UTTQ 2011 NFL Predictions: NFC North

The 2011 season may have not begun, but our 2011 NFL Regular Season predictions have. Here's a brief summary of each NFC North team, in no particular order, starting with the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers:


GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Packers have lost key elements of their Super Bowl run but have also managed to keep several vital parts. Of course, Aaron Rodgers is still the star of the offense, with a healthy Jermichael Finley returning to further deepen the receiving weapons for Rodgers. Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews will lead the defense. With most of the coaching staff returning, including head coach Mike McCarthy, this team seems destined to retake the NFC North title with a relatively easy schedule.


CHICAGO BEARS
This Bears team seems to have made little improvement over the team that made it to the NFC Championship last year. The offensive line is still in shambles, the receiving core is still lacking weapons (Roy Williams has not had a strong camp), and Jay Cutler still hears his critics. The veteran defense, led by Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers, can still carry the load, but may suffer from a difficult offensive schedule in the first half of the season.

DETROIT LIONS
Seems to be the team everyone is picking to get over the hump. With Matthew Stafford, this offense could be pretty potent (but of course, the real star here is Calvin Johnson). The defense, particularly the line, has seemingly been revitalized with the addition of Ndamakong Suh, a tackle who commands respect and thus opens opportunities for other linemen (like first round pick Nick Fairley) or even the linebackers. The Lions face a schedule that is evenly balanced, and they could easily sneak into the playoffs.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Vikings are facing a new post-Favre look, with Donovan McNabb coming in to man the ship. The always powerful Adrian Peterson continues to command the backfield, and other offensive pieces are still in place. The defense looks familiar, with Jared Allen, the Henderson brothers, and Chad Greenway being the core of the group. The Vikings and coach Leslie Frazier may be up and coming, but probably not this year.


NFC NORTH TITLE: Green Bay Packers

• The Packers have everything they need to make a return run. A mostly intact coaching staff, a stellar defense, a high-flying offense, and most importantly, a stud of a quarterback

WILD CARD TEAMS: None

• The Lions may be everyone's pick, but I don't see them playing consistently the whole season. The Vikings are rebuilding, and the Bears need to get it together.