Lookin' Ahead: NFC North Preview

by Crimsion | 6 years ago | 6 Comments

In recent years the NFC North has been claimed by the Green Bay Packers exclusively under the reign of the great Aaron Rodgers, but times have changed. Over the past few seasons the stronghold that the Packers have created has been tested time and time again, before finally being overthrown by the Minnesota Vikings last season.

Not only are the Vikings now in the conversation for the division, but also a Super Bowl apperance, but they'll have to fight through three other very tough teams in order to carve their path to success.

Chicago Bears (Clint)

The Chicago Bears are just one of the four very interesting teams within this division and this off-season they've made some very key additions. Firstly they acquired a new #1 target for their young quarterback in Allen Robinson. The former Jaguar will be in the lab quite a bit with Mitchell Trubisky and can make this team a threat to claim the division on his own.

Chicago has a solid offensive attack at their hands, but their defense is very much in question. They've yet to sign rookie lineback Raquon Smith and although they are making an effort, things don't seem to be changing on the defensive side as much.

I see Chicago holding their own on offense with the passing attack being relied upon much heavier than recent years, but getting into shootouts with the likes of Rodgers, Kirk Cousins and Matt Stafford is never a good thing.

Prediction: 6-10

Minnesota Vikings (Jason)

Coming into 2019 the Minnesota Vikings hold all momentum when it comes to claiming the crown of the NFC North. Last season this squad was bitten hard by the injury bug, losing Sam Bradford and rookie running back Dalvin Cook in the process. Even without these two keys pieces the Vikings were one win away from a Super Bowl appearance.

Minnesota not only gets Cook back at full strength, but also acquired the likes of Kirk Cousins, who brings another missing aspect to this already solid team. The former Redskin was made one of the highest paid quarterbacks this off-season and it was well deserved.

Defensively this team is one of the best in the league, it wasn't on display during the post-season, but Minnesota will certainly have a shot to prove themselves again, and I believe will be neck and neck with the Packers when it comes to the divisional race.

Prediction: 11-5

Green Bay Packers (Bryce)

With a player like Aaron Rodgers under center you're always in consideration for a Super Bowl, but with this Green Bay team those critics become louder in 2019. Rodgers went down with an injury mid-way through 2018 and the Packers' playoff hopes went along with it.

Now that he's back and healthy once again things are looking up, not to mention that the Packers have added another very high-volume target in tight-end Jimmy Graham. The University of Miami product will surely fill the gap left behind by the departure of Jordy Nelson.

This team has been decent defenisvely over the past few years, and many don't see that changing this upcoming season, so I'd expect this team to make a wildcard run to kick off this cycle.

Prediction: 10-6

Detroit Lions (N/A)

There isn't much to say about this team as it doesn't have an owner, and that's surprising all things consider. Detroit has a solid quarterback in Matt Stafford, two high-volume receivers in Marvin Jones and Golden Tate, and a trio of running backs that will mix 'n match very well within this offense.

Defensively this team has it's ups and downs too, they're very strong in the secondary, weak in the middle and in the middle of the pack when it comes to the trenches.

Once this team gets it's owner I feel like they'll be a darkhorse in this division.

Predicion: 8-8