NFL Predictions: NFC North

The preseason is underway and with comes hundreds and hundreds of expert predictions that will be rendered meaningless by November.  So why not throw my opinion into the mix?  I did things a little differently.  Instead of assigning arbitrary records to every team and picking favorites, i went through every game, week by week and picked the winner and then put together every teams record that way.  Lets start with the NFC North

                                                                                          Reunited an it feels so good!

Minnesota Vikings 3-13 (2011 record: 3-13)

Christian Ponder had an average debut season last year, but didn't really show me anything to be optimistic about.  I frankly think the team looked better behind the explosiveness of Joe Webb.  Adrian Peterson is usually as solid as they come but how will he rebound from ACL surgery? While adding rookie Tight End Kyle Rudolph is an upgrade on offense, there is little else to be thrilled about in the passing game, unless the inconsistency of Percy Harvin is turned around.  On the defensive side of the ball, Chad Greenway and Jared Allen are nice names, but this defense is way to susceptible to the big play to compete in this division

Detroit Lions 9-7 (2011 record 10-6)

There is no question the lions will continue to be a powerhouse in the passing game as long as Calvin Johnson is catching passes.  The thing people forget is that a year ago this time, not one person would have bet on Matt Stafford playing a full season.  So after one season, we now need to assume that it is a given?  I think Stafford misses a couple games at some point and the Lions will struggle in those games.  The defense showed us last year that they can be very good but they also showed us they can be very immature.  A small step back for the Lions is to be expected 

Chicago Bears 12-4 (2011 record 8-8)

Go ahead and call me a homer if you would like.  While people may see a team that was 8-8 last year, i see a team that was cruising along until their 2 best players on Offense got hurt.  Jay Cutler is back, is healthy and now has his favorite pro receiver (Brandon Marshall) and his favorite pro coach (Jeremy Bates) to go along with his favorite college receiver (Earl Bennett).  Gone is the idiotic Martz offense.  Gone is the idiotic philosophies of Jerry Angelo.  Sure the defense is another year older, and the Brian Urlacher surgery has me a little worried, but the schedule is easy and the Offense should be explosive.

Green Bay Packers 13-3 (2011 record 15-1)

Last year, the Packers were content just running teams death on Offense that defense didn't matter.  An then the New York Giants came calling in the playoffs.  The showed teams that there is a way to slow down the great Aaron Rodgers.  Which is why, while i think they will still won the division, reaching that 15-1 mark again is going to be a long shot.  The offense could be even better, with Aaron Rogers, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb all with another year under their belt, and with the late signing of Cedric Benson.  Like last year though, if the Packers are going to have problems, it is going to be with the secondary.  With Charles Woodson moving to safety, it will be interesting to see who can step up at Corner for this team.


Offensive Player of the year:  Aaron Rodgers

Defensive Player of the year: Julius Peppers
Most Intriguing player:  Brandon Marshall
Most Intriguing rookie: Kyle Rudolph