2016 NFC North Preview

(photo credit: withthefirstpick.com)

The NFC North has long been ruled by the Green Bay Packers. Ever since Aaron Rodgers became the starting quarterback in Green Bay, they've won the division almost every single time. Things changed last year, as the Minnesota Vikings took home the division crown. With Minnesota, and teams like the Chicago Bears that are improving, Green Bay will have a hard time getting back to the top of the division. 

Green Bay Packers 
The Packers didn't make many changes in the offseason, but getting players back fully healthy will help them get back to playing to their full potential. Jordy Nelson, their best receiver, was out for the entire season last year, and he will help Aaron Rodgers, and wide receiver Randall Cobb drastically. 

Rodgers had a tough time finding receivers last year, because other than Cobb, there weren't any legitimate weapons for him to throw too. Another big plus for Green Bay, is that running back Eddie Lacy has lost weight and is in good shape. Lacy's statistics had a big drop-off last year, but we can expect the Alabama alumni to return to full form next year. 

Minnesota Vikings
The NFC North champions last year would've had a chance to make it the Divisional Round, and Blair Walsh hadn't botched a game-winning kick against Seattle. Minnesota enters the new year playing in a different stadium, as they'll play at the brand new U.S Bank Stadium this season. The Vikings were paced by running back, Adrian Peterson, who was the league's leading rusher last year. Minnesota also was led by their quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who looks to build on a season where he made the Pro Bowl. They added LaQuan Treadwell in the draft, who will be Bridgewater's number one target. 

Chicago Bears
The Bears are in year two of the John Fox era, and Chicago seems to be built around its offense this year. Jay Cutler has seemed to finally reached his full potential, and he has the weapons to be one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Alshon Jeffery has blossomed into one of the better receivers in the NFL, and Kevin White will make his much anticipated debut after missing all of last year. Matt Forte has moved on to New York, but Jeremy Langford will finally take the reigns in the backfield. A shipshape defense might be a hinderance to an improving team. 

Detroit Lions
The Lions last made the playoffs in 2014, and it doesn't seem like they'll be making it back there anytime soon. With Calvin Johnson retiring, Matthew Stafford will have to rely on Marvin Jones and Golden Tate to be his top weapons. Detroit doesn't have much of a running game either, as Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick were unable to provide consistent production last year. With a below average defense, Detroit might be the cellar dwellers of the NFC North for yet another season. 

Projected order:
1. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
3. Chicago Bears (8-8)
4. Detroit Lions (6-10)