NFC North 2009 Preview and Predictions

Green Bay Packers: I liked what Aaron Rodgers did for the Packers last year, and expect him to build upon that this year. What did the Packers in was their defense and special teams which was addressed by bringing Dom Capers in as the defensive coordinator. The Packers open at home against the Bears, and while it may be a bit extreme to label the opening game a must-win, the Packers should be ahead of the Bears as a team at this point and must get that first division win and the home side of that series under their belts.
Predicted Finish: 10-6



Chicago Bears: The Bears went 9-7 last year and in theory they made themselves better in the off-season by upgrading at the QB position. The Bears should get at least 4 wins in the division and then are faced with playing the AFC North, NFC West as well as the Eagles and Falcons. I can see the Bears getting 5-6 wins out of their non-conference schedule.
Predicted Finish: 9-7



Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings represented the two best chances for the 0-16 Lions to get wins last year, and this year the Lions will get the Vikings at least once. I am not saying Brett Favre is going to ruin this team, but I am saying he’s not going to help them. Just like with the Jets last year, the Vikings could reach their full potential with either of the QBs they had on their roster. On top of it being unnecessary to bring in Favre, the way the Vikings handled it has caused and will continue to cause problems for the Vikings. If the Vikings two Williams’ are suspended for the first 4 games, it will not help.
Predicted Finish: 8-8



Detroit Lions: With the Lions its less of an exercise in how many games do you think they will win, and more like which game(s) do you think they can win. Like I stated above, the Vikings represented the two best chances for the Lions to get wins last year and the Vikings are in Detroit in Week 2. If Favre and the Vikings offense is not up to speed, and the Vikings are faced with defensive suspensions, we could see the Lions get that elusive win in Week 2. After that, the Rams come to town in Week 8.
Predicted Finish: 3-13

See The Dean’s AFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC West Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC South Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC East Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s AFC North Preview and Predictions.

See The Dean’s NFC East Preview and Predictions.