NFL Preseason Predictions! Part 4: The Red-Hot NFC North

I don't normally associate the NFC North with anything warm, but these four teams have some serious momentum going for them. If you missed the AFC predictions, you can check them out here for the AFC East, here for the AFC West, and here for the North and South divisions.

1. Green Bay Packers 12-4

The Pack is back, this time with more options at running back. The Green and Gold have Ryan Grant, James Starks, and a guy I think has the tools to develop into a Michael Turner in a short amount of time - 3rd round pick Alex Green. Green is a big back with explosive speed, weighing in at 6'0 225 lbs and recording a 4.45 second 40 yard dash. If the Packers can get him involved early, they'll add yet another weapon to their deadly offensive arselnal. Jermichael Finley is back from injury, Greg Jennings remains a top-tier receiver, and Aaron Rodgers is the prototype NFL quarterback. Look for the Pack to establish a running game this season, but don't be surprised if Aaron throws for 4,000 yards again. Defensively, Green Bay looks to be very sharp this year. A solid but not amazing defensive line, very good linebackers led by Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk, and an outstanding secondary which includes Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, Sam Shields and Tramon Williams. This makes for a very impressive season for Green Bay.

Final Prediction: Super Bowl Appearance

2. Chicago Bears 11-5

"Da Bears" added a much needed offensive lineman with Gabe Carimi in the draft, which will help protect Jay Cutler and open up so more lanes for Matt Forte. The Bears have a very easy schedule laid out, so a playoff appearance looks probably for Chi-town. The Bears defense is a good as ever, so it's all in the hands (or arm) of Cutler not to screw up this sesaon.

Final Prediction: Loss in Divisional Round

3. Detroit Lions 8-8

Um, the Lion's defense is border-line stacked. Yeah, I said it. Just hear me out. You have quite possibly the best defensive line in the NFL with Suh, Fairley (whom Mel Kiper had as the #1 draft prospect for quite some time), Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril and Corey Williams. The "Silver Crush" will be joined by Justin Durant, Chris Houston, and other young talents looking to prove themselves in a very intimidating defensive lineup. Matt Stafford is an elite QB in the making, and the Detroit running game is improving with Jahvid Best gaining more experience. Calvin Johnson leads the way for the wideouts, but look for recently-signed Maurice Stovall to put in work. If the Bears didn't have such a cake-walk schedule, I think the Lions would contend for a Wild Card spot.

Final Prediction: Miss Playoffs (But Improve Drastically)

4. Minnesota Vikings 6-10

We don't know what's going on in Minnesota. Is McNabb too old to start or is Christian Ponder too inexperienced to produce? Is Percy Harvin able to stay healthy? The only thing holding this Viking offense together is Adrian Peterson, and every opposing defense knows it. He'll still get his numbers but, this will not be a great year for the Vikes. At least Minnesota's defense functions properly. Maybe we'll see a heroic effort from Donvan McNabb and a trip to the Super Bowl, and maybe they won't even come close to making the playoffs.

Final Prediction: Miss Playoffs

More NFC predictions coming your way soon! Thanks for reading! And remember, whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Until next time!

Minnesota Vick-ings: Could it happen?

In case you're anti-televisionist or you've just been distracted by the Michael Phelps drama, I'll give you a quick rundown on a situation that's been in the NFL news. The Vikings are in need of a quarterback as Tavaris Jackson has been nothing short of disappointing. Jackson also tore his MCL, which could affect his ability although it's said he won't miss any games. Brett Favre claims to be retired, so we'll talk about him when he changes his mind again here in about six months. It's obvious that the Vikings only offense comes from running back Adrian Peterson, and 31 other teams know that. That's why the Vikings are so desperate to get a better QB than current starter Sage Rosenfels, to balance out the offense. No offense, Sage, I think everyone can agree that you have the coolest name out of all the quarterbacks. With Michael Vick eligible to play starting Week 6, he HAS to be on the radar for Minnesota.

So curious to see what fellow writers have to say, I've asked a few different bloggers what they would do if they were the Vikings GM--would they pursue Vick, risking fan support and locker room distractions to get a proven QB? Vick is likely pretty rusty, but his trainers have come up with a new system to get his arm back to full strength. Instead of throwing footballs to his receivers he's been throwing bones to his retrievers, and it seems to be generating positive results.

No, I'm kidding, but here's their answers:

Bill Williamson, ESPN.COM

It’s not about what I think the Vikings should do, it’s what I think they will do and I don’t think Vick will be signed. The Vikings may be desperate, but the Vikings want a new stadium. They will not, I don’t think, risk losing in the court of public opinion, pursuing Vick just because of a need .I really don’t see it happening.



Shakey1, STYLE POINTS

Michael Vick is an off the wall talent who can electrify an offense with just the threat of him handling the ball. Most teams would kill for a playmaker of his caliber, and now they can get their hands on the best in the game for free.

Teams need to look past his obvious shortcomings and give him a shot. If it doesn't work out, they can cut him and wash their hands of the situation. The Vikings should be jumping up and down at the thought of adding a weapon like Vick to their quarterbacking crew. But they'll probably just sign Jeff George and call it a day.




paneech1472, PANEECH
I think it might be easier to lure Favre back into football than to assimilate Vick back into a role of acceptance with any NFL team.

Vick would be helpful and would remind the Vikes faithful of a young Randall Cunningham, but from a PR standpoint, the move would be a "dog".



Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.COM

If I were the Minnesota Vikings, I would not pursue Michael Vick. He would come with distractions from the media and the protest groups. He's a wonderful athlete, but he's been out of football completely for two years. There's no way he can come in and pick up the offense fast enough to help this season. Go out and look for other available veterans and watch who comes available later when teams have to release players.



MidwayIllustrated.com, MONSTERS OF MIDWAY ILLUSTRATED

Nope I would not pursue Michael Vick. From a purely football stand point I wouldn't do it. Not for anything related to his legal troubles, just his inability to be a good solid accurate QB.
Vick can run the ball, but what the Vikings need is that other dimension of a QB who is good with his throws, accurate and can consistently move the chains to take the heat off of Adrian Peterson.
Michael Vick in my opinion does not bring that type of experience and talent to the table.




There you have it, folks. The majority say no to Vick, but only time will tell what happens to the scrambler. Feel free to tell me what you think!



Airdisch