NFC north teams stand

[Lee Borgersen]

                                   Gut Reactions: ........

  Where each NFC north team stands heading into the 2014 regular season



NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears - This should be the season where everything finally aligns for the Bears. They improved their defense this offseason and the offense can easily be top-five in the NFL in 2014. Marc Trestman has a season of experience under his belt, Alshon Jeffery is a year older and Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler are both in the primes of their careers. Expectations are high, but for good reason.
Confidence level: 7/10


Detroit Lions – The Lions have become one of the NFL’s great mysteries — a ton of talent on paper, but a group incapable of really pulling it all together the past few years. But, with Jim Schwartz out and Jim Caldwell in that could all change in 2014. Calvin Johnson remains the game’s best receiver, and the offense is loaded with weapons around him. Detroit’s a sneaky pick to steal this division.
Confidence level: 7/10


Green Bay Packers - Much like some of the other powerhouses around the NFL, the success of the Packers comes down to their star QB staying healthy. When Aaron Rodgers played last year, this team was one of the league’s best. When he didn’t they looked very average. As long as No. 12 is on the field Green Bay can possibly lock up the No. 1 seed and make the road to the Super Bowl go through Lambeau Field.
Confidence level: 9/10

Minnesota Vikings – Why are so many coaches scared to start rookie QBs? With apologies to Cleveland, Jacksonville and Oakland the decision in Minnesota to leave Teddy Bridgewater on the bench might be the most puzzling. The rookie had a monster preseason, after having a monster final year at Louisville, yet will watch (at least to start) as this team comes slow out of the gate. Once he finally gets in, it’ll be too little too late.
Confidence level: 3/10

[Cody Gruchow]

might be the most ridiculous article I have ever read. the Vikings are gonna surprise a lot of people this year. revamped defense with a very good scheme and a great defensive mind. our offense is under one of the great offensive playcallers in the game. the reason to not start bridgewater is simple, yes he did fantastic in the preseason but cassel LOOKED EVEN BETTER. so sit him and have him learn. and the only team so far that has said that there rookie qb is starting Oakland, all the rest of them are sitting.

[Lee Borgersen]

                                  More Predictions

                                    NFC NORTH

1.  Green Bay (4): On paper, this is the deepest and most complete team the Packers have fielded since their Super Bowl-winning squad of 2010.

2.  Chicago: There’s lot to like on offense, but the Bears have too many questions on defense and a brutal backup situation behind injury-prone quarterback Jay Cutler.

3.  Detroit: The Lions will be a better team under first-year head coach Jim Caldwell, but not good enough for the postseason.

4.  Minnesota: The Vikings could surprise with a healthy roster but it’s hard to get too excited until either Matt Cassel or Teddy Bridgewater proves a difference-maker at quarterback.