Week One NFC North Power Rankings

The NFL season is finally upon us, and while many of you may have thought you got rid of me, I am making my triumphant return. Making the return with me is my NFC North Power Rankings, and with all the media jumping on the NFC North's bandwagon early in this 2009 NFL season, it should be an entertaining 17 weeks.

Let the madness begin.

1. Minnesota Vikings (0-0)

Lets be honest folks; the North champions from last season did nothing to hurt themselves this offseason. They brought in a Hall of Fame quarterback (he will not be named throughout the article, trust me), and the draft's most dynamic athlete to top off an already talented squad with a top-five defense and the league's best running back in Adrian Peterson.

To pick against them in this division would seem almost laughable—this coming from a Packers' fan.  

Sure, head coach Brad Childress is about as imaginative in his play calling as an infant with a headset, but he doesn't really need to be. Handing off to No. 28 doesn't take imagination—just give it to him and watch him go. Childress' main worry should be how to get rookie Percy Harvin involved, however, because his speed and playmaking ability could become special if given the chance.

And while the Vikings do lack a true number one receiver, this roster is talented enough top to bottom to cover for that. Chalk up 11 wins for the Vikings, but let me make this disclaimer: Minnesota would win 11 games with Tavaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, or the Unnamable at the helm. This pick isn't about the quarterback. An easy schedule, a scary defense, and Peterson's legs get them there.

2. Green Bay Packers (0-0)

I went back and forth on this several times. We all know how great the Packers played this preseason. In the first three games, the Packers' number ones made their oppositions'. Green Bay looked like it was playing at a different speed then everyone else, and Aaron Rodgers looked like he might be worthy of MVP consideration this season. 

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It still was the preseason—and now it's over. Everyone is back to 0-0, and Green Bay still has a lot to prove coming off their 6-10 disaster last season. 

I like what the defense has shown so far. The attacking style of defense is something Packers fans aren't used to, and that's a good thing. The days of Bob Sanders and his back on your heels style defense are long gone. I'd expect the Packers defense to be better, but don't expect the Pittsburgh Steelers quite yet. It's going to take some time. 

Rodgers is the real deal though. What kind of stat line is out of the question for him? 4000 plus yards and 35 passing touchdowns really don't seem like much of stretch this season. Put down 10 wins for the Packers and a wild card berth.

3. Chicago Bears (0-0)

I struggled with the Bears too. Everyone is raving about the arrival of Jay Cutler and Orlando Pace, but I'm still not sold on Chicago. I think that defense could struggle this season, and Brian Urlacher definitely isn't getting any younger. At this point in his career, I'd confidently give him the label of overrated. 

Cutler scares me too. He has almost nothing to work with in terms of receivers save tight end Greg Olson, and the attitude problems that Cutler has previously shown could resume in the Windy City. 

However, Cutler and running back Matt Forte make a formidable duo. Forte had a monster 2008, but time will tell how the arrival Cutler will affect the productivity of Forte. Pace should solidify Cutler's blindside too, but truth be told Pace has been injury prone late in his career.

In the end, there was just too many question marks in Chicago for me to have them over the Packers. I still think Chicago will be an eight or nine win team, but they will be on the outside looking in come playoff time. 

4. Detroit Lions (0-0)

Don't get me wrong, I think the Lions are headed in the right direction. But this season is going to be another long one in Detroit.

Starting number one pick Matthew Stafford was an absolute must for this franchise, but he's going to take his lumps. More then likely, he's going to have a terrible season. Matt Ryan made the turnaround last season, but let's not kid ourselves; the Falcons of 2008 were immensely better then these Lions. 

On the good side though, Detroit drafted smart and efficiently last April. They may have as many as five to seven rookie starters from the get go, and that bodes well for their long term success. Head coach Jim Schwartz was a great hire for this ailing organization as well. 

I think it'd be more then generous to give the Lions four wins. So sorry Detroit, but I think you're going to see a 2-14 football team this season. That's not all bad compared to the horror scene that was 2008, so cheer up. 

Player to Watch in Week One: Aaron Rodgers, GB

Rodgers could realistically be my player to watch in every week this season. Everyone is on his bandwagon now, but he's going to have a monster year. It starts Week one against Chicago.

Game To Watch: Chicago @ Green Bay 

This really is about as big as a Week one match up can get. Who ever comes away victorious comes away with a whole lot of momentum and confidence. Should be interesting to see Cutler go up against the Packers' new 3-4 defense as well.

Predictions

Minnesota 31, Cleveland 10

The Browns quarterback situation is a mess. Minnesota's defense will feast on whoever is under center, and Peterson will carry the load in a laugher. 

Green Bay 27, Chicago 24

In a classical Packers-Bears duel, Rodgers carries Green Bay past Cutler. Both defenses struggle, but one errant throw from Cutler dooms Chicago at Lambeau. 

New Orleans 42, Detroit 17

Saints QB Drew Brees picks apart the Lions. Stafford has a decent debut, but it's not hardly enough. Zero wins in 18 tries for Detroit. 

Overall: (0-0)