NFC North Preview

Part four of an eight part series examining each of the NFL's divisions as we approach the start of the regular season. Today we take a look at the NFC North; home of the defending NFC champions.

Chicago Bears
Da Bears own one of the best defenses in the game, and Devin Hester is the most dangerous return man since Dante Hall was in his prime. And that's about it. But that should be enough to once again make Chicago one of the favorites in the watered down NFC. Their run to the Super Bowl last season can be described as "in spite of the play of their QB." Compare that to the team that beat them in the big game, and you can see how important quarterback play is in the NFL. Last season, Rex Grossman was either good or horrible. If he can eliminate those horrible performances, or even if he just improves them to okay, the Bears would have to be a clear cut favorite. If he can't, combined with the loss of rushing leader Thomas Jones, the Bears will have a tough time making it back to the Super Bowl. But, being in a weak division, they should cruise to the playoffs regardless.
Prediction: 11-5

Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will follow a formula very similar to the Bears: Good defense, good running game, and hope your QB doesn't lose you games. Their defense isn't as good, but their running game is better. And it's anybody's guess how their QB, Tavaris Jackson, will do. However, Jackson will be asked to do very little with the running game he will have. Chester Taylor, who had a very good but understated season last year, will share the backfield with number one pick Adrian Peterson. If Jackson can just manage the game, and not lose the team games, the Vikings will put up a good fight and not let the Bears run away with the division.
Prediction: 8-8

Green Bay Packers
One last year for Brett Favre, right? We shall see. What we have seen, is that Favre can still play. He is nowhere near his MVP form, but in an era where the skill level at QB is very low, Favre is in a class by himself. The Packers improved as the season went on last year, finishing 8-8, and have high hopes coming into this season. However, they did nothing to improve themselves this past offseason. The still growing/learning offensive line will cause problems again for the running game, and Favre's consecutive games streak will be put in jeopardy as he should be running for his life again. The young defense was very underrated by the end of last season, and they look to build on that this season. This season won't be the exact way Farve wants to leave the game, but at least it should be ugly. The Pack should be competitive game in and game out.
Prediction: 8-8

Detroit Lions
The Lions are a very tough to team to figure out coming into the new season. Their offense looks like it could be as good as anyone's, but their defense is still a work in progress. They should be very tough in Detroit, where Mike Martz can have fun with Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Jon Kitna, and company on the fast turf track; much like in St. Louis. Head coach, Rod Marinelli, is a hard work, defensive oriented guy, and that should be good for a defense that finished 30th in points allowed. If the defense can over-perform a little bit, like New Oreans did last season, they have a good enough offense to surprise a lot of people; myself included.
Prediction: 7-9