NFC North Preview

Last Year’s Predictions
Green Bay Packers 10-6
Detroit Lions 9-7
Chicago Bears 8-8
Minnesota Vikings 7-9

What Really Happened
Chicago 11-5
Minnesota 9-7
Detroit 5-11
Green Bay 4-12

In my opinion the NFC North is a one team race. Barring a complete collapse or a major injury the Chicago Bears should win this division by at least two games. Minnesota will be the only team to push the bears but they could be in a three game hole after the first month of the season. The only thing the Packers and Lions will be competing for is not finishing last.


Chicago Bears – Projected Finish 11-5 (1st)
Big Question: Quarterback

The Bears are going to beat people with a stingy defense and a pounding ground game. The problem for Chicago will be when they have to pass to win. Rex Grossman enters his fourth year in the pros as Chicago’s starting quarterback. Because of injuries he has started only seven games in his career so the thought of him getting injured isn’t to far fetched.

Behind Grossman is 8 year wonderer Brian Griese and second year man Kyle Orton.

Key Losses:
None

Key Additions:
QB Brian Griese
CB Ricky Manning Jr.


Detroit Lions – Projected finish 5-11 (4th)
Key Question: Quarterback

It could be worse for the Chicago Bears. They could have the Lions quarterbacks. Gone is Joey Harrington and acquired are Jon Kitna and Josh McCown. Kitna hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since 2004, mostly because he was a back-up last season, and McCown was replaced as the starter in Arizona three times over the last two seasons.

Key Losses:
QB Jeff Garcia
QB Joey Harrington
G Kyle Kosier
CB R.W. McQuarters

Key Additions:
WR Cory Bradford
TE Dan Campbell
QB Jon Kitna
QB Josh McCown


Green Bay Packers – Projected Finish 7-9
Big Question: Offensive Line

Brett Favre will struggle this season but not because of his age or because he has a depleted receiving corps. He is going to struggle because of his offensive line.

The packers had the 30th ranked rushing offense last season and even though they ranked 7th passing Favre had the worst season season of his career tossing 29 interceptions and losing four fumbles mostly while running for his life.

Unless new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski brings new attitude to this line, it could be more of the same for the Packers in 2006.

Key Losses:
RB Tony Fisher
C Mike Flanagan
K Ryan Longwell
WR Javon Walker

Key Additions:
WR Marc Boerigter
K Billy Cundiff
CB Charles Woodson


Minnesota Vikings – Projected finish (9-6) 2nd
Key Question: Receivers

Randy Moss was traded before last season and Nate Burleson left this off-season by free agency. Koren Robinson will become the new number one receiver. He has made it to the pro-bowl as a return man and now must prove he can do it as a receiver.

Behind Robinson the cupboard may be bare. Second year receiver Troy Williamson and Travis Taylor will be the other receivers on the field.

Key Losses:
RB Michael Bennett
WR Nate Burleson
SS Corey Chavous
LB Sam Cowart
QB Daunte Culpepper
CB Brian Williams

Key Additions
K Ryan Longwell
QB Mike McMahon
FB Tony Richardson
S Tank Williams

2006 NFC North Predictions
Chicago Bears 11-5
Minnesota Vikings 9-7
Green Bay Packers 7-9
Detroit Lions 5-11