The NFC North could be interesting this season, let's take a look.
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears finished 8-8 last season, looking to be better after injuries to Matt Forte & QB Jay Cutler during last season, now both are back and are the big names on this squad. Joining Forte on the ground will be Michael Bush and Cutler has his former Broncos teammate joining him in the Windy City...Brandon Marshall. Lance Briggs, Julius Peppers & Brian Urlacher lead the defense and if Coach Lovie Smith wants to keep his job, they need to impress. They have a farvoable schedule, but a long 2nd half so the Bears need wins early for playoff chances.
DETROIT LIONS
The Lions were the surprise team of 2011, making the playoffs for the first time since 1999. This was mostly in part to an all-around team that was outstanding on the field. Matthew Stafford leads the offense, his targets include Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Titus Young & Brandon Pettigrew. The defense is lead by Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch & Nick Fairley. Coach Jim Schwartz's team travels to San Francisco Week 2, Philadelphia Week 5, Chicago Week 6, Green Bay Week 14 and Arizona Week 15 while they host Houston on Thanksgiving and Seattle 4 weeks earlier. This could be a tough team and may be able to challenge for playoffs, depends on how Green Bay fares.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Speaking of Green Bay, this was a team expected to appear in the Super Bowl again last season, only to lose in the Divisional Playoffs. QB Aaron Rodgers looks to keep on taking over Favre's legacy in Lambeau, while RB Cedric Benson joins the Packers. Rodgers big weapons include Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jermichael Finlay, Jordy Nelson & James Jones, who all can be huge on fantasy points this season. The defense is always strong, led by Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk & Charles Woodson. This Green Bay team just keeps getting stronger, and they do have a strong schedule, hosting San Francisco Week 1 then Chicago the next week. After that a Monday Night game in Seattle, road trips follow to Indy, Houston & St. Louis. After their Week 10 Bye, the Packers go to Detroit and NY Giants before finishing the season in Minnesota. Definitely a favorable schedule, but this team will be tough.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings will be the weakest link in the NFC North. They went 3-13 last season and they will improve but won't make the playoffs. QB Christian Ponder looks to improve on his struggles from last season, and if RB Adrian Peterson is healthy, he will have a greater impact. The receivers include Percy Harvin and Michael Jenkins. Jared Allen & Kevin Williams leads the defense. The schedule is fairly simple, including home games against Jacksonville & San Francisco early in the season, but they have to go to Seattle, Detroit & Washington before the bye week. After the bye week, the Vikings have 2 back-to-back road trips: Chicago & Green Bay (who they also face at home) and St. Louis & Houston. The team will improve, but no January bound.
PREDICTIONS
Green Bay 13-3
Detroit 11-5
Chicago 9-7
Minnesota 6-10
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