Pick ‘Em Monday – NFC North

I’m halfway done with my Pick ‘Ems – which means we’re that much closer to training camp. Today the NFC North is under debate, recent winner of Least Improved Division in the BOAs… But the host of the Conference Champion, The Boy Who Wouldn’t Retire (Harry Potter reference there, couldn’t help myself), the promise of 10 wins, and the worst team in the league is still interesting to say the least. Today I break down the Vikings, Bears, Packers and Lions in all their sucktitude glory.

1) Chicago Bears

Brian Greise hasn’t looked this good since he made the Pro Bowl in Denver… and that was on the bench most of the year. Rex Grossman collapsed, as we all know, but this defense is still among the best in the league. Without Thomas Jones, I don’t know how much offense this team can muster – I expect about 10 wins and a 3rd or 4th spot in the NFC seeding from the Bears.

2) Detroit Lions

It’s Super Bowl or bust to about 26 teams in the league every year, but the Lions fall into the category of “Holy Cow! We won 8 games!” teams who are thrilled to just break even every year. And this year, they have enough talent with a healthy defensive and offensive line, and a ton of power at receiver, to win just about 8. They could make the playoffs, but I wouldn’t bet on it, Jon Kitna.

3) Green Bay Packers

6 wins. Maybe. Favre calls it a career. Finally. This young team has no real answer at runningback, and while their defensive line is solid, I’m not nearly as convinced with the rest of their defense. Favre may finally break John Elway‘s win record, but he’ll still only have one ring on his finger.

4) Minnesota Vikings

They’ll be lucky to get 2 wins in my opinion. Honestly. And it all has to do with their quarterback situation – their defensive and offensive lines have enough talent to do a lot of damage, but their skill position spots are literally nonexistent. Except for Adrian Peterson, who better get healthy to help them get a 3rd or 4th win and not draft #1 overall.

Sorry for the delay in this post… work was hell… sometimes, I swear, I open at the close.