NFC North Rankings

Green Bay is just a tad better than the Vikings this year.

1. Green Bay Packers. There are big expectations for the Packers this upcoming season. Can they deliver? They were the second ranked defense — number one against the rush and fifth against the pass — in the league last season behind only the New York Jets. No matter how dominant their defense is this season, its the Packers offense that’ll be the talk of the town. It all starts with QB Aaron Rodgers. He is poised to put up bigger numbers this year than last.

Rodgers is a top 5 quarterback now but it’s all based on potential. All the hype surrounding the Packers will be just that — hype, if they don’t win now. A season that’ll end with a loss in the first round playoffs will be a disappointment. They have an easy first half schedule but will face the Patriots, Vikings (again), Hawks, Giants and Niners in the second half.

2. Minnesota Vikings. Now that Brett Favre is done with the drama, the Vikings are ready to play football. He’ll be one great target short because Sidney Rice needs six weeks to recover from hip surgery. Favre’s numbers will take a dip from last season. Minnesota has its core defense intact with Jared Allen. If not for Favre’s tendency to take big risks, the Vikings would’ve been in the Super Bowl last year.

Adrian Peterson’s presence will help the Vikings pass offense during Rice’s absence.

3. Chicago Bears. QB Jay Cutler wasn’t really good to begin with. Mike Shanahan’s offense really hid his inaccuracy issues. Cutler was terrible during the preseason. But it’s not all Cutler’s fault. The Bears O-line is inconsistent and Chicago has done nothing to improve it during the offseason.

The Bears were ranked 23rd against the run last year but Brian Urlacher’s return will help the Bears resolve that issue.

4. Detroit Lions. It’s hard not to like Matt Stafford’s game. His improvement is a good sign of things to come for a franchise that’s been suffering for too long.

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