NFC North Preview
The Packers have been Kings of the North for years now having won the division in 5 of the last 6 seasons. Granted, it’s not the best division in football, but it takes a lot to dominate one of the most historic and meteorological challenging divisions. The division plays the NFC South and AFC North this year which could be extremely challenging. The Packers are the only team from the division to win the Super Bowl since the Bears in 1986. Can the trend be bucked this year?
Green Bay Packers
Last year 10-6
This year 11-5
Aaron Rodgers is a top 3 QB and is one of the most likeable characters in the league. This year he has an abundance of weapons including Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Martellus Bennett and Davante Adams. The Packers have a top 10 O line this year but it’s not 100% clear who will be running behind it. All signs point to Ty Montgomery but rookie Jamaal Williams is turning heads at training camps. The Packers this year are employing a ‘Nitro’ defense with the strong safety lining up the middle linebacker. The Packers ranked 21st in points allowed and 31st in passing yards allowed which is something they need to improve on if they want to compete in the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings
Last year 8-8
This year 10-6
The Vikings have a top 5 defense that let up only 63 points in the first 5 games of last year but their performance slipped after putting a poor offense on their backs. The Vikings have shored up their O line and drafted running back Dalvin Cook who is said to be having a great preseason. With Bradford throwing to Treadwell, Diggs, Thielen and Rudolph, the Vikings could have an aerial attack as well as a ground attack. With an improved offense, this should take pressure off the defense to let them be elite. The Vikings will push the Packers for the division once again.
Detroit Lions
Last year 9-7
This year 9-7
The Lions need a run game. They have a competent passer in Matt Stafford, a young improving tight end in Eric Ebron, a reception monster Golden Tate at wide receiver and one of the league’s best receiving backs in Theo Riddick. With a decent passing attack, all eyes turn to Ameer Abdullah on the ground. The 3rd year back suffered a season ending injury in week 2 last year and will be running behind a below average O line this year. Detroit had a very average defense last year which is rumored to have been improved on this year. A run game is crucial for the Lions to push on in the division.
Chicago Bears
Last year 3-13
This year 4-12
Jordan Howard was one of very few bright spots for the Bears last season. The rookie had over 1600 scrimmage yards and 4 TDs and looks set to thrive again behind a top 5 O line. The Bears passing game has questions to answer after they paid for Mike Glennon to be their QB and then paid to draft Mitchell Trubisky in the draft. Trubisky impressed in the preseason last night and could see the field earlier than expected. However, I still feel the Bears will struggle this year and will be in contention for first overall pick.
By David Davenport