Preseason Picks: NFC North

Well, since we know that there will in fact be an NFL season, and since we have all witnessed the frantic trades and free agent pickups by NFL teams, I am now going to detail my favorites to win each division and the (predicted) records of that divisions teams.


Minnesota Vikings- Last Season 6-10 overall (1-5 NFC North)
Prediction: 7-9 overall  1-5 NFC North

The Vikings used the free agent period to address a pressing need by signing Donovan McNabb at QB, a position vacated by Brett Favre retiring. Again. However, they lost top receiver Sidney Rice to free agency, leaving them with TE Visanthe Shiancoe and injury prone Percy Harvin to carry the receiving load, something neither one is capable of. They lost DE Ray Edwards to free agency, which further reduces the efficiency of its aging defense. The only saving grace for Minnesota is the opportunity to develop franchise QB hopeful Christian Ponder under the coaching of good QB in Donovan McNabb.


Green Bay Packers- Last Season 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC North)
Prediction- 11-5 overall 4-2 NFC North)

Green Bay had a rather unprofitable free agent period ,losing two proven linemen in Cullen Jenkins and Daryn Colledge, as well as veteran LB Nick Barnett. The Pack will have to find a more productive and stable solution in the running game, or they will find it more difficult to work their passing game.  Overall, I think the Cheesehead’s success walks hand in hand with the kind of season that QB Aaron Rodgers has. Rodgers has the ability to completely take over a game and if he stays healthy and productive, Green Bay should be in serious contention to win the NFC North.


Chicago Bears- Last Season 11-5 overall (5-1 NFC North)
Prediction- 9-7 overall (4-2 NFC North)

Chicago had a very deceptive season last year. Two of the teams 11 wins came on controversial calls against the Detroit Lions, and the offense was anything but consistent. As is always the case with Chicago, it was the defense keeping them in games week in and week out, and the offense occasionally stepping in to make an appearance. This season, the Bears will need Jay Cutler and their offense to step up and take some pressure off of the defense. They have a tough schedule, facing a lot of pass happy teams, who can exploit their mediocre pass defense and bypass their tough run defense altogether. Matt Forte has really grown to be a multi-threat back, but may struggle to find open running lanes with the loss of 13 year veteran C Olin Kruetz to free agency.



Detroit Lions-Last season 6-10 overall (2-4 NFC North)
Prediction- 10-6 overall (4-2 NFC North)

Listen. I know its crazy to predict a winning season for the Lions these days, but if they play to their potential and Matt Stafford stops imitating a piece of fine China, I think the Lions could be on the path to great things. The addition of Ndamukong Suh put the Lions defense on the map. The addition of Nick Fairley, provided that he plays like the Nick Fairely that made him so dominant in college, makes the D-line in Detroit scarier than a blind date in Compton. Honestly, a lot of guys in this league chase quarterbacks. Ndamukong Suh hunts them down and throws them around like rag dolls. Teams see this and try to stop him. And when they double team or triple team him, then they will let Nick Fairley free. Or Kyle Vanden Bosch. Or Cliff Avril. Go ahead and doubt Detroit. Pick them to finish where they always have, at the bottom. But this is a dark horse team and they will be a much better team this year than in years past.