2007 NFL Division Ranking: #8 - NFC North

Coming in as the dreaded worst division on my list is none other than the NFC North. This division consists of the four powerhouses that are: the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers, and the Minnesota Vikings. While the reigning NFC champion Bears inhabit this division, the other three teams can be considered middle of the pack at best. In addition, I thought that the Bears were somewhat shaky last year and I was surprised to see them in the Super bowl. I personally thought that their were better teams to represent the NFC.

Taking a look at some of the personnel in this division required some searching. For example, the current starting running back for the Green Bay Packers? Vernand Morency. The starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings? Tarvaris Jackson. Brett Favre is well known and has had a tremendous career. I respect him and his competitiveness. I just feel that the Packers are not close to a super bowl season and a complete overhaul is necessary. I know that fans are encouraged by the 8-8 season last year, but I don’t see any improvement this year. In fact, I think Green Bay is a likely candidate to finish last in this division.

Looking at some of the off-season transactions, it appears that these teams as a whole didn’t do much. The mighty Bears defense seems to be in a bit of disarray. Between hold-outs, threats, and legal problems, this defense may not be what it was last year. It may still be good, but can it carry the team as it did last year? The Rex Grossman led offense is sporadic at best.

Detroit added yet another first round receiver — an excellent receiver — but I am not sure it is going to do much to solve their problems. The Detroit Lions are a typical Mike Martz led team. They may be fun to watch, but when it comes to crunch time they won’t be able to grind out wins. Minnesota is a tough read as well. I like the Childress attitude, but I don’t know if he has had enough time to get the needed personnel and system in place. I have no idea what Jackson can do as a full time starter at Quarterback, but I would hate to bank my team on him. Adrian Peterson is a great pick up for Minnesota. He was one of the greats in the college game, but injuries plagued him throughout his college days. I have to question his durability.

In summary, I see the Bears taking a step backwards. They will be challenged in this division by Minnesota. These teams will finish 1-2 in the division and one of them will go into the playoffs with an early exit. The Lions will be better, but after winning 3 games last year there is a lot of room to get better. However, they won’t finish in the cellar this year because I don’t see much to get excited about in Packer land. After a promising 8-8 campaign last year, they will fall to the back of the division, which will prompt a complete rebuilding cycle the following year.