2012 NFC North Preview: Can the Chicago Bears Dethrone the Green Bay Packers?

Overview: The Packers dominated the NFC North for most of 2011, but I’m not so sure that doesn’t change in 2012. The Chicago Bears re-tooled hard, and the Detroit Lions would be dangerous if they ever got over their silly penalties and immature off-the-field issues. At least we know the Minnesota Vikings won’t be competing.

Minnesota Vikings (4th in 2011, Predicted Record in 2012: 4-12)

Poor Minnesota. They got their draft right by getting their franchise left tackle in Matt Kalil, and were even able to squeeze a couple of draft picks out of the Browns in the process.

They lack talent all over the place. Beyond Percy Harvin, I don’t love any of their receivers, and none of their tight ends fit the mold of the athletic, matchup-nightmare that is a staple in all NFL offenses these days. Their best offensive weapon, Adrian Peterson, is coming off of a horrible knee injury. Whether he can be the same we know and love remains to be seen.

I think Christian Ponder can be a decent quarterback, but they need a lot more help on offense before he gets there.

Detroit Lions (2nd in 2011, Predicted Record in 2012: 10-6)

The Lions had a great season in 2011. They started out 5-0, Matt Stafford finally stayed healthy and threw for over 5000 yards and 41 touchdowns, and Calvin Johnson had a monster season. Those two combined are probably enough for them to be in playoff contention.

But their off-field issues are a huge concern. Johnny Culbreath,  Mikel Leshore, Titus Young, Nick Fairley, Aaron Berry, just to name a few, all had problems with marijuana, drunk driving, bad practice habits…all in some order or combination. Jim Schwarz isn’t going to stand for that stuff anymore. Problem is, these guys are the young talent that will need to develop to help Stafford and Johnson take these guys over the top.

I love the Lions. I just don’t think they’re ready to unseat Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay, or the next group of guys, either.

Chicago Bears (3rd in 2011, Predicted Record in 2012: 11-5)

“Da Bears” had a mixed season in 2011. They started off hot (7-3) before Jay Cutler got hurt. They also never put to rest any of the problems they had to begin with, such as their offensive line or any sort of offensive game beyond tailback, Matt Forte.

The Bears saw that last season and upgraded their receiving corps by adding Brandon Marshall and first-rounder Alshon Jeffrey. They got Michael Bush as Forte insurance for his potential holdout. They get back a healthy Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi, two former first-round picks, to hold down the tackle spots.

Brian Urlacher is getting up there in age, but always leads a great defense. I expect Cutler to stay healthy, take full advantage of his reunion with Marshall, and make music with him just as they did in Denver. The Bears will be dangerous in 2012.

Green Bay Packers (1st in 2011, Predicted Record in 2012: 13-3)

I’m an idiot if I stand here and stay the Bears got good enough to overtake the overwhelming amount of offensive firepower that the Packers possess with Aaron Rodgers.

This is the same team that looked unstoppable, like the 2007 Patriots, only to lose in the divisional round to the New York Giants. Aaron Rodgers will be back and better than ever. These guys aren’t going away and will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012.