NFC North

After reading countless articles and listening to various sports talk radio junkies, my research is complete. I think. Below is how I envision the NFC North shaping up.


Chicago Bears

2009 Record: 7-9

Preview: Enter offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. Martz was brought in by the Chicago Bears solely to work with quarterback Jay Cutler and improve an offensive line that gave up 35 sacks last season. Cutler is coming off a league-leading 26 interceptions- many of which were either forced or rushed. Martz’s offense not only favors Cutler’s arm, but will spread the field and take the defenses deep.

Although the offensive line has endured little change, Martz announced last Wednesday that Roberto Garza will be at left guard, Lance Louis at right guard and Frank Omiyale will be at right tackle.

While most of the play-calling will be delivered via air, it will be an offense not in favor of running backs Matt Forte and newcomer Chester Taylor. Ask the San Francisco 49ers, it ranked 27th in the league in rushing. And that’s with Frank Gore healthy for a majority of the season.

Look for receivers Devin Hester and Johnny Knox to take advantage of Martz’s offense with their incredible speed and quickness in the open field to create yards after catch.

2010 Prediction: 8-8

Finish: 3rd

*Credit Chicago Tribune with some of the information provided in text.

Detroit Lions

2009 Record: 2-14

Preview: Besides the Oakland Raiders, the Detroit Lions were among the few who received high draft praise during last April’s NFL draft. Among its new additions are first-round draft picks Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best. Suh will play alongside Kyle Vanden Bosch and look to improve a defense that ranked 32nd overall. Running back Best will offer another threat on the offensive side of the ball.

Matthew Stafford is looking to build and mature even more as he enters this year’s season to improve an offense that ranked 26th overall. The grit and grind Stafford displayed down the stretch will only carry over into this year. Besides solid draft picks, former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Nate Burleson looks to make a splash next to Calvin Johnson. The Burleson acquirement will alleviate any double, triple coverage Johnson may face.

Prediction: 6-10

Finish: 4th

*Credit NFL.com with some of the information provided in text.

Green Bay Packers

2009 Record: 11-5

Preview: The Green Bay Packers have emerged as NFC North front-runners and a potential Super Bowl candidate this season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers racked up 4,434 total yards (30 TDs, 7 interceptions) in an offense that ranked third in points and sixth in total yardage. His receiving core of Donald Driver and Greg Jennings will be two targets Rodgers will rely on heavily as the season progresses. However, do not overlook tight end Jermichael Finley and his outstanding work ethic. Finley finished with 38 receptions and four TDs down the stretch of the 2009-10 season. I expect Finley to surpass his 676 yards from a year ago and establish himself among the top tight ends in the league.

Defensive coordinator, Dom Capers is gaining even more credibility with his 3-4 defense. Starting out of the gate slow, the defense quickly gained ground as it progressed throughout the second-half of the schedule. It is too early to say whether the loss of Aaron Kampman to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Johnny Jolly will hinder the defense. However, Defensive MVP Charles Woodson (nine interceptions) and Clay Matthews (10 sacks) remain in tact.

Prediction: 11-5

Finish: 1st

*Credit NFL.com and USA Today with some of the information provided in text.

Minnesota Vikings

2009 Record: 12-4

Preview: The question of whether or not Brett Favre will return for his second season as Minnesota Vikings quarterback relies on the sustainability and durability of his ankle and remains the biggest question mark with the organization. Favre had surgery back in May and has stated he will play if his ankle is up to par. There is also uncertainty with the Vikings’ receivers, Sidney Rice (1,312 yards, eight TDs) and Percy Harvin (790 yards, six TDs). Rice has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and Harvin has been out since late July due to a death in the family and severe migraines. (The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported Friday that Harvin has been granted a roster exemption). Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and wide receiver Bernard Berrian also benefited last season as passing targets for Favre.

Mullet-less defensive end Jared Allen anchors the defense for the Vikings and remains a constant thorn in the sides of his opponents. Allen was a lassoing fool recording 14.5 sacks, forcing five fumbles, five deflected passes, recording a safety and capturing his lone TD of the season last year.

Prediction: 9-7

Finish: 2nd

*Credit Minneapolis Star-Tribune, NFL.com with some of the information provided in text.