NFC North Preview
NFC North
The NFC North should once again be a competitive division based with young talent and continuously changing leadership on both sides of the ball. The Bears now have Julius Peppers fighting for the reigns once controlled solely by Urlacher. Clay Matthews is emerging as the face of a Packers defense once controlled by Charles Woodson and corners with dreadlocks. I refuse to say, type, or think of Brett's last name. He is a bitch and I hope Tavaris Jackson throws for 35 TDs and 4 Ints. After each game I want him to mention how easy it is to throw to Sidney Rice, Berrian, Harvin, and Peterson. As an alternative, I wouldn't mind Tavaris getting injured midway through the season and the team holding an open tryout between Brett Favre and current 3rd stringer Joe Webb. As luck would have it, Joe Webb just goes bananas and completes every pass. Joe gets the job and wins the Super Bowl. I actually just read Joe Webb's bio....I have to disclose that I'm a Bears fan stuck in a state filled with Matt Ryan, dingy Jake Delhomme, and if you can believe it, Michael Vick Falcons jerseys. Why does every Falcon fan still showcase their Michael Vick jerseys? Ah, a question to be addressed in a different blog... Back to the NFC North conversation.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are a popular choice of experts for their obvious talent on both sides of the football. Aaron Rodgers is extremely accurate and has a great group of receivers. Their defense is strong at every level. Their home field advantage is possibly the best in the league. Predicition: 10-6Chicago Bears
The Bears should be improved up front with Julius Peppers anchoring a solid pass rush and a healthy Urlacher leading the defense and guarding the middle of the field. The problem is the secondary. With looming injuries to Manning in an already suspect group of safeties. Everyone knows that the NFL is gradually moving to pass heavy league and a shitty secondary puts a huge question mark on whether this defense can consistently hold opponents to under 20 points. The offense should be fairly competent with Mike Martz making potentially his final run at NFL offensive coordinator. Let's face it, he doesn't have a great group of receivers and the offensive line was terrible last year. But those concerns are dwarfed by the concerns that surround the golden interception flinging arm of Cutler. I pray every night that he doesn't throw 20 Ints this year. Prediction: 9-7
Minnesota Vikings
This team is the hardest to gauge of the bunch. I believe that 2009 Brett Favre season was a product of a great team. Obviously he had a helluva season and possibly his best statistical season. His group of receivers are great and his defense played great last year. The real issue with their team will be an aging offensive line and an inexperienced quarterback forced to make quick decisions. Prediction: 8-8
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions should be much improved this year with the addition of Vanden Bosch and an improved defensive line(Suh). The offense will depend upon a secondary receiver to complement Calvin Johnson. Nate Burleston should be an upgrade. Their pass defense is still too horrible to get them anywhere in the playoff picture, but they should be fun to watch. Prediction: 4-12Random questions....
Who is the best fantasy player to draft out of this division? I think Greg Jennings or Jermichael Finley are strong options for the Packers if you can get them in the right spot, but if you're looking for a sleeper take Johnny Knox.
Most interesting game on each teams schedule? Packers at Jets(week 8) Patriots at Bears(week 14) Detroit at Miami(week 16) Vikings at Saints(week 1)
Ugliest player in the division? AJ Hawk vs. Jered Allen vs. Peppers. I gotta go with Allen
All the coaches enter a cage match fight to the death- who wins? Mike McCarthy has too much of a weight advantage.
Hottest cheerleaders? This division needs to work on this a little. The Vikings have a small edge.
