NFC North Preview

The NFC North has undergone quite a makeover with the retirement of the legendary Brett Favre. He was the anchor of the Packers offense for 15 years. Without him in the division things will have a different feel in 2008. Here is a peak at the 2008 division forecast.

1) Minnesota Vikings

Record last year: 8-8 / Projected: 11-5

The Vikings will have a great chance to be the front runner in this division in 2008. They have an impressive offensive line and the best running attack in the NFC. This season they should benefit from an improved wide receiver core with the addition of Bernard Berrian and future phenom Sidney Rice in his 2nd year. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has a year under his belt and he should improve this year as he becomes more familiar with the offense. He isn’t the best QB in the division by any means but he is in a promising situation with the best offensive line and running game in the division surrounding him. Minnesota should continue to have the best defense in the NFC. With the addition of Jared Allen at defensive end (2007 sack leader), the Vikings now have the best defensive line in the NFL and should enjoy plenty of sacks and turnovers this year. The signing of Madieu Williams at safety and drafting John David Booty in the 5th round were great additions to the team and should prove beneficial throughout the season. Look for the Vikings to have an impressive showing this year. 

2) Green Bay

Record last year: 13-3 / Projected: 9-7

With the obvious retirement of the legendary Brett Favre, all hope lies on the shoulder of 24 year old Aaron Rodgers. For extra security the Packers drafted Brian Brohm with their 2nd round pick. The impressive emergence of Ryan Grant was a pleasant surprise for the Pack as well as the great season that Greg Jennings had last year. Green Bay has a good offensive line, running game, wide receivers, and defense. They are a still a good team, even without No. 4 slinging the football downfield. However, veteran leadership is crucial at the NFL level especially at the quarterback position and the Pack is lacking that this year. They should still have a winning record and a playoff appearance is probable but it will be tough in Rodgers’ first year at the helm.  

3) Chicago Bears

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 6-10

In the first round of this year’s draft the Bears made it clear that they needed improvement in their running game. Drafting OT Chris Williams and RB Matt Forte were clear signs that the Bears look to strengthen their running game. The departure of Muhsin Muhammed and Bernard Berrian to Carolina and Minnesota respectively will have adverse effects on the Bear’s passing game. Their QB situation leaves a lot to be desired and their new WR core is probably the worst in that division. They may have trouble putting up points this season but their defense should get a shot in the arm when safety Mike Brown and cornerback Nathan Vasher return healthy this year. Both DBs missed at least 12 games last year and the defense really took a back seat as their interceptions decreased and they allowed 22 points per game. With Vasher and Brown both back healthy they will benefit from improved secondary play. However, they will not be able to put up enough points to be an above .500 team in 2008.

4) Detroit Lions

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 4-12

This appears to be a long season for the Lions. Former offensive coordinator Mike Martz is now with the 49ers and stout DT Shaun Rogers was traded to Cleveland for CB Leigh Bodden. Even though they have a solid receiver core and are capable of putting up points, they are also prone to allowing plenty of points. With Rogers in Cleveland, this could spell trouble for the Lions run defense. A poor run defense could have RBs like Adrian Peterson (twice), Ryan Grant (twice), Clinton Portis, Jones-Drew, Fred Taylor, and Frank Gore running wild on the defense while the offensive playmakers are rendered to observing from the bench. If the Lions don’t drastically improve their defense somehow this could be a rough season for Detroit.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the NFC North. What’s your call? 

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