2010-2011 NFL Predictions: Macho Rhino's NFC North Preview

The division will feature Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau, but it won’t have the same cache it did last year, nor should it have the same result.

The Packers look ready to supplant the Vikings as the kings of the division.

1. Green Bay Packers (14-2)

It’s going to be a big year for the Packers. They lost a shootout in last year’s Wild Card Round to the Cardinals but learned what playoff football is about. They know they can’t afford to start slow.

The defense has some young guys who’ve looked good in the preseason, but can they carry that over now that games count? The offense should be the best in the league. Their line is improved, and Aaron Rodgers should have another monster season.

2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Injuries have left questions on the offensive side of the ball. Can Brett Favre play another 16-game season? Who will step up and fill the role of Sidney Rice for the first half of the season? Will Percy Harvin be able to play?

They’ve got a difficult schedule, and with the offensive injuries the Vikings take a step back during the regular season. They should still be a playoff team though, as the defense will try to step up and help while the offense gets healthy.

3. Chicago Bears (6-10)

Can Mike Martz keep Jay Cutler from taking a pounding each week? He’s got to call plays that develop quicker than most of Martz’s arsenal does because the Bears don’t have much at receiver, and the line is too inconsistent to allow Cutler to just sit back and wait five seconds to make a play. They need short, quick routes that get a receiver open and let the receiver make the play.

The defense should be solid as usual with the addition of Julius Peppers and the return of Brian Urlacher. It’s hard to see the Bears as a winner this year without knowing how the Martz-Cutler partnership works.

4. Detroit Lions (3-13)

The Lions will be much better on the field than their record indicates. I think they’re going to be very competitive, but they’re still young and have to learn how to win games in the NFL. Ndamukong Suh is a force and will be disrupting the opposition’s offense all season. Matthew Stafford should show improvement again this year, and he’ll hope rookie Jahvid Best can make an impact on the offense as well.

If you’re a Lions fan, you should have hope this year, but they won’t be in the playoff hunt until next season.

BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Aaron Rodgers (QB, Packers)

BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Jared Allen (DE, Vikings)

BEST HEAD COACH: Mike McCarthy (Packers)

BEST OFFENSIVE ROOKIE: Jahvid Best (RB, Lions)

BEST DEFENSIVE ROOKIE: Ndamukong Suh (DT, Lions)

See more in our 2010 NFL Preview here.