NFL Divisional Previews – 2011 NFC North Betting Breakdown
The 2011-2012 NFL season is looming but unfortunately so is the unfortunate Lockout. The eternal optimist that I am, I have compiled odds and predictions for each division in the knowledge that the owners and the players cannot be as ridiculous as they look.
The NFC North was the most hyped division in football last season – any one of three teams could have won. The strength of the division is supported by the fact that it wasn’t the division winner that went on to win the Super Bowl, it was a Wild Card teams from the same division. The Packers are oddsmakers darlings and rightfully so.
Jay Cutler and the Bears are destined for mediocrity, the Vikings will take another huge step backward and the Detroit Lions, despite being a team on the rise are still a year or two away from serious contention.
Green Bay Packers
Odds To Win NFC North -230
Odds To Win Super Bowl +600
The Green Bay Packers had a magical 2010-2011 season and did so with a staggering 16 starters on IR. This season they will largely field the same team and they should actually be healthy – the return of Ryan Grant to fill the only real hole on the team, and Jermichael Finley will only serve to cement this team as a potential dynasty. Aaron Rodgers took that major leap toward elite status last season and there is no reason to think that he won’t perform at the same level at very least. With an even more potent offense than they had last season and a scary defense, the NFC North should be a cake walk for the Packers – I see absolutely no holes on this team!
Packers NFC North Prediction: There is no excuse for the Pack not running away with this division. I see a 13-3 finish, an NFC North crown and another long playoff run for the Packers.
Detroit Lions
Odds To Win NFC North +450
Odds To Win Super Bowl +3000
Health is going to be the only factor that will stop the Lions from going from the cellar to and above ground apartment this season. While they may not win the NFC North, they will make some serious strides and finally climb over the .500 mark. Matthew Stafford and running back Jahvid Best were both injured last season but should be good to go this season along with Stud receiver Calvin Johnson. Ndamukong Suh should guide the Lions (who added Nick Fairley in the draft) to respectability this season as well. No longer are the Lions a laughing stock – they have incredible pieces in every aspect of the game.
Lions NFC North Prediction: Detroit appears ready for Prime Time and should get themselves over the .500 mark. I see a very impressive 9-7 season, a second place finish in the NFC North and a strong message that the Lions are no longer an NFL doormat. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Chicago Bears
Odds To Win NFC North +450
Odds To Win Super Bowl +3000
Ugh! The Bears better hope that their terrorizing defense is once again in top form this season. Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher are key to Chicago`s success. After all, the Bears did little in the draft to help their ailing offense – they did select a lineman to protect Cutler but the fact remains that he is void of a true receiving threat and a running game that is able to keep defenses honest. The atmosphere became toxic in Chicago last season and I think that those feelings linger into this season.
Bears NFC North Prediction: Expect some disappointment in Chicago this season – the team is too disjointed to be successful. A .500 sounds about right but don`t be surprised to see a 7-9 finish and third place in the NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings
Odds To Win NFC North +900
Odds To Win Super Bowl +4000
The Minnesota Viking go into the 2011 season with no quarterback, a running back that is unhappy with ownership and no stadium to play in (rumors persist that this team will eventually be headed to Los Angeles). They are long in the tooth and they lack talent in some key areas of the game. It`s going to be a long year in Minnesota – poor Leslie Frazier!
Vikings NFC North Prediction: It is going to get ugly in Minnesota this season. 4-12 is likely although 6-10 may be possible – ungood for all you Vikings fans!
As Always Comments Are Welcome Below!!!
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2011 Divisional Previews
2011 NFC North Futures
2011 NFC West Futures
2011 NFC South Futures
2011 NFC East Futures
2011 AFC North Futures
2011 AFC West Futures
2011 AFC South Futures
2011 AFC East Futures
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