2009 NFC North Final Standings: Pre-Draft Edition

Now that '08 is in the books, and the Pro Bowl's annual festivities are in full swing, it's time to predict which NFL teams will win their respective divisions come '09, disregarding any impact from the incoming class of rookies. Let's start with the 'Black and Blue' Division in alphabetical order.

Chicago Bears ('08 Record: 9-7)

Let's be honest, nobody gave these guys a chance at the beginning of the '08 season. However, they were fighting for a playoff spot and the NFC North title right on up to Week 17.

Matt Forte was a very pleasant surprise for a team that lacked an offensive threat coming into the season. For a team still getting over the bad taste left by the Cedric Benson fiasco, Forte helped prove (regardless of who was as the helm) that the Bears offense could produce. I see these guys as a medium-level team next year, but maybe the draft could give them another unexpected boost.

Detroit Lions ('08 Record: 0-16)

With the infamous season of '08 behind them, the Detroit Lions can only get better. I wouldn't say "division title" better, but you can bet they're aiming for it. It certainly would shut up the doubters and make history if the first team to ever go 0-16 fought through adversity and won the division title the next year to make the playoffs!

You can bet all those who are now immortalized as members of the 0-16 Lions would like nothing better then to put an asterisk by it with an '09 turnaround. A much more more logical expectation is that they'll have a decent turnaround season. To say they'll make the playoffs is pretty big stretch.

Green Bay Packers ('08 Record: 6-10)

If there was a title in this division for biggest flop, the Packers definitely earned it. They went from the team to look out for, to a contender, to an afterthought. Rodgers led this team through thick and thin, which was great to see. The big issue next year will be that they can't blame their bad fortunes on the distractions of Brett Favre.

The Pack will need defensive help come draft time, and will probably need help from free agency to complete their offensive line and improve their run game. I see them fighting to be .500 team next year, but wouldn't be surprised if they came out swinging and had a shot at the division title.

Minnesota Vikings ('08 Record: 10-6, NFC North Divison Champs)

Although they won the NFC North Division title, they let the Bears hang on until Week 17.

The quarterback situation in Minnesota is like watching 'Days of Our Lives.' Tarvaris Jackson proved he has an arm for this league, just as a backup for another team. Gus Frerotte proved that his headbutting of a wall didn't destroy all his brain cells. Gus may hang around another season, but most likely not in Vikings' purple.

Adrian Peterson proved he's well on his was to immortality by claiming the NFL rushing title. With a defense like this, a running back like Peterson, and Bernard Berrian coming into his own, the Vikings seem to really only need a quarterback. I expect they'll be at least as dangerous as last season.

                                                        '09 Final Standings

                                             Minnesota Vikings          11-5
                                            Green Bay Packers           9-7
                                                Chicago Bears               8-8
                                                 Detroit Lions                4-12