NFL Preview: NFC North

The NFC North looks to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this upcoming season. With Brett Favre gone, it may also be the division with the least amount of proven talent at the quarterback position. Here is a look at each team:

#1: Green Bay Packers

Last year's division champions are starting a new chapter in their history as the Aaron Rodgers era is set to begin. The Pack's offense will likely be more run-oriented as the first-time starter is eased into the starting role. How he performs will be key in determining just how good Green Bay will be this year. The defense should be solid again as not much has changed in terms of personnel on that side of the ball. Packer fans would be thrilled with another 13-3 season. It is unlikely; however if Rodgers can limit his mistakes, the defense and running game is strong enough to give the Packers a chance to win the division.

#2: Minnesota Vikings

After a transcendent season by rookie Adrian Peterson turned the Vikings' running game into a dominant force and the addition of Pat Williams made them very difficult to run against, Minnesota looked to address their remaining weaknesses this offseason. Adding Jared Allen should upgrade a pass defense that was far inferior to the run defense last year.. Newcomer Bernard Berrian will also provide a deep threat that has been sorely missing ever since the departure of Randy Moss. However the key to the season in Minnesota will be the development of QB Tarvaris Jackson. The organization has put their faith in him, and his decision-making is said to be much-improved. With solid play from the QB position, the Vikes loom as a potential powerhouse. After a dismal 2-5 start last year, they still managed to finish 8-8, winning five straight games at one point. Anything less than double-digit wins this year would be a disappointment.

#3: Chicago Bears

The good news out of Chicago is Rex Grossman will NOT be the starter at QB. It has been painful watching Lovie Smith "stand by his man" week after week as Grossman consistently made bone-headed plays that jeopardized the Bears' chances of winning games. Kyle Orton has embraced the term "game manager" (i.e. promised not to take stupid risks that step outside the gameplan) and will focus primarily on keeping the offense on the field for as long as possible, which means lots of runs. The key for this team as it has been for the last few years is the health of the defense. When everyone is available, this is still one of the best defenses in the NFL. Another interesting story is the development of Devin Hester at WR. The organization is excited about his potential at the position and he could give the offense another boost.

#4: Detroit Lions

The Lions are likely bringing up the rear of this division. They do have a lot of young talent on offense, including rookie Kevin Smith, who will have a great opportunity to make a name for himself as they look to run more this season. 36-year-old Jon Kitna returns at QB. They may want to start developing a replacement. The backup QB's, Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton, are 25 and 24. If the Lions get off to a bad start, Kitna's season could be done early. With Atlanta and San Francisco being 2 of their first 3 regular season matchups, Detroit does have a chance to get some wins and keep hope alive for a while at least. However, the inexperience and lack of top-flight talent on defense, is going to make it difficult for the Lions to contend for the playoffs.