NFC North Predictions
Written July 28, 2008 by Jason Lowry
To get you ready for the upcoming NFL season, Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 NFC North division predictions. Last year Brett Farve and the Packers regained the magic of old and put tother a solid season going 13-3, and made it all the way to the NFC Championship game, where they lost to the Giants by 3 in overtime. Adrian Peterson led the Vikings to a solid season running crazy on many of the teams. The Lions started off the season red hot going 6-2, but finished the season at just 7-9. The Bears really struggled all season long, as the offense continued to struggle to move the ball, while the defense was hurt by injuries. With a new season on the way it means new hope, so here is how we see the season playing out in the NFC North.
1) Minnesota Vikings
We are taking the Vikings to take over the division as long as Brett Farve remains out of a Packers uniform. The Vikings really have everything in place and if quarterback Tarvaris Jackson can just keep from turning it over, this team could win up making huge improvements. The offense got better with the addition of Bernard Berrian at wide reciever, and the defense took a huge step forward when it traded for defensive end Jared Allen this offseason. Look for this team to win at least 10 games this season
Vikings +125 odds to win NFC North at Sportsbook.com
2) Green Bay Packers
It looks like it is going to be Aaron Rodgers at quarterback to start the season, and while he is no Brett Farve, he should be able to lead this team to another winning season. The really didn’t do much this offseason to change the look of their team, and should be able to stay ahead of the Bears and Lions in the North. The team will need both Rodgers and running back Ryan Grant to stay healthy as they really don’t have much of an answer behind them.
Packers +200 odds to win the NFC North at Sportsbook.com
3) Chicago Bears
The Bears walked away from this year’s draft without selecting a quarterback, and that means they are hoping either Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton will be able to lead this team, like it did a couple years back when it wound up in the Super Bowl. After losing both starting receiver from last year the Bears brought in Marty Booker to help ease the loss. The defense pretty much remains in tact and if healthy can take this team to the next level, we just don’t know if the offense will help them out at all. They need rookie Matt Forte to be a new force at running back and take some of the load of Cedric Benson.
Bears +300 odds to win NFC North at Sportsbook.com
4) Detroit Lions
What a sad finish to the end of last season, as the Lions were able to win just 1 game in the second half of the season. The talent is there its just a matter of the team being able to finish the season as strong as it starts it. With a new offense in place, look for a more slow downed offense compared to years past, and the defense should love the addition of cornerback Leigh Bodden this offseason. When its all said and done this team is good enough to go 8-8, but we don’t see them jumping any of the other 3 teams unless a big injury occurs somewhere.
Lions +600 odds to win NFC North at Sportsbook.com
If you are looking to get a bet in on any of these teams odds to win the NFC North this season, be sure to head over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also be sure to check back for more team preview and predictions, along with our NFL season predictions, and our 2009 Super Bowl Predictions. If you want some more takes on the NFC North check out this NFC North predictions.