NFL Division Preview – NFC North
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In 2009 NFL betting, what division has more hype entering 2009 than the NFC North? We have Jay Cutler arriving in the Windy City plus Brett Favre possibly joining the Vikings to share a division with his former team, the Green Bay Packers. To top it off, we have the Matthew Stafford watch in Detroit. It should be a fun year in the North, and it’s certainly a fun division to handicap.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Odds to win NFC North: +150
According to most football predictions experts, the Vikings could be ready for a Super Bowl run. We know what their defense can do; thanks to Pat and Kevin Williams, the immovable defensive tackle tandem, the Vikings are the toughest team to run against in the NFL. Jared Allen forces teams to respect the Vikes’ pass rush too, while their corners are among the league’s most physical.
The D-line will beat you up, but so will Minny’s big offensive line, which opens up lanes for superstar Adrian Peterson. AP is the new standard for NFL running backs and, while he may be too tall to have a long career, he’s dominant right now.
The Passing game is the lone question mark. If Brett Favre doesn’t sign, Minnesota will turn to Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson, who doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Still, worse offensive teams have succeeded in this league thanks to dominant defenses, so the Vikings are contenders.
CHICAGO BEARS
Odds to win NFC North: +170
The Monsters of the Midway are back – probably. With Jay Cutler’s arrival, the Bears have their best starting quarterback in decades, if not ever. Though he has one of the league’s bigger ego’s, Cutler is an immensely talented player, blessed with a rocket arm and good mobility for a pocket passer. He doesn’t have anything close to the arsenal of receivers he had in Denver, but he can still make everyone around him better – especially Greg Olsen.
The Bears’ rushing attack is in good hands too, thanks to tough back Matt Forte, who was a workhorse in his rookie season. The defense is still dominant against the run but was brutal against the pass last year, allowing 241 yards per game. However, it should be better this year, as the secondary won’t be nearly as tired with a better offense turning over the ball less. The veteran unit led by Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs will get the job done.
There’s nothing to really dislike about the Bears either; it’s almost a tossup between them and the Vikes.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Odds to win NFC North: +190
Brett Favre is quickly becoming a forgotten (and hated?) man in Green Bay, largely because Aaron Rodgers proved himself last season. Though he had some late-game hiccups, he was one of the league’s top passers last year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. With Greg Jennings locked up and tough-as-nails Donald Driver still serviceable, the Packers will score points again, though they’ll need a better rushing effort from big Ryan Grant.
If the Packers want to contend with the Vikes and Bears, they’ll need an answer for Peterson and Forte, as their run defense was brutal in 2008. General Manager Ted Thompson addressed that need with a boatload of solid draft picks, including tackle B.J. Raji.
The Pack have a good young core and their future is bright, but they may not quite be ready to compete with the North’s big guns.
DETROIT LIONS
Odds to win NFC North: +2000
Only +2000 to win the North? After going 0-16? It’s a steal! Seriously, though, you clearly have to avoid Detroit like the plague in your sports picks this season.
We can at least say help is on the way in Motown. New head coach Jim Schwartz will immediately improve the interior defense and offseason acquisitions like linebacker Julian Peterson and cornerback Anthony Henry should help.
After boosting Georgia’s NCAA football odds for a few seasons, Matthew Stafford lands in Detroit as the No. 1 overall draft pick. On one hand, we shouldn’t expect him to pull a Joe Flacco or Matt Ryan in year one with the terrible Lions. On the other hand, Flacco and Ryan didn’t have Calvin “Megatron” Johnson to throw to.
Things are looking up in Detroit! They may actually win a game in 2009. I’m betting management would be happy with that.
2009 NFC North Prediction:
Like the NFC East, the North is exciting because it offers at least three teams with real shots to win the division. You can’t be faulted for picking any of the top three, but the smart money is on the Vikings. They have the youngest, best defense, the most powerful running game and, if Brett Favre signs, a good enough passing attack to win. If Favre doesn’t sign, it’s worth taking a second look at Chicago’s odds.
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As Always Comments Are Welcome Below!!!
3 replies on “2009 NFC North Lines / NFL Preview”
Sorry Poolside I’m goin against you here. I know all the $$ is coming in on the Vikings but that’s exactly why I’m taking the Packers!!! Shock the world with that pick didn’t i?
Personally I see Jay Cutler and the Bears getting it done in the NFC North.
Adrian Peterson too tall!?
dumb dumb dumb…kids been doing this since grade school. Best back since Walter and his height is not a factor and never will.
Stop looking for reasons he wont be the best back in history.