The
NFC North is called the Black and Blue division for a reason. That reason being that the teams in this division are always in a heated contention for the crown. The Packers
have reigned high for years, however the other teams in the division have been
accumulating the talent necessary to defeat them. The question blooming
in the division for the 2013 season is, are the other teams in the division yet capable to overtake the mighty Green Bay Packers?
1.
Detroit Lions Prediction: (10-6)
This is a pivotal year for the Lions franchise. After a 2011 playoff run, Detroit looked to be the next powerhouse in the NFL. However, the production slipped and it was a dismal 2012 for the team, as they sunk to a 4-12 record. Jim Schwartz enters the 2013 season on the hot seat, but posses one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.
This is a pivotal year for the Lions franchise. After a 2011 playoff run, Detroit looked to be the next powerhouse in the NFL. However, the production slipped and it was a dismal 2012 for the team, as they sunk to a 4-12 record. Jim Schwartz enters the 2013 season on the hot seat, but posses one of the most talented rosters in the NFL.
The Lions look spectacular on paper, but they will need to live up to all of the hype that surrounds them. A Super Bowl run still seems unlikely, however a return to the playoffs looks like a strong possibility for this squad.
2.
Green Bay Packers Prediction: (9-7)
The Green Bay Packers are a fixture in the playoffs almost every season. They are one of the rare complete teams in the NFL. 2012 produced yet another great year, but left the Packers wanting when they were trounced by the ‘Niners in the divisional playoff round. Mike McCarthy holds the best quarterback in the league, Aaron Rogers, as well as a plethora of tools for him to throw to. Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and James Jones are all exceptional receivers; meanwhile tight end Jermichael Finely looks like he will have a bounce back to relevance this season.
The Packer defense has plenty of weapons. BJ Raji heads up a solid defensive line, while Clay Matthews does the same for a group of solid linebackers corp. Tramon Williams and Sam Shields are two stellar corners and make the Packers secondary extremely hard to penetrate.
The loss of their starting left tackle Bryan Bulaga, starting right tackle Derek Sherrod, and running back DuJuan Harris are a cause of concern.The Packers will no doubt have a solid season, but injuries are taking their toll. They will now have to rely on a rookie running back in Eddie Lacy, and even more concerning two inexperienced tackles.
This may be the year in which they are surpassed by the Lions for the NFC North title.
3. Chicago Bears Prediction: (8-8)
The Chicago Bears have always been a good NFL team, but have failed to stay solid down the stretch. The shakiness in the final games played a huge role in the firing of decorated coach Lovie Smith. The team brought in Marc Trestman to save Jay Cutler’s career in Chicago. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are a top receiving tandem in the NFL. Matt Forte is a brilliant running back. The offensive line is only marginally better than the one that was fielded last year, but they added the talented Kyle Long in the first round of the draft.
The Bears defense has been the strength of the team for decades, however this is a year of transition for the squad. For the first time in 13 seasons, the team will be without middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. The defensive will remain a Chicago strength, however they will need to find a way to fill the gaping hole left by one one of the greatest players in franchise history. Julius Peppers is approaching the end of his long career, and Lance Briggs, Tim Jennings, and Charles Tillman are also aging, though still lethal weapons.
Chicago is a solid team, and during the preseason, it looks as though Jay Cutler has recaptured his career. It will be interesting to see how the Bears handle the difficult schedule that they poses this season. This is a boom or bust squad that will have a good look at a wild card playoff berth.
4.
Minnesota Vikings Prediction: (5-11)
Leslie Frasier and the Vikings spent their offseason adding a ton of talent to the offensive side of the ball. They were able to steal Greg Jennings form the Packers and picked up Cordarrelle Patterson in the first round of the draft. Adrian Peterson was the rightful MVP winner in 2012 and Kyle Rudolph is, arguably, the most talented tight end in the league.
While I am a believer in Christian Ponder’s abilities and prospects to be a successful quarterback, he has not showed me enough to warrant anything more than a 5-11 record this season even with the receiving talent that surrounds him.
The Vikings defense on the other hand, is one of the best all-around in the league. They have a powerful defensive line led by Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. They have a plethora of stellar line backers and are easily as deep as any other team in the league. Erin Henderson is excellent in the middle and Desmond Bishop (if he is able to win the job) coupled with Chad Greenway, add an excellent presence on the outside. First round draft pick Xavier Rhodes, Chris Cook, and last year’s first round pick Harrison Smith combine to form one of the best young secondary tandems in the league.
Adrian Peterson may be able to bring the team to 8-8, although if Ponder has still not developed, anything north of 5-11 would be a gift. A second consecutive playoff berth is unlikely; however the future seems to be bright for these Minnesota Vikings.
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