Division Series Preview, Part 3: NFC North

Division Series Preview, Part 3: NFC North

Combined Record: 36-28

2011 Division Winner: Green Bay Packers (15-1, 6-0 Division)

2011 Playoff Teams: Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions

It's strange how the balances of power shift in this division. Look at the division winners by year starting with 2002 (when the Central officially became the North): Packers, Packers, Packers, Bears, Bears, Packers, Vikings, Vikings, Bears. It's crazy to think just a couple of years ago (during the Brett Favre era), that the Vikings were the favorite, and now they can't seem to do diddly poo, and are officially in the rebuilding phase. Congratulations are in order to the Lions for getting back into the playoffs, let's just get that out of the way. This season, the NFC North will play the NFC West & AFC South. Believe it or not, this could be the division that may see 3 playoff teams.

Green Bay Packers (15-1, 6-0 Division, 12-0 Conference)

Noteworthy Arrivals: Jeff Saturday, Tony Hargrove, Nick Perry (DRAFT)

Noteworthy Departures: Matt Flynn, Ryan Grant, Chad Clifton, Scott Wells, Nick Collins

2012 Predicted Record: 13-3

The Pack have made little offseason moves, but that's nothing new right? Aaron Rodgers is labeled the #1 QB (depending on which ESPN Report you don't watch), coming off an MVP year. They killed the competition, being damn near perfect for the season (way to go KC). It seemed all but a lock that they were the favorite to go to & win the Super Bowl, and all of that greatness. However, their end was met quickly with a first round playoff loss at the Frozen Tundra to the would be New York Giants. Yup, I saw that coming too! The defense was under fire all year, and I mean literally. They finished 32nd (which is dead last for those keeping score at home) in Passing Yards Allowed/Game, and Total Yards Allowed/Game. However, it seemed like a moot point when you have the Top Scoring Offense in the league. Rodgers will have all of his favorite toys back, & even gets some old one backs in Jermichael Finley. I'd get into the running game, but who really gives a shit? They didn't have to run the ball, and no one knows who will do it at this point anyway. It's extremely hard to debate the fact that Detroit or Chicago will edge out the Packers for the crown this season. I believe Detroit has at least one more year before we can talk about that. I look for the Packers to come out pissy & continue churning out points like a beast, and put up no less than 12 wins, have you seen their schedule? Game of interest for this season: 49ers (Opener), Saints, @Houston, @NYG.

He's sexy & he knows it.

Detroit Lions (10-6, 3-3 Division, 6-6 Conference)

Noteworthy Arrivals: Jacob Lacey, Sean Jones, Riley Reiff (DRAFT)

Noteworthy Departures: Drew Stanton, Bobby Carpenter, Eric Wright, Chris Harris

2012 Predicted Record: 11-5

It was always a joke as to what the Lions could do if Matt Stafford would stay healthy for a full season. Motown finally got their answer, and a wish/dream come true, as they reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. A year later, the team has had nothing but a potential Megatron Madden Curse to worry about. Simply put, another healthy season from Stafford, and a much more disciplined/mature defense should fuel this team back into the postseason. The other WRs of the Lions will have to do much more to help Stafford out, and take the pressure off of Calvin Johnson. It would be even scarier if there was a stable force at RB in there. The Lions, like the Pack, have an extremely favorable schedule, so 11 wins is extremely logical. Games of interest include: @SF (Handshake Part II), @Philly, Houston, Atlanta

Remember everyone, just get the handshake right.

Chicago Bears (8-8, 3-3 Division, 7-5 Conference)

Noteworthy Arrivals: Jason Campbell, Michael Bush, Brandon Marshall, Geno Hayes, Eric Weems, Alshon Jeffrey (DRAFT)

Noteworthy Departures: Marion Barber, Amobi Okoye, Anthony Adams, Brandon Meriweather

2012 Predicted Record: 9-7

The looming question right now for the Bears is if Matt Forte will be locked up or not. Healthy knees, or troubled knees? He claims he's better than ever, so what's the hold up? Even if this deal gets done, the delay never bodes well for the player (see Chris Johnson) Don't get me wrong, Michael Bush is an adequate fill-in, but he's not Forte. Jay Cutler is reunited with Brandon Marshall, which is probably a sigh of relief. We're not sure what the status of Johnny Knox will be, but definitely wish the lad well. Mike Martz is gone, which will be plus a bunch for Cutler & Company. On the defensive side, Julius Peppers needs little praise, he'll continue to dominate, put the pressure on, helping set the tone, and Brian Urlacher will be back after the MCL/PCL tear, maybe for his last season. Games of interest include: @Dallas, Houston, @SF, @Arizona. Due to the weak schedule, I suspect the Bears can easily sneak in as a playoff team.

Can Cutler & Marshall re-kindle some of that old magic?

Minnesota Vikings (3-13, 0-6 Division, 3-9 Conference)

Noteworthy Arrivals: Lex Hilliard, Jerome Simpson, John Carlson, Marvin Mitchell, Matt Kalil (DRAFT)

Noteworthy Departures: Donovan McNabb, Visanthe Schiancoe, Steve Hutchinson, Anthony Herrera, Remi Ayodele, EJ Henderson, Kenny Onatolu, Cedric Griffin, Asher Allen, Jarrad Page, Husain Abdullah, Ryan Longwell

2012 Predicted Record: 3-13

Rebuilding Season. Next! It's hard to spend time on this. Your two best players are Jared Allen & Adrian Peterson. Players (Percy Harvin), don't even want to play for this team. Veterans are gone. Analysis? It's going to be a very dismal year in Minnesota. For them to even win more than 2-3 games, AP is going to have to be completely healthy, and run his way to victories. However, given ACL Injury history for RBs, it looks grim. Christian Ponder will grow, there's little to no doubt there, or they'll just give up & go with Joe Webb. I'd list games of interest, but it's tough to go there when I don't predict more than 4 wins here. Maybe next season.

Get to the Choppa! Grab my hand! Get out!

NFC North - 2012 Bold Predictions

• The Vikings will get the 2nd pick in the Draft
• Brandon Marshall will have at least a 10 TD Year, and amass over 1,300 Yards (Be sure you remember Alshon Jeffrey & Earl Bennett too)
• Calvin Johnson will get hurt from the Madden Curse, but not as serious as everyone will think (Could be the year the Curse actually is broken)
• The Lions will win their re-match in San Francisco, and you won't see Ndamukong Suh suspended this season
• The Packers won't repeat as the Top Scoring Offense this season