NFC North: Detroit Lions Have Weapons to Challenge Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers' Green Bay Packers did not win the NFC North last year en route to the Super Bowl. Last year Jay Cutler's Chicago Bears stole that crown and this year Ndamukong Suh's Detroit Lions are looking to pip them both.

There has been a lot of optimism in Detroit that was heightened by an impressive off-season.

That optimism was slightly tampered by the injuries to both Nick Fairley and Mikel Leshoure, but the Lions still have the pieces to challenge for the NFC North.

Matthew Stafford's healthy return to the team is essentially like adding a big name free agent signing as the former No. 1 overall pick. Stafford was excellent before getting injured last season, and his health will be a pivotal part of the Lions' season.

Stafford's return on offense is made even better by the quality of the offense that is around him. The offensive line is still average but not as bad as many make out. It is the renewed talent at the skill positions that will allow them to put points on the board.

Calvin Johnson is, as always, an elite receiver while Nate Burleson looks likely to make plays at any time. Rookie Titus Young and third-year tight end Brandon Pettigrew could be difference makers. Pettigrew proved last year with Shaun Hill that he can be a brilliant receiver while Young brings a lot of excitement after a celebrated career at Boise State.

The loss of Leshoure shouldn't be a big issue as Jerome Harrison is a very underrated back who can consistently carry the load. Harrison was harshly treated in Cleveland before not getting a chance in Philadelphia, but he will be the perfect bell cow to go along with Jahvid Best.

The Lions have a balanced offense which is vital to keep up with the gun-slinging Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers in the NFC North.

Trying to shut down those two quarterbacks will be big for the defense, but they match up a lot better with them than they did last year.

Jim Schwartz will be looking for his front seven to cover the frailties on the back end of the defense this year.

The Lions arguably have the best defensive line in football which is a massive advantage in the NFC North in particular. The Bears' offensive line is very questionable while the Minnesota Vikings' is probably the worst in the league. Neither offense will be able to hold off the potent pass rushers in Detroit.

Against the Packers it won't be Suh or Kyle Vanden Bosch that makes the difference. The Lions have a defensive end who  is poised to breakout this year in Cliff Avril. Avril will line up at left defensive end which puts his matchup with Bryan Bulaga in focus against the Packers.

Avril has the speed and burst to expose Bulaga as well as to close in on Rodgers and negate his elusiveness.

The Packers' offensive line is their weakness on offense undoubtedly. Outside of Josh Sitton and Chad Clifton, the line can be taken advantage of. The Packers will be looking to move the pocket because they know that they cannot matchup with Suh on the inside; since Rodgers is right-handed he will likely be repeatedly rolling to Avril's side of the field.

With an improved secondary and the addition of Stephen Tulloch to the linebacker group, the defensive line will have better help. The Lions still do not have enough on the back end to match up to the Packers' deep receivers and tight ends, however no team in the league has that kind of depth.

The Lions' secondary doesn't look anything like it has over the last few seasons when it has been easily the worst in the league. They have added a lot of depth in free agency with guys like Erik Coleman and Anthony Madison as well as bringing in a probable starter in Eric Wright.

Wright, Alphonso Smith and Chris Houston will all likely be vying for starting positions and while none are stud corners, they shouldn't need to be working behind the Lions front seven.

The Lions will be looking to their defensive line to carry them throughout the season, and in particular they will be the advantage the team will try to take advantage of within the division.

For a team that has been at the bottom of the NFC North for the best part of the last five years, the Lions finally look set to make a stand and fight for the divisional crown this year.

Serial tweeting about NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, soccer and rugby   @Cianaf.

I also write for Irish Central and Fantasy Football Life.