FanNation - The Republic of Sport

1.)Chicago Bears- The Bears have no reason not to be in first after this season. They have the league's best defense, and they always find a way to have a consistent running game. There should be no questions about Cedric Benson, and if he does not produce, then they have Garrett Wolfe to fall back on, who in my opinion could win rookie of the year. Their only concern should be Rex, but they have Greise to play if Rex falters. Estimated Record: 13-3 Makes Playoffs, goes to Super Bowl

2.)Detroit Lions- The Lions had a horrible season last year mainly due to injuries at the running back position, o-line, and d-line. The Lions picked up some solid blockers, drafted the best receiver to come out of college, and some solid defensive players through free-agency, and the draft. The player to look for is Damien Woody, the starting right guard who was threatened to be cut if he did not get in shape, so in order to stay on the team he lost 48 lbs. through a weight loss clinic at Duke University. On defense the Lions should be pretty solid with Ernie Sims coming off of a one-hundred tackle season, Corey Redding coming off of a surprise season at defensive tackle, and if Shaun Rogers shows up to play football, this could be a top 15 defense. There are little to no questions about the offense, and they should be in the top 5 for total yards this season. Estimated Record: 10-6(Your welcome Kitna) Makes Wildcard, loses in NFC Semi-Finals

3.)Green Bay Packers- The Packers really improved their record last year from the year before, just missing the playoffs. Their defense is very solid with the additions of A.J. Hawk, and Charles Woodson last season, and Cullen Jenkins was a nice surprise when he went in for KGB who was not playing the best football. This year the addition of Justin Harrell should make them a very solid defensive team. The biggest issue on this team is the running game. The Packers drafted Brandon Jackson out of Nebraska in the second round, and they plan on starting Vernand Morency, who at best is a second string half back. The passing game is not what I would call top-tier either. Favre is a great quarterback who many think is washed up, but what has been holding him back the last coupe of seasons is the fact that they have no receivers. Donald Driver is so old that every time he gets tackled I swear I see dust come out, Greg Jennings is somewhat inconsistent, and was injured for part of last season. Estimated Record: 7-9

4.)Minnesota Vikings- Besides for the Bills, the Vikings will be the worst team in the NFL this season. They have the worst passing game in the NFL, and they also have the worst secondary, especially after the loss of Fred Smoot. The Vikings have done next to nothing to improve their roster, and have not addressed receiver needs. If they call drafting Sidney Rice, 'filling a void', they need to fill a new void in management. The running game should be solid with Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson running behind the best left guard in the league, Steve Hutchinson. Bryant McKinnie and Matt Birk are great linemen to compliment Hutchinson. Although just being able to run the ball and defend it on the other side of the ball is not enough to win games, so that is why I believe the men in purple will be last in the NFC North. Estimated Record: 3-13