Previewing the NFC North: Can Anyone Dethrone Green Bay?

First of all, in assessing the NFC North, I’m assuming Aaron Rodgers will be wearing the green and gold in 2021. So, I’m sticking with the Packers to stay on top barring injuries. The Bears and Vikings are formidable and have a chance to make some noise and maybe make the playoffs. And then there is Detroit who can’t get out of their own way. They are rebuilding again and is anyone surprised?

Ranking the Positions and Coaches:

Quarterback: 1. Green Bay, 2. Minnesota, 3. Detroit, 4. Chicago

Running Backs: 1. Minnesota, 2. Green Bay, 3. Chicago, 4. Detroit

Receivers: 1. Minnesota, 2. Green Bay, 3. Chicago, 4. Detroit

Offensive Line: 1. Green Bay, 2. Detroit, 3. Minnesota, 4. Chicago

Defensive Line: 1. Chicago, 2. Minnesota, 3. Detroit, 4. Green Bay

Linebackers: 1. Chicago, 2. Minnesota, 3. Green Bay, 4. Detroit

Secondary: 1. Green Bay, 2. Minnesota, 3. Chicago, 4. Detroit

Coaching: 1. Green Bay, 2. Minnesota, 3. Chicago, 4. Detroit

Green Bay seems to have enough coming back to win this division again. Rodgers was as good as ever last season and there is no sign of him slowing down. He is 1-4 in NFC Championship Games and that can’t be denied though. The Packers have tradition and a tough home field advantage and were 5-1 in divisional games.

Minnesota is looking to rebound from a 7-9 season in 2020. They took strides in the offseason to improve what Coach Mike Zimmer said was a terrible defense. They need Kirk Cousins to play the entire season like he did the final 10 games last year. They have the best running back in the division and are strong in other areas. They have a very difficult schedule to deal with however.

The Bears are iffy at quarterback as they will start the season with veteran Andy Dalton who played well in Dallas last year. They are solid at running back and receiver and their defense is formidable. But, can Dalton make the big play when they need it?

There really is nothing very positive to say about the Lions. Their new coach hasn’t ever been a coordinator and nobody else interviewed him for a head coaching job. He has assembled a good staff and maybe he is a diamond in the rough. Detroit is due for some good luck.