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2008 NFC North Predictions

Jimmy Boyd's NFC North predictions provide a quick rundown of how he likes the division to shape up in 2008. For a more in depth look at these teams, check out his individual team previews by clicking on the links below.
 

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1st – Minnesota Vikings

The Vikes had the best running game in football last season with rookie Adrian Peterson starring and Chester Taylor providing them with more than adequate backup work. Minnesota's run defense is also among the best in the league and the addition of Jared Allen at defensive end will jumpstart the pass rush. The only weak spot appears to be at QB as Tarvaris Jackson returns under center, but he went 8-4 in his 12 starts last season and should be improved. The Vikings have not won the division since Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper were in town. Playing in a weak division gives them a great chance to return to the top.

2nd - Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers has a strong arm and underrated athleticism, but he will be no Brett Favre in his first year under center. Growing pains are inevitable and hopefully Rodgers will not go down to injury for the third year in a row, which would likely throw rookie's Brian Brohm or Matt Flynn to the wolves. Still, the Packers have a great receiving corps and a solid running game led by Ryan Grant. These two elements will make things easier on Rodgers as he makes the transition to starter. Green Bay has a great pass rush, led by Pro Bowler Aaron Kampman coming off the edge, and that makes them a very tough defensive unit. It also takes some pressure off of veteran corners Al Harris and Charles Woodson.

3rd - Chicago Bears

The Bears have taken some steps backwards since reaching the Super Bowl in 2006. There are still a number of talented players on the defensive side of the ball, led by middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, but the offense could be even worse. Chicago lost its leading deep threat, Bernard Berrian, to the Vikings in free agency and Cedric Benson is the latest Bears running back bust. Chicago will once again send Rex Grossman under center, but it is becoming more and more obvious that he is not the long term answer and neither is backup Kyle Orton.

4th – Detroit Lions

The Lions were finally fed up with Mike Martz' pass-happy offense so they parted ways with him in favor of Jim Colletto. Colletto promises a more balanced attack. They will look to Tatum Bell and third round draft pick Kevin Smith to provide a threat in the running game. If the Lions can get something from the running game, it should open up the field for Jon Kitna and his group of talented receivers. The thing that is still holding this team back is its defense. The Lions traded away Shaun Rogers, their best defensive player, and they don't have any proven pass rushers on the roster. Another disappointing defensive campaign appears to be on the way.