Hope you all enjoyed my previous previews of the NFC East, South and West season win totals. In this article we will be breaking down the NFC North. Every team in this division has questions swirling around them about the quarterback position. Is Rodgers healthy? Was Mitch worth the 2nd pick in 2017? Was Kirk Cousins the right move in free agency? Will Matthew Stafford ever become elite? We won’t solve the mysteries in this article yet, but all 4 of those players will have a huge impact on their teams.
Chicago Bears, Over 6.5 (-150), Under 6.5 (+120)
Now this is a team I am excited to see step on the football field in 2018. New coach Matt Nagy is an offensive guru and I expect him to use all the weapons at his disposal to ensure Trubisky doesn’t feel the weight of needing to be the franchise quarterback right away. They added some serious talent with Allen Robinson, Roquan Smith, Trey Burton and got a steal in the draft with Anthony Miller. All of these weapons will join Jordan Howard, and I expect a big season out of Tarik Cohen. Weeks 1-4 include Packers (A), Seahawks, Cardinals (A) and the Bucs at home. They should start the season 2-2. Rough spot for the Bucs. A week 4 bye then the Dolphins (A), Patriots, Jets and Bills (A). Best case scenario is 3-1 worst case is 2-2. At the midpoint of the season they could be either 4-4 or 5-3. They then get the Lions, Vikings, Lions (A) and Giants (A) this is a tough stretch that could leave them 1-3. They wrap up the season with the Rams, Packers, 49ers (A) and Vikings (A). This stretch that could end with 1-3 record. I think this is a 7 win team with a lot of question marks. I will look to be on this team a lot when they are getting points.
Green Bay Packers, Over 10 (-105) Under 10 (-125)
The big question is will good Aaron Rodgers return back to full health. If so, this team is the team to beat in the NFC north simply because Rodgers can keep them in any game and is worth about 7 wins himself. The loss of Rodgers safety blanket Jordy Nelson will not hurt as much as people think with Jimmy Graham, an expanded role for Geronimo Allison and few rookie WR’s. Jaire Alexander and Wilkerson will step in immediately on defense and make an impact along with Packer faithful Clay Matthews and Nick Perry. They open up with Bears, Vikings, Redskins(A) and Bills. 3-1 to open the season is pretty certain but could be 4-0. Then the Lions(A), 49ers, Rams(A), Patriots(A). A tough stretch which could end in 2-2. Packers then take on the Dolphins, Seahawks(A), Vikings(A), Cardinals. They should go 3-1 in these games, They end the season with the Falcons, Bears (A), Jets(A) and Lions. They should end with 11 wins strong leans but avoiding the play. I am personally throwing a future on the Packers to win the NFC Championship at +400. Green Bay is a tough place to play in the winter and if they get home field I will take my chances with Rodgers.
Detroit Lions, Over 7 (-155), Under 7 (+125)
New coach, same old issues with the Lions. Can Matthew Stafford take the next step and become elite? They upgraded the OL with Frank Ragnow in round 1, free agent adds TJ Lang and Kenny Wiggins; Blount, Abdullah, and Riddick could form a great trio of RB’s to keep teams opposing defenses honest. Their wide receivers are good but not great. Let’s be real, Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay and Luke Wilson are good players but no defensive coordinator is losing sleep over the 4 of them. On Defense I could give this in-depth report but it would probably all be lies or filled with made up nonsense. On the other hand I do love Ziggy Ansah and wish him a great season. The Lion’s schedule is surprisingly tough this year. They open the season with the Jets, 49ers(A), Patriots and Cowboys. Best case scenario is 2-2 worst case is 1-3. Then they get the Packers, bye week, Dolphins (A), Seahawks, and Vikings. A brutal 4 games which could lead end 1-3. At the midpoint I have them at 3-5. Then they get the Bears(A), Panthers, Bears and Rams, I think they split the Bears games and end this stretch 1-3. The end the season with Cardinals(A), Bills(A) Vikings, and Packers which should be 2-2. I have this as 7-9 team. Not much value left at this number.
Minnesota Vikings, Over 10 (-125) Under 10 (-105)
The Vikings have all the pieces to the puzzle and were a great team last year even without a star quarterback or an above average running back. However, they had a great defense and the journeymen Case stepped in and lead that team all year-long to everyone’s surprise. They get what should be a major upgrade at QB with Kirk Cousins. Hopefully there will be a healthy return on Dalvin Cook and bring back solid playmakers like Diggs, Thielen and Kyle Rudolph. I believe they possess one of the best defenses all around with pro bowlers littered throughout. The schedule is tough with teams combined record of 133-123. The Vikings will play the 49ers, Packers(A) Bills and Rams(A). The worst case I believe should be 2-2 however 3-1 is doable. The Rams game is a tough spot for them since they will have revenge on mind with a trip to Philly in week 5. After Philly they play the Cardinals, Jets(A), and Saints, they should finish 3-1. At the midpoint I have them 6-2 or 5-3. Week 8 the Lions, bye week, Bears(A), Packers and Patriots(A). This should be a 2-2 stretch. They end the season with Seahawks(A), Dolphins, Lions, and Bears down the stretch is possible but the look for the Lions and Bears to try to play spoiler on home field advantage. I am all in on the Over 10.
