Here we are back again, lots of work and lots of pain. The holiday is over and it’s time to get back into some undoubtedly incorrect season predictions. This time, the NFC North.
Division Winners: Green Bay Packers, 12-4. Green Bay fans had a promising year in 2009. Aaron Rodgers stood up and displayed some genuine talent, placing him at least in fantasy terms as one of the top 3 QBs in the league. As such the passing game is king in Green Bay and don’t expect that to change anytime soon. They drafted solid in April, solidifying depth in their OL with Brian Baluga and DL with Mike Neal. If Aaron Rodgers can stay productive and that excellent defense keeps on delivering plays I suspect we have a NFC title contender.
Division Runners Up: Minnasota Vikings, 10-6. Brett Favre, you entertain us endlessly. This position is in flux, if Favre commits to returning, they will battle with Green Bay, if not, they could fall below eager Chicago. Percy Harvin and Sydney Rice both had excellent seasons in 2009 but I can’t help but wonder what their chances would be like without Favre. Adrian Peterson will continue to be productive so long as he holds onto the ball, 2nd round draft pick Toby Gerhart will be a nice handcuff for fantasy owners. Defense is still something to be feared, Jaren Allen is a beast and 2nd round pick Chris Cook adds some nice depth to the secondary.
Jay Cutler: I have it on good authority that in this picture he is not throwing an interception, but we really cant be sure can we?
Then: Chicago Bears, 8-8: Jay Cutler might have the most to prove out of all the NFC quarterbacks this season. He has a new Offencive Coordinator in Mike Martz but no new targets to throw to. Picking up Chester Taylor in the off-season was a nice move as he should challenge Forte into regaining his rookie year form and giving up the big money to grab Julius Peppers from Carolina gives the Bears some teeth on defense. While they had an unspectacular 2010 draft they did add some defensive depth in DE Corey Wootten. It’s make or break time for the Bears.
Finally: Detroit Lions, 5-11. Detroit has made some respectable moves in the off-season and draft over the last two years but shouldn’t contend for the NFC North at least for another year. That said, Matthew Stafford will improve and the two first round picks DT Ndamakong Suh and RB Javid Best. Stafford showed some real heart in a few games last season and I believe he will step up and put up some solid numbers.
Don’t be too surprised if both the Bears and Lions come up with some surprise wins in their division games. However, its hard to see Green Bay not make the playoffs this season and contend for the NFC championship. Agree? Disagree? Want to curse my name and set fire to my cats? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Oh! Finally, let it be known there will be a post with all the details for the NFL Downunder Fantasy Football competition very soon (this week). We are aiming for around 12 people who are willing to go the distance and win nothing great prizes true glory! Keep an eye out.
Pingback: cool caravans