NFC North: Who Will Be the King of the Division—Lions, Packers or Bears?

The battle for the NFC North is shaping up to be a rather nasty one if this offseason is any indication. Verbal slings and arrows have been flying between players, coaches and fans of the predicted top three teams in the division: the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. 

There's been a summer-long debate raging about whether the Lions or the Bears are the better team. The arguments from both sides have ranged from logical to ludicrous, and at times, it has evolved into nastiness.

Fans aren't the only ones, though. Players are getting into the act too by openly criticizing their divisional opponents. Most of that criticism was directed at the Lions, who undoubtedly deserve it. Their offseason was frequently mistaken for an episode of COPS.

The Packers' Greg Jennings and the Lions' Stephen Tulloch traded barbs regarding Jennings' comments about Detroit's maturity (Sporting News).

It didn't stop there. Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Lions coach Jim Schwartz recently exchanged comments via the media that, on the surface, appeared to be lighthearted, but had an underlying tone of irritation (ESPN's NFC North Blog).

Earlier this month, the Bears' Brian Urlacher wasn't shy about predicting that his team would be tops in the division (Detroit Free Press). That's a pretty strong statement given the talent of all three teams and considering that training camp has just begun.

What does all this mean? It signifies that the rivalry between them will be nastier than ever before.

The only thing everyone can agree on is that all three teams are very talented, and each of them have legitimate playoff and Super Bowl aspirations.

It's impossible to predict with certainty who will ultimately come out on top, but it is fun to try. So here are some predictions on how they'll ultimately finish in the division.

Chicago Bears

It seems like the Bears are the media darlings of the offseason. They've been repeatedly lauded for their big-splash free-agency signings, and their offense is predicted to soar because of them.

That could be. Jay Cutler is a premier quarterback, and with some actual weapons to target, he should have his best year as a pro—if he can stay upright. Their offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL, and they did nothing to improve it.

Regardless, they should be able to sling it around the yard with the best of them. However, they're not head and shoulders above the other top offenses in the league. Especially with Mike Tice, an unproven offensive coordinator, calling plays. 

They won't be able rely on outscoring anyone. For that reason, their defense will be the key to the season.

That unit was one of the best in the NFL against the run last year, but they're an aging group. Their anchors—Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Julius Peppers—all have 10 or more years of wear on tear on their bodies. Their health is key, but this is the year they'll experience a dropoff. The bottom won't fall out, but the years will finally start to take their toll.

It's already happened to Urlacher, and the clock's ticking on the other two.

In addition, for all the talk of the Lions' problems in the secondary, the Bears secondary isn't exactly rock-solid either.  They'll struggle to stop the pass as they did all last year.

Despite an improved offense, their defense will take several steps back, and it will ultimately cost them.

The Bears will lose at Green Bay in Week 2 and at Dallas in Week 4. Following a prime-time victory over Detroit, they'll lose at home in a letdown game against Carolina. They'll get beaten by Andre Johnson and the Texans in Week 10 and again in Week 11 at San Francisco. Then, they'll win five in a row but lose the season finale in Detroit as the Lions avenge their early-season defeat.

Final record: 10-6

Detroit Lions

If the Bears made a big splash this summer in free agency, then Detroit merely dipped its toe in the pool. The Lions made no major additions via free agency.

Then again, they really didn't have to. They have a good mix of veterans and quality youngsters at all major positions on both sides of the ball. 

The biggest additions will come from players they missed last season due to injury. Nick Fairly is finally healthy and looks like a beast in camp. Mikel Leshoure will miss the first two games due to suspension, but when he returns, he'll give the Lions the power rushing game they've lacked for years.

They did pick up some key pieces in the draft as well. Ryan Broyles and Riley Reiff are NFL-ready rookies who figure to make major contributions this year from day one. Both will provide depth to an already stacked offense.

There's really no question that the Lions offense will be one of the best in the NFL again. With Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, they can never be counted out of any game. Titus Young and Brandon Pettigrew will improve upon solid seasons in 2011 and are both poised for breakout years.

They key is Jahvid Best's health. If he returns from his concussion injury and can stay on the field, he will give the Lions the type of threat that will give opposing defenses nightmares. With him, the Lions have a legitimate "quadruple threat" offense.

Very few teams have that.

Unlike Chicago, the Lions offense can win them games. They proved it time and again last season.

However, similar to Chicago, the performance of their defense will be the difference if they hope to improve upon their 10-6 record from last year.

The secondary is a legitimate question mark, but they've added quality depth to that unit. So, while they might not be dramatically better, they shouldn't suffer an utter collapse due to injuries as they did last year.

The rest of the defense is very solid with the chance to be dominant if Ndamukong Suh can return to the form he showed his rookie year and Cliff Avril continues to play at a high level. He'll be looking for another long-term deal in 2013, so he'd better.

The improvement of their defense and the consistent greatness of the offense will push the Lions to new heights.

They'll start off the year hot again, winning four in a row. Then, they'll hit a rough patch and lose at Philly in Week 5 and at Chicago on Monday Night Football in Week 6. They won't lose another game until Week 12 against the Texans. Then they'll get beaten by Green Bay in Week 14 at Lambeau Field, but they'll finish strong winning their last three games.

Final Record: 12-4

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers will maintain their grasp on the division this year, but they won't run away and hide with it like they did in 2011.

Like the Lions, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense are capable of winning games by themselves. They can outscore any team in the NFL on any given Sunday. Rodgers' mobility and the weapons at his disposal in the passing game more than make up for a questionable rushing attack.

The Packers aren't the only team to forgo rushing for a high-powered passing attack, though. The Lions did pretty well last season with that strategy, and the Patriots have been winning that way for years.

With that said, the Packers might find it tougher to dominate teams like Detroit and Chicago this year. Both of them will have more well-rounded offenses. The Packers defense will need to be better if they hope to stay on top.

The question is, can they be better? Charles Woodson is another year older and will be transitioned to a corner-safety hybrid role. It's being presented as an opportunity for him to make big plays, but it's also a necessity because he's lost a step or three.

This unit is clearly not a dominating defense. They were ranked dead last against the pass, and their rushing defense was only 14th, according to ESPN. Detroit's and Chicago's are better.

Nevertheless, they'll continue to make enough plays in key situations to keep most opposing offenses in check. Rodgers and the offense will take care of the rest.

The Packers will get surprised at home by San Francisco and start the year 0-1. That will only make them angry and they'll go on a tear. They won't lose again until they travel to Ford Field in Week 11.

The Lions will get their revenge for their defeat at the hands of Matt Flynn in the season finale of 2011. The Packers will lose their final game in Week 15 against the Bears.

Final Record: 13-3