NFL Preview: NFC North

Today begins the first of eight entries for my NFL Preview. We tackle the NFC North today.

1. Minnesota Vikings (11-5)

The Vikings will definitely be improved coming into the 2008 season. They have one of the league's top running backs in 2nd-year starter Adrian Peterson, plus a vastly-improved passing attack, helped largely by the acquisition of Bernard Berrian which gives Tarvaris Jackson a second target along with Sidney Rice. The defense is anchored by what I believe to be the top defensive player in the game: Jared Allen. Allen, a defensive end who spent his whole career with the Chiefs, exploded onto the scene last year totaling 15.5 sacks. All in all, I see great things for the Vikings.

2. Green Bay Packers (7-9)

The Packers will be free of the Favre headache this season, but are unsure of how Aaron Rodgers will do in the starting role. Expect Ryan Grant to carry the team in the beginning until Rodgers becomes comfortable. If Rodgers has a decent year, then the Packers can rest easily and look to improve for next season, this being a transition year for them. On the other side of the ball, they have an adequate defense highlighted by Aaron Kampman and AJ Hawk.

3 (tie). Chicago Bears (6-10)

Chicago is truly a team that has lost their way. It was just February of last year that they were in the Superbowl. Now, they're a team that can't even scratch out a .500 record. The departure of Thomas Jones and the downfall of Rex Grossman killed them last season and they haven't improved much. Kyle Orton, who we mentioned last week, has been given the reins to the franchise and I can't see him being a lot better than Grossman, but at least there's that bit of improvement. The rookie Matt Forte will start at running back and will have average performance at best. The Bears will just meander through the season and hope to get a good draft pick which they should use on a quarterback.

3 (tie). Detroit Lions (6-10)

The Lions have a decent offense, bolstered by the addition of Rudi Johnson and the reliable arm of Jon Kitna. The two main receivers, Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams should prove to be worthy downfield threats. Rudi will split carries with rookie Kevin Smith this year and it should be a good running back by committee system. However, their defense is truly awful. There are no real stars on the defensive side and they gave up the most yardage of any team last year. It's not looking good this year for the Lions, that's all I can say.