This division is, by far, the toughest to call. Since its inception in 2002, only the Lions have not won the division. However, the Lions have gotten better and so have the Vikings. Green Bay are the defending champs and then there's the Bears. I'm still shaking my head.
The Bears didn't answer any of the questions that have haunted them. Signing Roy Williams is supposed to answer their holes on offense? LOL! Cutler has produced like he is capable of. How long and how many chances does Cutler need to produce like he should? Hester needs to go back to being a DB and the WRs all need to stop dropping balls. Forte had to stop putting the ball on the ground. The Bears can no longer afford to rely on 10-6 or 11-5 getting them to the playoffs, especially in this division going forward.
The Lions have lived many years as 2 wins for their divisional counterparts. Stafford's injury cost them showing how much they have improved. They are on the brink of a breakout year. One of the biggest changes for the Lions is, as a team, they go into games believing and playing like they will win. The defense is hitting folks in the mouth and they are able to put up points. This season, the Lions will play the role of spoiler while they continue to find themselves as a team. Worst case for this team, 8-8.
Can the Vikings do worse then last year? Yes. Will they? No! With the best RB in the game and Berrian and Harvin healthy, expect the Vikes to look more like the Vikes of '09. They have an O-line that should be able to give McNabb the time he needs to find his wideouts and make holes for Peterson to easily run through. The Vikings only question is on defense. Even though the Vikings were top 10 in defense last year, they must play better if they want to come out on top in this division. McNabb is in position to have a pro bowl year and the Peterson is ready to show us why he is the best RB in the league. The big names on defense aren't there but effort, heart and execution will counter any big name out there. Vikings will win this division at 12-4. YEAH, I SAID IT!!
The defending champs won last year by taking advantage of opponents mistakes. That's not a knock on the Packers and they are the champs but can they do it with everyone watching. The Packers don't strike anyone and a dynasty in the making. They are better then a "one and done" type of team. Now, they will play this season with a target on their backs. With the NFC better this year then last year, especially inside this division, those out of conference and out of division games become very important. The running game is the key to the Packers having a real shot at making it back to the super bowl. If Grant can stay healthy and produce, that will take pressure off of Rodgers. Packers will finish second at 10-6 or 11-5. YEAH, I SAID IT!!
D!
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