter of MLive.com reacts to that here.

Chicago Bears

More Vegas odds talk—fellow Footballguy Will Grant posted this on Facebook, via VegasInsider.com: Vegas has posted over/unders on win totals for the 2012 season and has the Bears at 8.5, which means it envisions an 8-8 season, maybe 9-7 at best.

Feel free to vent your spleen in the comments section, Bears fans. I myself would take the over.

Over at ESPN Chicago, Melissa Isaacson has a piece on the Bears' OTAs, and there is an accompanying video from Michael Wright and Jeff Dickerson.

Green Bay Packers

CheeseheadTV's Brian Carriveau reports that new center Jeff Saturday has high praise for Aaron Rodgers.

Meanwhile, Chad Toporski examines what he calls the "shotgun approach" the Packers are taking to improve the defensive line.

Minnesota Vikings

The Star Tribune reports that the Vikings Stadium has finally cleared its last vote.

Finally, Dan Weiderer of the Star Tribune discusses the Sporting News' ranking of Leslie Frazier as the 27th best coach in the NFL.

By the way, I had the pleasure of taping four videos this week with Mr. Aaron Nagler of The Go Route. Here they are, in case you missed them.

Green Bay Packers Position Battles

Detroit Lions Position Battles

Chicago Bears Position Battles

Strongest Division in the NFL

Like these stories? Follow the linked writers on Twitter!

@aaron_nagler, @briancarriveau, @freeplions, @joshslagter, @justin_rogers, @mkisaacson, @michaelcwright, @espnchibears, @chadtoporski, @sribdw

Check out the B/R NFC North Facebook page—like us, and keep up with everything NFC North on Bleacher Report!