k&S: NFC NORTH PREVIEW

The BEST Division Preview on the web that no one reads.

The NFC North has always been kind of sloppy. Any division that includes the Lions has a stain on it that is like a giant face mole that people can't look away from. This division also has to play tough opponents in the cross-divisional games with the AFC East and NFC East that could lead to records that don't reflect well on how talented this division is.

The Green Bay Packers – 10 – 11 Wins

I am not saying that the Packers will beat the Vikings head to head but they will eclipse them for the divisional title. The Packers have a rare combination of an offense that scores points in bundles and a defense that keeps other's from scoring. This is a quality team that cannot be satisfied with anything less than an NFC Championship appearance.

Schedule: Overall is difficult. The first 6 games set up for the Packers to be atop of the standings by the time they face off with Favre but starting with week 7 the Packers play 6 straight games against projected playoff teams. The good news is that facing the Giants and Bears in weeks 16 and 17 will be beneficial if they need a late playoff push.
Fantasy Grades – Aaron Rogers= A++++ G. Jennings= A Ryan Grant=A- DEF= B+

The Minnesota Vikings – 9 – 10 Wins

Really, other than Toy Story 2, what sequel was as good as the original? I mean most sequels are so bad that they couldn't even get financing for Goonies 2. Let's face it, no other team in the league has a greater risk/reward situation with their quarterback than the Vikes. If Favre plays as well as last year then they are in the Super Bowl this year, if he plays even the least bit worse then they are fighting for a wildcard spot at best.

Schedule: Overall is very dramatic. Where the Packers have an easier time at the beginning of the year this Vikings team may have a losing record by the time Favre gets to play the Pack. It's not unreasonable to think that the Vikings could win only 3 games in the first half of the season and then win 6 in the second half. There will be plenty of drama in the land of lakes this year.

Fantasy Grades – Peterson= A+++ S. Rice= C+ Favre= B- Harvin=C Def=A+

The Detroit Lions – 6 – 7 Wins

Usually at least one team makes a big jump in wins total from year to year in the NFL. I suspect that the Lions will do that this year. After having winning about 6 games in the last 60 years this Lions team will be different…they will finish in 3^rd, not 4^th in this division this year.

Schedule: Overall is appropriate. They do have to play cross divisional games against the AFC and NFC East who have a combined 7 teams better than the Lions but they also get to play St. Louis and Tampa Bay in placement games. It is kind of odd to say but a week 1 game against the Bears in Chicago could decide who gets last place in this division.

Fantasy Grades – Stafford= C- Jahvid Best= B Megatron = A- Def= D+

Da' Chicago Bears – 5 – 6 Wins

Before we all forget, Lovie Smith is still the head coach in Chicago. I know Martz is all we have heard about but Smith still has the title of HC. But knowing that Martz is going to call the plays on offense tells us all we need to know. Here's a simply equation to sum up the offense.

Cutler + Martz + Sorry Receivers = Interception

I hope that Urlacher and the defense can stay healthy because they are going to see a lot of playing time.

Schedule: Overall is difficult. If any of your Bear crazies were thinking they were a wildcard dark horse then look at their final 4 games; Patriots, Vikings, Jets, Packers. Ouch.

Fantasy Grades – Cutler=B- Forte= B Hester= C- Def = B+

If you didn't enjoy my preview (then why did you read this far?) then hopefully you'll enjoy this link check it out.

As Always, I love you guys.

The Chairman