NFL Predictions for 2010 Season: NFC North Preview

In the talented NFC North, the reigning division champions are the Minnesota Vikings. With Brett Favre back for another year, the Vikings have a good chance to take the division again. 

However, the Packers, Favre's former team, are right on their tail. Not to mention that if Jay Cutler can put last season behind him and play like he did at the end of the year, the Bears can also compete for the division. The Lions? Not quite yet.

No. 4: Detroit Lions

The biggest thing the Lions are hoping for in the upcoming season is the rise of Matthew Stafford. After being selected first overall by Detroit, Stafford showed some signs of promise in his rookie season.

Stafford has a real weapon on offense with Calvin Johnson, and these two players could turn into quite a scary tandem.

The Lions had a nice off-season, adding Ndamukong Suh in the draft. Suh seems like a sure thing, and is perfect for this team in their process to keep getting better.

Prediction: 4-12

No. 3: Chicago Bears

After trading for Jay Cutler last season, the Bears had high hopes heading into the 2009 season. Unfortunately, though, those plans did not pan out, as Cutler struggled mightily in his first season as a Bear, throwing 27 interceptions along the way.

There was some optimism at the end of the season though, and Bears fans are praying their team will carry it into this season. Cutler began to look like the quarterback of the future.

During the offseason, the Bears had two major pick-ups in defensive end Julius Peppers and running back Chester Taylor. Peppers is one of the best in the NFL at his position, if not the best. Taylor will lighten the workload for Matt Forte, who had a difficult second season.

The Bears could be a team to watch this season.

Prediction: 9-7

No. 2: Minnesota Vikings

As long as Brett Favre is the quarterback of the Vikings this season, they remain a Super Bowl threat. After posting one of his best seasons last year and coming so close to another Super Bowl berth, you better believe Favre is eager to step back on the field.

The Vikings have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, but right now have some question marks at wide receiver. With Sidney Rice out for at least half the season, and Percy Harvin's uncertain status, this team could potentially lose two huge playmakers. This means that Bernard Berrian will have to step up big time.

I don't think the Vikings will win the NFC North again, but in the playoffs, it's anyones game. Wouldn't it be fitting for Favre to go out on top?

Prediction: 11-5

No. 1: Green Bay Packers

Before I begin, go ahead and raise your hand if you thought Aaron Rodgers would be this good. In just his second season as a starter, Rodgers has become a top-five quarterback in the NFL and has the Packers as a team who can compete for a Super Bowl.

What plagued the Packers last year was the poor play of the offensive line. Even with a terrible offensive line, Rodgers managed 4434 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. Not bad, eh?

I predict the Packers not only do win the NFC North, but compete for a berth in the super bowl. 

Prediction: 12-4