NFL Pro Football 2007 NFC North Preview

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Fearless Rick's NFL Preview - NFC NORTH

Rick Gagliano | 8/03/2007

NFC NORTH - Predicted order of finish and (predicted record)

Chicago Bears (12-4) - Once again, the Bears look like the class of the NFC and may clinch this incredibly weak division by the end of November. After losing in the Super Bowl to Indianapolis, Chicago is looking for a quick return and they may well get there. The Bears were the top defensive unit in the NFC, both in points allowed (15.9) and yards allowed (294.1). Surprisingly, the Bears also tied for second in points per game (26.7) with Indy, but that's what happens when you lead the league in forced turnovers.

The Bears may be even better than last year; at the very least, they are more experienced. Following their 13-3 season and romp through the playoffs, it looks like only injuries will stop the Bears from winning the division and advancing at least to the NFC Championship.

Minnesota Vikings (9-7) - Tarvarus Jackson, who mopped up in the final games of the 2006 season for the 6-10 Vikings, takes the reigns at quarterback with Brooks Bollinger waiting in the wings. The Vikings have the advantage of low expectations, but could be surprisingly good with the addition of Adrian Peterson out of Oklahoma at running back. Peterson is loaded with raw talent and could crack the 1000-yard mark as a rookie.

Defensively, the Vikes are very good, ranking third in the NCF in 2006, allowing 300.2 yards per game. They led the league in rushing defense, allowing a ridiculous 61.6 yards per game.

If the Vikings can avoid stupid penalties (they led the league last year with 123) and turnovers, they should get second place in this division and maybe earn a wild card berth.

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Detroit Lions (7-9) - No defense and not much in the way of offense, the 2006 Lions produced another season of mediocrity and abuse from their disappointed "fans."

2007 holds promise, however. Calvin Johnson, drafted in the first round out of Georgia Tech, will get the start at one wideout spot, but having Jon Kitna throwing to him isn't the answer. Look for 2nd round pick Drew Stanton (Michigan St.) to pick up the starting job before too long. The Lions had a very productive draft and may be a playoff team in a year or two, but not this season. Their predicted finish is a whole lot better than their 3-13 record in 2006.

There will be plenty of new faces on defense as well, and they should improve as the season wears on. The easy schedule is a big plus, and with any luck the Lions could even make it to 8-8. Look for the Lions to spring more than a few surprises this season.

Green Bay Packers (6-10) - Shouldn't Brett Favre have retired at the end of last season? The 8-8 Packers barely missed the playoffs despite a light schedule, and were embarrassed more than a couple times in 2006. Running back Ahman Green has gone to the Houston Texans, to be replaced by either Brandon Jackson (drafted in the 2nd round out of Nebraska) or Vernand Morency, neither of whom have much experience though Jackson may have some upside.

The defense allowed nearly 23 points per outing last season and coach Brad Childress hasn't done much to shore it up.

The game plan for the Packers is simple. Hike to Favre, protect and fire away. Sadly, too many teams know how to defend that, meaning Favre may have a hard time repeating his unsubstantial 2006 stats - 18 TD and 18 INTs.

Backup QB Aaron Rodgers is ready and waiting. Until then, this team is running in place.

Copyright 2007, 2008, Rick Gagliano, Downtown Magazine. All rights reserved. Downtown Magazine is located in the Uinted States of America and is not affiliated with the National Football League or the NCAA. For more information, contact us here. Use of this site is for entertainment purposes only.