The NFC North: Wildest Division in the NFL

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Yep, we have arrived at the final NFL divisional preview and I'm guessing I'm going to catch some crap for who I pick to win it. Don't worry, I've got facts to back my thoughts up. Hopefully for your argument you bring facts, too.

The NFC North is shaping up to be one of the funnest divisions to watch in the NFL this year as the quarterbacks around all four teams (even my Bears) have the ability to light up opposing defenses. Three of those teams have legit cases for a division title, but as you can already guess, I've made my decision. Let's take a look at each team.

NFC North
Chicago Bears
As you know, this is my team. Jay Cutler, Devin Hester and Matt Forte are the names you know. But it's the one's your aren't familiar with that will make the difference this year. Get to know Earl Bennett. The last pass he caught in college was from? You guessed it, Jay Cutler at Vandy. It is Bennett's second season and the first ball he catches will be No. 1 of his career, so he is essentially still a rookie, but that familiarity will help him blossom. Plus, I'm calling right now that Greg Olsen is going to be a go-to target of Cutler's and make the Pro Bowl.
Defensively, it comes down to secretary against the quarterbacks in the division. Charles Tillman is questionable for Sunday against the Packers and his health will allow Danieal Manning and Kevin Payne to stay back at their safety positions.
Most important player: As Tommie Harris goes, so goes Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. The Cover-2 is built on getting pressure with the front four and allowing the linebackers to fall back into coverage. Tommie is one of the best in the game at the three-technique position when healthy. Only problem, he hasn't been healthy for a couple years, until now. With Rod Marinelli on to coach the defensive line, he'll energize this group and Tommie will have a great year.

Detroit Lions
Will the Lions be as bad as last year? No way. New coach Jim Schwartz is trying to rebuild from the ground up. They are starting a rookie quarterback this year and will have to endure some early growing pains, but there's no way they go the whole season without a "W."
Things look managable until both the Bears and Vikings added solid QBs to their teams. Now with Cutler and Favre (who shreds the Lions) twice each, it could be trouble.
Most important player: Success on this team lies in the hands of the offensive line. Keep the rookie QB upright and give Kevin Jones some lanes to run in and they can be competitive.

Green Bay Packers
The team that had the best preseason in the league is becoming a sexy pick to go to the Super Bowl. The way Aaron Rodgers looked, 9 TD in 13 possessions, it's hard to argue with that. But it's hard to put everything behind preseason performances because you don't know how much teams are prepping, but the Packers gained a ton of confidence in what they are doing with their stellar showing.
The biggest key is their defense which under Dom Capers is now a 3-4. He's one of the best in the biz with this and has already started to make his mark.
Most important player: Not going to go with one here, but Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly and B.J. Raji (Cue Howard Finkel introducing them at a combined 900 lbs) can man the middle line spot on early downs and create havoc. This will set up the other eight guys to fly all over the field.

Minnesota Vikings
The addition of Brett Favre only makes this team better. Well, at least for the first half of the season. As we learned last year, Favre will wear out in the second half after getting beaten up for eight games. Look for him to claim some sort of injury and Adrian Peterson will have to shoulder more and more of the offense.
If the Williams boys are allowed to play through their supplement issue, they can plug up any chance of a running game in the middle. This is probably the most solid team in the division from top to bottom.
Most important player: Peterson is the man her without a doubt. When he is on he can take over the game and control both sides of the ball. With a solid QB now, he should be fresher come the fourth quarter. And with only one cold weather game (Dec. 28 @ Chicago), the schedule plays in their favor.

OK, Prediction time. (Be sure to sling your crap in the comments!)
Chicago Bears 11-5 -- Defense returns to 2006 form with Marenelli and Cutler makes this offense a force.
Green Bay Packers 10-6 -- Turning those close games into wins from last year. But 3-4 shows minor hiccups in the few losses they have.
Minnesota Vikings 10-6 -- All Day and the defense make up for some Favre shortcomings later in the season.
Detroit Lions 4-12 -- Yes 12. Lions could play spoiler and the rebuilding project begins.

That's all the division. Tomorrow is my playoff predictions. Be ready. Might have some surprises for you. Be sure to go back and fill yourself in on who I picked where.
Sept. 1: AFC South
Sept 2: AFC West
Sept. 3: AFC East
Sept. 4: AFC North
Sept. 7: NFC South
Sept. 8: NFC West
Sept. 9: NFC East
Sept. 10: NFC North (Today)
Friday, Sept. 11: Playoffs and Super Bowl XLIV picks

OK. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, let's get into some fun things today. I know you're going to be watching the Steelers and Titans tonight. This commercial might make the game. A candidate for best commercial ever!



This next video is one that I found on Twitter today. It's a movement for Breast Cancer. Like it matters though. SAVE THE BOOBS!



We've reached everyone's favorite portion of the program, the Nussie Hunter. I know your girlfriend makes you watch "The Hills" and one of the reasons you don't argue is Audrina Patridge. She's on the cover of Maxim this month. There's more of what's below here. You're welcome!