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| Green Bay still leads the pack, but the Lions are catching up. |
Why They'll Be Better - Green Bay made a championship run after suffering some bad injuries, and now they get those key players back.Ryan Grant and T.J. Lang will give the Packers a boost, but I'm most excited to see the return of Jermichael Finley. By December, he could jump to the top of the tight end ranks.
Why They'll Be Worse - The departure of Cullen Jenkins was the only blot on an otherwise steady offseason for the Packers. Aaron Rodgers' history of concussions might be the only red flag on a team with the fewest holes in the league.
My Prediction - Typically, if a team wins the Super Bowl, it then loses in free agency. Its players want to be rewarded for their victory, and other teams are willing to overpay them for some of that championship mojo. Yet, the Packers are better now than they were when they hoisted the Lombardi trophy. And with only three seasons under his belt, Rodgers still has room for improvement. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
2. Detroit Lions
Why They'll Be Better – The Lions are this year’s pick du jour to rise from doormat to dominator. With Calvin Johnson, Jahvid Best and Brandon Pettigrew, a healthy Matthew Stafford could lead Detroit to their first winning season in 11 years.
Why They’ll Be Worse – Stafford’s injuries doesn’t explain the Lions poor defense over the past two years. If Ndamukong Suh and company can’t get to the quarterback, Detroit’s subpar secondary will once again be exposed.
My Prediction – The Lions share a lot of similarities with the Browns. Both are historically disappointing franchises that have surrounded an apparent franchise quarterback with a promising young nucleus. But, unlike the Browns, the Lions are one of only 11 franchises to return with the same head coach, coordinators, and starting quarterback as last season. That stability in a lockout-shortened offseason will be what pushes Detroit over the playoff hump.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Why They’ll Be Better – Despite losing Ray Edwards in free agency, Minnesota’s defensive front seven remains strong with Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and some emerging linebackers in Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson.
Why They’ll Be Worse – It won’t be hard for Donovan McNabb to top the poo poo platter of Joe Webb, Tavaris Jackson and Brett Favre’s corpse. But I think McNabb’s decline last year had less to do with being on the Redskins and more to do with being away from Andy Reid. Don’t hold your breath for a renaissance.
My Prediction – In recent years, most notably with the acquisitions of Jared Allen and Brett Favre, the Vikings went all-in to win a Super Bowl. That bet busted last year, and now we get to see the aftermath. With an aging roster and a rookie quarterback waiting in the wings, this rebuilding project will not be pretty.
4. Chicago Bears
Why They’ll Be Better – Jay Cutler’s demeanor aside, this will be his second season in the Mike Martz offense. Reports are that the controversial quarterback made big efforts to improve his footwork and mechanics in the offseason.
Why They’ll Be Worse – I’m not sure there’s a person in Chicago who can explain to me why the Bears are relying on Roy Williams to be their number one wide receiver. In seven years, he has one season with over 850 yards.
My Prediciton – If you’re looking for a team from last year’s playoffs who won’t make a return trip this year, the Bears are your number one suspect. Rookie right tackle Gabe Carimi won’t save an awful offensive line, and improvements by the Lions and Vikings will drop Chicago from first to worst in the NFC North.
Up next, the NFC South.
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