Sport Card Collectors 2012 NFL Preview: NFC North

There is just something about the NFL that makes it my favorite sport. Don't get me wrong, I do watch baseball time to time. And a little basketball. I am not much of a hockey, racing, golf or bowling (other than playing it) person. The NFL is the only sport I can sit and watch an entire game of anymore.  I don't know if its because I played it or grew up watching it...but I love the game. And because of this with the NFL season upcoming and the start of the preseason is soon...I thought I would share my opinions of how I think the divisions will break down and who will win each.

I will be breaking down 2 divisions a week up until the start of the season. Today's is the NFC North and here is how I think it will go down: (note: these are in order of how we think they will finish and what their records will be)

1. GREEN BAY PACKERS (12-4) 

Green Bay comes in again with almost the same roster that dominated the NFC last year until the NFC Divisional game where the Giants came in and beat them. They are very strong on offense with MVP Aaron Rodgers who can throw tight spiral to just about anyone, WR's aplenty in Jordy Nelson who had a break out year, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jermichael Finley, Randall Cobb to name a few.  They let go RB Ryan Grant so the assumption would be that James Starks will step in. Once again this could be the most effective offense in the NFL.

The Packers D was their fall last year. They couldn't stop many. Most of the games Green Bay won was because of their high powered offense. But they picked up Anthony Hargrove and a few other defensive pieces to help take pressure off from their best defensive player Clay Matthews.

Overall, Green Bay is the cream of the crop in the NFC and I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make another run to the Super Bowl.

2. CHICAGO BEARS (10-6) 

  Chicago made some big moves this off season picking up WR Brandon Marshall, QB Jason Campbell (which is bigger than you think. If Cutler goes down again with an injury they will at least have a viable backup to step in) RB Michael Bush and drafting WR Alshon Jeffery. However the biggest move was re-signing RB Matt Forte to a deal. He is a multi threat running back and controls the pace of how Chicago moves the ball. Jay Cutler also comes back after being injured last season and now has some new/old weapons. I think Brandon Marshall will have a big season with a chip on his shoulder and his chemistry with Cutler. Their offense should be much better.

On defense, they have some talent. DE Julius Peppers is still a viable sack master. MLB Brian Urlacher still is a Monster and OLB Lance Briggs is happy and will play well after a one year extension on his contract. The Bears are known for their D and they are always tough. I would be shocked if they are not in the top 10 defenses this season.

Overall, Lovie Smith has a good team. They are not as good as the Packers, but they can still make noise in the division and in the NFC. Most of their success will depend on the play of Jay Cutler and if he can stay healthy or not.

 3. DETROIT LIONS (8-8) 

The Lions off season wasn't about their moves...its about the off field problems. People getting caught for the wrong things. The Lions didn't make a ton of moves this off season as they tried to keep their young core intact. They drafted another Wide Reciever in Ryan Broyles which was their big move. Their offense is still one that can score points and keep up with any team with great now healthy QB Matt Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson as one of the best duos in the league and they also have many other WR weapons. Starting RB Jahvid Best is injured for a few weeks but they still have Mikel Lashoure (who was injured last season) and Kevin Jones to take his spot til he is healthy.

On defense, they have rough and tough DT Ndamukong Suh who is willing to take any QB's head off, DE Cliff Avril (now that he signed his one year tender), veteran leader DE Kyle Vandenbosh and many other young pieces in place. The CB position was their weak spot last year and could be again this season. But if they can get pressure on the QB, that could help their D make some stops.

Overall, the Lions made the playoffs last season for the first time in awhile. But, with the Bears getting better and many other teams in the NFC more improved it will be hard for this team to sneak in again. They also have some needs on defense still but their offense will help keep them in most games.

4. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-12)

The Vikings started off last season with high expectations..then they lost RB Adrian Peterson to injury, QB Donovan McNabb wasn't who they thought he was and the other pieces started to crumble. But it did give rookie QB Christian Ponder time to play and get the feel of the NFL game. Expect better numbers from him this season as the Vikings have now put more around him. They picked up crazy athletic WR Jerome Simpson (who had one of the best plays last season with Cincy), TE John Carlson and drafted WR's Greg Childs (who they have now lost for the season) and Jarius Wright.

On defense, well,they have a lot of work. But the one thing they do have is DE Jared Allen who is a beast and who was only a half a sack away from tying the NFL season sack mark. He won't be so lucky this season since most offenses will double up on his side. But with their youth they could have a long season ahead.

Overall, the Vikings are starting to collect talent. But this team is at least a few years away from going back to their winning ways.

What do you guys think of my predictions? Did I rank a team too high? Too low? Give me your thoughts!

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