NFL PREVIEW: NFC NORTH

Here is the NFC North. Disclaimer: This is assuming Favre comes back by Week 5, at the latest.

Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Green Bay 13-3
2. Minnesota Vikings 11-5
3. Chicago Bears 4-12
4. Detroit Lions 2-14

Green Bay Packers
Pros: I love the Packers this year. Aaron Rodgers is ready to ascend to super stardom. He has the weapons on offense to get it done, including the always reliable Jennings and Driver. I think the Packer offense will overpower and outgun everyone they play.
Questions: Can the D be as good as last year? They addressed the O-Line issues in the draft, but will their picks preform?




Minnesota Vikings
Pros: They have a great running game. I think Toby Gerhart will be a steal as a backup and goal line back. Couple that with their D line and pass rush and they are the definition of a power team. Oh yeah, and that Favre guy, assuming he is back, can sling the ball pretty well.
Questions: Secondary and LB's, especially when health is concerned. Also, can the wideouts be as good as they were last year? Will Percy Harvin miss games due to migraines? Can Peterson get over his fumble-itis?

Chicago Bears
Pros: Picked up some significant free agents, including Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor. Still have Devin Hester, though they need to find ways to give him the ball every play. That old defense still has some life left in it.
Questions: Will the human turnover known as Cutler change his ways? Will Matt Forte bounce back? Is the D too old? Are their wideouts good enough? And of course, can you correctly pronounce Devin Aromashodu's name?

Detroit Lions
Pros: Ndamukong Suh is a monster and will instantly improve that defense. Matt Stafford has another year under his belt, and there is always big old Calvin Johnson aka Megatron to throw to.
Questions: Is Javid Best the answer at running back? Can they protect Stafford? Do they have enough weapons? Who are they going to draft in the top 5?

Both the Packers and Vikings move on to the postseason. The Lions continue to mature, but still need help through the draft and FA. Chicago fails, and it likely costs Lovie Smith his job.