What I'm Thinking...NFC North

The division that was in the news for all the wrong reasons last year and this offseason, has the chance to steal the headlines by having the most compelling playoff race of the year. That division is the NFC North.

Green Bay had their share of distractions, from the ugly divorce with future Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre, to their late-season collapse which saw them lose seven of out their last nine games with one of the wins coming against Detroit.

Although Aaron Rodgers put up good numbers in most of those games, the defense was ineffective, and allowed an average of 28 points per game in those seven losses.

The Chicago Bears were inconsistent all year, and their passing game was anemic at times. Kyle Orton failed to pass for more than 155 yards in seven of the 15 games he started last season, while throwing all 12 of his interceptions in only six games, and all 18 of his touchdowns in 10 games.

The Detroit Lions made history for all the wrong reasons, becoming the first team in league history to finish the season 0-16. In 10 of their losses the margin was eight points or greater, and in six games the margin of loss was 18 points or greater, so they had their difficulties even staying in games.

The division winner, Minnesota Vikings, weren't without their own problems. They may possibly have to play several games this year without their powerful defensive tackle duo of Kevin and Pat Williams, who tested positive last year for a banned substance.

There has yet to be a decision on whether or not they will be suspended. Oh, and by the way, if you haven't heard Favre signed with the Vikings last month which is either a distraction, a blessing, or both, depending who you talk to.

When looking ahead to the possible division race between these two teams, you would automatically have to discredit the Detroit Lions, not saying its impossible to do (2008 Dolphins anyone?), however just highly unlikely, that they will compete for the division crown.

With the addition of Favre, everyone seems to feel that the Vikings are Super Bowl contenders now. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon quite yet. I do believe that Favre is an upgrade at the quarterback position for the Vikings, but at the same time there are questions concerning the health of his arm.

In order to contend for a Super Bowl he has to be able to go possibly 19 or 20 games, which could be an issue. Minnesota won't have to rely solely on Favre to win games. They have arguably the best running back in the league in Adrian Peterson and one of the best rushing defenses as well, which has finished first overall three consecutive years.

The Chicago Bears addressed their quarterback situation in the offseason as well and feel Jay Cutler is the best quarterback that they have had in decades. Quarterback has been a position of concern for a long time for the Chicago Bears, but with Matt Forte building on his superb rookie season, and any support from their receiving corps; the Bears could finally have an offense that is worthy of their defense.

Some teams address their concerns through free agency, others including the Green Bay Packers use the Draft to build their team. With their defense being a major liability heading into the offseason the Packers proceeded to use five out of their eight draft picks on the defense-side of the ball.

Their first two picks look to have an immediate impact this season; defensive tackle B.J. Raji, and linebacker Clay Matthews. The Packers recent switch to the 3-4 defensive should utilize and showcase the athleticism of the linebackers and make the overall defensive faster.

Predictions

Chicago Bears 10-6

Games against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia at home, and at Atlanta, and Baltimore will show everyone what this team is made of. If they win three-out-of-four or can sweep either the Packers or Vikings, they will win the Division.

Green Bay 9-7

Games at Chicago, at Pittsburgh, and at Arizona in the last four weeks of the season prove to be their undoing.

Minnesota Vikings 10-6, Division Winner

Tough schedule down the stretch but I like the way they’re made. They havea a veteran quarterback who doesn’t have to win the game for them, a strong running game with Peterson and Taylor, and a defense that can control the game, especially the run defense.

Detroit Lions 3-13

Another tough year for the Lions, they will be more competitive, but they have a rough schedule. Hoping for wins either against Cleveland, St. Louis, San Francisco, and stealing a couple along the way.