NFC North Prediction
The NFC North is wide open this year with the departure of Favre from Green Bay. Below are predictions and analysis for the NFC North.
Detroit Lions
The Lions and Millen appeared to have stood pat this year and by default vaulted ahead of the rest of the division. Does this mean that they should be expected to win the division, NO. It's difficult to place anyone else ahead of them due to the lack of production at the quarterback position. The Bears and Vikings seem happy to play with only ten men on offense as they receive little help from their quarterbacks. This alone could help Detroit see the playoffs once more.
Green Bay
Green Bay opted out of improving upon last year's performance by parting ways with Favre. Rodgers is ready to step into the starting role, but is he ready to make his entrance to the spotlight of the division crown and playoffs? He's been a student of the game for years behind Favre and will receive plenty of help in the running game.
Minnesota Vikings
Peterson is a one man show for the Vikings, but even he couldn't help his teammates and compensate for his quarterback to make the playoffs. He receives little help in the passing game. When the game and the playoffs are on the line, teams switch off pride in an attempt to extend their season one more game. Defenses will take away Peterson as best they can and force the passing game to beat them. Jackson falls well below Rodgers in this division and until he improves or a better quarterback emerges to man the helm for Minnesota they will have an uphill battle for the division.
Chicago Bears
Chicago faces many challenges from quarterback and the passing game to running back and defense. The lack of production at running back forced the Bears to rely on the rookie Forte this season. The loss of Berrian didn't help an ailing passing game or production problems at the quarterback position. The defense looks to regain form from its ferocious stature a couple of years ago. With scoring and field position problems in the future, it's the defense that will be looked to carry the heavy burden during the season.
