Ok, so I'm new here and I'm gonna jump in head first and start out with predictions for the league. I'm going to start with the NFC North, firstly because thats where my Lions play, and secondly because it is the easiest to predict since I'm almost positive there are going to be at least three losing records. The NFC North is like the NL West, not really relevant but teams gotta play somewhere.
Detroit Lions 6-10
This one hurts. I'd love to say the Lions are going to win 10 and make the playoffs for the first time in 4 billion years but it just will not happen. 8 of their games are against play off teams or should have been play off teams from last season. The Lions haven't done enough this off season to make a huge difference. Kitna is not the QB needed, and honestly Stanton isn't the QB Millen was dreaming of when he reached for him two years ago. I love the WRs for Detroit and the running game should be at least used this year if not improved. The defense isn't the best but if they play anything like they did the first half of last year they can make a difference. Lions out in 6. Again.
Chicago Bears 5-11
Chicago only has one weapon anymore and unfortunatly for them Devin Hester can't score EVERY time he touches the ball. The defense is not nearly as prolific as it was 2 years ago, and the offense is laughable. It is hard to say Detroit is better off on offense than anyone, but you have to admit Chicago is sad. The QB conundrum is a joke, it is a little like choosing between having your teeth pulled without being numbed and having your foot removed awake. Who wants either? They let the only two people capable of catching the ball leave, and brought in people who wouldn't start on other teams. I just don't see it this year Bears fans. So sorry.
Green Bay Packers 8-8
The Pack is good. Last year was amazing, and kudos to Brett for making such an amazing run. But that was last year. This year they are going to have to follow a man that they have seen ride pine for the past few years. Nothing against Rodgers but he is as yet unproven. I'm sure the Packers can pull off 8 wins pretty easily and I wouldn't be shocked to see them win more, but I just can't give them more looking at their schedule. They are lucky in the fact that their last four games are against, for the most part, losing teams. The Jags in week 15 are the only hitch in the end of the season road. Grant should have a great season as Rodgers works out the kinks and the defense is solid.
Minnesota Vikings 9-7
I'm giving the Vikes a 9-7 mostly for the fact that they play Chicago twice and that is a for sure two wins. The run defense is going to shut down Forte and that will make the Bears fall back on Gross/Orton. The Vikings have a huge question mark at QB that will put alot of pressure on AP, which is going to lead to an injury. The man is bound to get hurt with the cutting and jumping he does. The defense is going to hurt sometimes, but the D line can only do so much and I'm not enamored with the secondary on this team. Anytime a team that can pass well plays Minnesota they might have a more difficult time than before but I don't see them shutting down QBs like Manning (either of them) or Brees. It just won't happen.
So there you go. NFC North is done, with more to follow. Feel free to bash me, praise me, or just say hi.
hmmm... Not sure about the last section about the both Mannings vs Vikes, if my memory serves me correctly. The last two games (Giants vs Vikes) were at the Meadowlands Eli threw arond 7-8 int and had 3-4 returned for TD! Both of those games the Vikes destroyed the G men. I am looking forward to the end of the season game where the Vikes will play them again, this time at home and with a better team!
I agree with the rest of your blog from there on! Detroit will have their season, someday
I agree it is maybe the toughest schedule in the league. But wouldn't you have to agree that they have one of the best defenses in the league? That has to count for something, and with a very talented recieving corp who can go short and long, they will score. I think they go 4-2 in the division. you are predicting based on their schedule out of the divison. But they have a weak division aside from Minn. Chicago is down, and well the Lions cant stop anything. that means about 4-6 out of the divsion? That is a bold prediction for a very very talented team. 10-6, 9-7 at worst
people said the vikings last year, we remember last year for the vikings. Green Bay proved a lot last year. It was not Favre's show, it was teh Defense (who got a lot better as the young guys played) and teh recieving corps. Now with Grant, who many peopl say is going to be great, i am not set yet because it was one good year. But he hits the hole hard and runs uphill which gives him a better shot of doing well. I do not think htey lose much from Favre leacing, and im a Packer fan, that was hard for me to say. Viks Pack make playoffs Week 10 matchup decides the title in Minn.
brn I do give the Packers credit for a great season last year, but I just don't see a 13-3 season again. There is going to be a learning curve for Rodgers even though he did learn under one of the best. I can't see them having a losing season but 8-8 is as good as it gets. Besides the Lions always pull off at least one win against their division rivals, so as sad as they are they will offer at least one loss to the Pack.
Canyon I am a rabid Lions fan and not even I see a .500 season. I would like to see the Packers win 10 because I'd prefer them over the Vikes but I gotta go wth my gut here.
You have the NFC north down with fewer wins then most blogs I've seen. I disagree that One team may get 10 wins but agree that no other team will get double digit victories.
Its a weak division when Jon Kitna is the best QB in it. Going back to the black and blue days I guess...unfortunately, the Lions havent gotten that memo yet.(worst divison D)
Every prediction is pretty much the same bull. You guys & the media always pick who did good the year before and/or who finished strong. And every year you are proven WRONG! Usually you are wrong more than right. Did you pick the giants 2 win the super bowl? yeah no didn't think so. You probably wouldn't have picked them 2 win their division or even to make it 2 the playoffs. You remember the whole "Eli is a bum" thing the media was runnin. Yeah.
So here is an idea- try 2 b more bold and think for yourself instead of regurgitating the #### the media keeps spoon feeding you.
Oh and just in case anyone cares.... here is my bold prediction. Feel free 2 call me crazy because nobody on the NFL network predicted this.
#4 Minnesota. Defense will b good, no doubt but.. "T-Jack" sucks & Adrian(Bo)Peterson will get hurt again.. early. So if u cant score you can't win. That good/great defense will be worn down every game.
#3 Chicago. Now I don't think chicago is that bad. They blow up the QB thing 2 much. I think Rex can be good. The defense will be much better than last year. Closer to it's old form. What's hurts them is not enough explosive weapons and (sorry) bad coaching.
#2 Green Bay. The most important position in the game. Yep. Rodgers has done well in relief but this will be 100% different. He will struggle. That said the rest of the team is pretty good.
#1 Detroit. Best QB in the division. Best playmakers on offense(roy & calvin). Defense will be much improved. And I know this is a secret but im gunna tell you guys anyway.... the o-line is actually pretty good. Really. They looked bad in the system last year but better system now.
Ok stop laughing. Thats bold and I actually believe baby!
When my predictions come true you can all wash my balls.
cause they need washing.
Say what you want about my Bears but they are trying to build a Team. Not a rag tag bunch of over paid loners. Opting instead to go with people that know the playbook, none of that flashy free agent band aid on a gaping wound mess. Defense is back no more losses to Min & Det look for Bears in Wild Card AT WORST!
Greg Olsen break out season!!!!!!!!
