As training camp has emerged creating a vast set of emotions of both hope for rookies and redundant routines for veterans, it is never to early to began the rampant speculations surrounding the issue of how the teams will look in the standings come season end. Through my knowledge of the sport and teams, as well as careful analysis of recent off-season acquisitions and losses, I have come up with a forecast of how I expect each team to finish in its respective division. This week I will tackle the NFC North with the impression that it is the most volatile division as truthfully any of the four teams have a shot at making the playoffs.

Beginning with last year's division champ, the Chicago Bears, I feel that the team's situation last season was a fluke. You may argue that the defense is second to none and with a [hopefully] full year of Rex Grossman the Bears will be in contention again to not only win the division but contend for the Lombardi Trophy. While this may be the case I am a strong advocate of momentum and looking at the Bear's playoff game last January I believe the defense will struggle occasionally such as during that game and cause this team to lose more games then win. Already problems off the field with players such as Roy Manning, I consider that situations such as these will cause distractions for a team that has a coach who can be argued as soft in some cases. Also, since Chicago did win the division the Bear's schedule will be harder as well, having to play both the Giants and Panthers: potential Super bowl contenders. Playing also the NFC West with teams that rely on high offensive power, I can see some of that offense beating up on the Bear's defense causing a few losses there as well. Overall while I do not see the Bears completely falling in the NFC North I do see them faltering some which puts them in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.

Now with Mike Tice, Culpepper, and hopefully the reminiscences of the Love Boat scandal gone the Minnesota Vikings hope to make a serious run back to the playoffs. The team did add some quality in terms of the offensive line with Steve Hutchinson, but the big key to look at here is the Vikings have quite a problem surrounding the rest of the offense. With the players of Brad Johnson, Troy Williamson, and Chester Taylor replacing the likes of Daunte Culpepper, Nate Burleson, and Michael Bennet, there is little hope that a team of this caliber can reach the playoffs when it already missed the playoffs last year with these players and barely made it two years ago with a healthy Culpepper and Moss. You can argue that a change of direction is good for the team and to a certain extent it is in the form of chemistry, but to honestly say that the change will dramatically help the team in terms of wins and losses is a little to eager. Minnesota will have a sub .500 record this season.

Going from Minnesota to Detroit, I see a decent difference in the style of play which will ultimately lead to a similar result. While Minnesota can be commended on its decent defense, Detroit can be applauded for its stellar offense. With its three wide receivers taken in the first round for three continuous years along with a running back in Kevin Jones who has seemed to have solidified his status in the NFL, the Lions look like it might make a run for the division. I would even go to say that brining in Jon Kita was an excellent move as he is underrated especially juxtaposed to Joey Harrington. However, the defense is still shaky and calls for concern especially when a new head coach is brought in to help mold the situation and bring cohesion potentially costing a few games. Even though the Lions were third last year, Detroit is still going to have to face teams of Atlanta and Dallas who will both be in contention with their respective strong offensive support. Sad to say it will be another tough season for Lion fans.

Now you may be saying to yourself that this guy has been negative for 3 of 4 of the teams in the NFC North and must be expecting the Packers to have a huge year. If you were ascertaining this thought, kudos to you. For analyzing the Packers it is important that you look at its schedule. The Packers have six games against the Lions, Vikings, and Bears who I believe are all mediocre (see above). The Packers also play the AFC East division which I believe is also very weak allowing them to go 3-1 potentially losing only to the Patriots. Next the Packers play the Saints and Eagles, and while both have chances of contending I see Green Bay as the stronger team in both matches. Now the hardest part of the Packer's schedule is facing the NFC West. Unfortunately the Packers got the division when 3 out of the 4 teams are possible contenders. I say Green Bay will go 2-2 beating the Cardinals and 49ers allowing for an overall 12-4 record. Now as for the team itself I believe Green Bay made good upgrades during the off-season which along with the easy schedule will allow Green Bay to win the division. While the Packers did lose Jim Bates and Mike Sherman, I do believe the Packers' player changes are efficient along with the additional of Mike McCarthy allowing for an even better season defensively. Now assuming all of the core players stay injury free, players like Carroll will have a solid season as more pressure is off them contributing for a better performance. The Packer's CBs, and LBs are pretty good with the addition of Woodson, Hawk, and Taylor, and I think both Collins and Manuel are going to have solid seasons as well with the defensive line. In terms of offense, I agree there are weak spots in relation to the offensive line, but I have faith in the receivers (Cory Rogers will surprise people), and as long as Favre does not have too many goof ups the Packers will be in contention to at least win the division.

Final Season Standings (*demonstrates making the playoffs):
1.*Green Bay: 12-4
2.Chicago: 7-9
3.Minnesota: 6-10
4.Detroit: 4-12