NFL: NFC North Preview

The NFC North holds perhaps the best collection of teams in all of the NFL. I know, the Detroit Lions reside in this division, but, seriously, top to bottom, this division could be the best in all of the NFL. Take a look at it, the Vikings were supposed to make back to back NFC title game appearances last season, but Brett Favre decided to finally stink in a season. The Lions played very well down the stretch, winning their final four, and then the Bears and Packers played in the NFC title game, with the Packers hoisting the Lombardi trophy at the end. So, as you can tell, this is one hard division to pick. But, I gotta make my best guess at it, so here we go.

Chicago Bears

I know, this is going from first to worst, but, as mentioned above, this division is essentially a crapshoot. Jay Cutler will have to be a better quarterback, as Devin Hester will not be able to get out to the 35 every time due to the NFL deciding to make the kickoff game "safer" by moving the kickoff from the 30 to the 35, and now there will be at least a 50 percent increase in touchbacks.  But, the Bears still have a pretty good running back in Matt Forte, who is in the mold of a LeSean McCoy, for Eagles fans. Forte can run inside and out, and can catch passes easily from the backfield. Plus, the Bears still have a pretty good defense led by veterans Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers who still cause offensive coordinators to have trouble sleeping at night to figure out how the heck to block the guy. But, I don't see this team making back to back division title runs.

Prediction: 7-9

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings, as mentioned above, were supposed to be one of the contenders for the NFC title last season, but their season, and eventually their stadium roof collapsed. So, like the Cowboys, the Vikings fired their coach, Brad Childress, and enjoyed moderate success afterwards, where they went 3-3. but their wins came against bad teams, the Redskins and Bills, so it's a toss up to see if they'll do better this season. However, the Vikings got rid of Brett Favre, who retired and acquired the services of Donovan McNabb, who will presumably mentor their first round draft choice Christian Ponder. The Vikes still have the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson, which helps...a lot. Then their defense should still be very good with Kevin Williams and Jared Allen on the defensive line who can get penetration while linebackers like E.J. Henderson go in for sacks and Chad Greenway. So, with a rejuvenated McNabb and everyone staying healthy, this team should be better from their 6-10 record from last year, but nowhere near their NFC title expectations from last season.

Prediction: 8-8

Detroit Lions

Yes, this is where I have the have the Lions. The reasons I have the Lions here is because of the following: their defensive line, once Nick Fairley is back could be the best in the game at both stopping the run and getting a big pass rush. Matthew Stafford and his backups have proven capable of handling the load easily, especially when "megatron" a.k.a. Calvin Johnson is one of the best young receivers in the game. Then, Brandon Pettigrew is growing into one of the best catching/blocking tight ends in the league. Plus, with the Lions on a four game winning streak at the end of last season, and the fact that they lost 6 of their games by 8 points or less, they are very competitive.

Prediction: 10-6, wild card.

Green Bay Packers

Super Bowl champions, anything more I really need to write? O, plus they're getting two of their biggest offensive weapons back in Jermichael Finley at tight end, who is a top 10 tight end. Plus, they're getting a really good running back returning in Ryan Grant. plus, the defense is one of those which will attack relentlessly. So, I don't really need to type a whole lot about this team other than they're really good.

Prediction: 12-4, number two seed.

I will be taking a break from predictions for the next few days, as I have work at night, and then am exhausted, so predictions will return on Saturday night with the preview of the AFC North. Which of these two teams will win the division: the Ravens or Steelers? How much will the Browns win with an entire season from Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis at running back? Will the Bengals really go 0-16 as predicted by Rick Reilly of ESPN.com? Find out on Saturday night!