While Favre Watch 2010 managed to steal some of the spotlight away from the NBA/WWE free agency extravaganza and its eventual hatred (kinda like when Richard won Survivor), a lot of people were asking the same question: 'what will happen to the NFC North without Brett?' Well, we won't have to answer that question this year as Favre returns to the Vikings for another two games against his beloved Packers. At least for Green Bay fans this may turn out to be sweet revenge as Aaron Rodgers is poised to be this year's top quarterback (yep, over Drew Brees) and the Pack seem bound for the playoffs yet again and, dare I say, Super Bowl XLV. Here's how I see the NFC North finishing up in a Favrian world.
1. Green Bay Packers 13-3
2. Minnesota Vikings 10-6
3. Chicago Bears 6-10
4. Detroit Lions 2-14
I really think Aaron Rodgers has the tools to lead Green Bay to a great season this year. Greg Jennings had a bit of an off year last year, where aged veteran Donald Driver seemed to pick up the slack when necessary, but don't expect his numbers to be that low again. Jennings came up big several times in 2009, including catching for 130 yards in the highest scoring postseason game of all time. I also see young tight end Jarmichael Finley, a third round draft pick from 2008, becoming a key target for Rodgers. The main issue will be keeping some of its defensive momentum from 2009. I don't see a repeat of the numbers they put up last year, but if they maintain near those levels, the offense should provide the balance that delivers a thirteen win team.
Minnesota is a big question mark for me. I mean, the defense took a dip last year, and health issues surround not only Sidney Rice, who will miss most of the season with an injury, but Percy Harvin as well and his migraines. Adrian Peterson's numbers should remain consistent, but honestly, how long is Favre going to be able to produce playoff caliber seasons at his age? I say he could very well do it this year in typical Brett fashion, winning a few close games down the stretch to keep Minnesota in the running, especially once Rice returns. The big thing for both Green Bay and Minnesota is that the other teams in their division, the Bears and the Lions, despite their menacing names, are quite tame.
Everyone seems to be placing Chicago's hopes on new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's shoulders, but seriously, I don't see him performing magic for a third time. The tools are there, and the Bears' record could easily flip to 10-6 from 6-10 given Martz's track record with the Rams ('99), the Lions ('06), and the 49ers ('08), especially if Forte has a top ten rushing year which he is totally capable of. Right now though, given their 2009 performance and the reliance of the passing game on completely unproven receivers, I feel like this could be another disappointing year for Bears' fans.
The Lions, however, have fans that will not be disappointed, but rather expectant of a dismal season. Detroit is definitely in a rebuilding phase, and the addition of Suh to the defense is a plus, but Stafford's first season at the helm of a previously 0-16 team resulted in just two wins. Well, I would be surprised if they added any more to that total this year and predict another 2-14 season in 2010. It's sad, but hopefully with a few more top draft picks and a few more years of building together, by 2014 this Lions' team could be one you won't wanna mess with.
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