2015 NFL Predictions: NFC North
This is part of an ongoing 8-part series predicting the 2015 NFL season.
Making these predictions are a headache. It’s almost futile to say who is “good” and who is “bad” at this point in the season, but I will give it a reasonable shot.
NFC North Prediction
- Packers*
- Vikings*
- Lions
- Bears
This is still the Packers division to lose. Losing Jordy Nelson will cause the Pack to blink, but any team with Aaron Rodgers at the helm should weather the storm. I’m not a fan of the Packers defense, but if they were an extraordinary series of events away from playing the Super Bowl last year. A return to the NFC title game is the expectation in Title Town.
Adrian Peterson‘s return instantly vaults the Vikings into the playoffs. They are easily the most-improved team on both sides of the ball, with Teddy Bridgewater playing phenomenally down the stretch last season. A healthy Kyle Rudolph, the trade for Mike Wallace and any positive contribution from Cordarrelle Patterson can’t hurt.
In the last 3 drafts, the Vikings have placed emphasis on defense. Of their top 3 picks the last 3 years, 7 of those 9 have been defensive players: Bridgewater and Patterson were the only 2 offensive players selected. In 2013, the Vikes took Sharrif Floyd and Xavier Rhodes, who figures to be one of the top 5 corners in the league. Last year they selected highly-touted LB Anthony Barr and this year took Trae Waynes, Eric Kendricks, and Danielle Hunter. You’d have to think the offense is set and the defense is ready to breakout at any moment.
That’s why I have to say sorry to Detroit fans. I feel the defense is regressing and last season was lost, mostly with the lost of Calvin Johnson who enters the “old man” age of 30 this month. That’s not to say he still can’t dominate, and attempted double teams will open up opportunities for Golden Tate, who exploded when Megatron was injured last year. However, looking around the division, Rodgers and Bridgewater, get the nod over Matthew Stafford, and I’m convinced the loss Ndamukong Suh will hurt immensely.
Finally, John Fox arrives in Chicago to a team that’s always in a state of change. On his 7th offensive coordinator in 10 years, it’s no wonder Jay Cutler is so inconsistent. He may also be without 1st round pick, WR Kevin White, for the entire season. Alshon Jeffery is a fabulous player who has been dealing with a calf injury for most of the preseason. Cutler will need him to help open the game up for Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett, or this could be a long season for the Bears, who have a defense that’s not really worth talking about either. While I think Fox will have a more stable squad than Marc Trestmann did, I’m not sure 2015 is going to be their year.
