2012 NFL Predictions: NFC North Division Vegas Odds, Free Picks and Projections: The NFC North used to be about cold weather, power running and nasty defenses, but those days are long gone. The division now contains some of the top passing attacks in the NFL, and any team hoping to win the NFC North better be able to put points on the board. The division has been one of the strongest in the league the last two years, sending two teams to the postseason in each year with the Green Bay Packers winning the Super Bowl two seasons ago. The NFC North figures to have a shot at sending at least two teams to the playoffs once again this season, and here is a look at how the division stacks up in 2012.
2012 NFL Predictions: NFC North Division Vegas Odds, Picks and Projections
1. Green Bay Packers (Prediction: 12-4)
After winning the Super Bowl in 2011-12, the Packers steamrolled through the 2012 regular season, only to be bounced from the playoffs without winning a game. However, defending MVP Aaron Rodgers is back, along with his arsenal of weapons in the passing game, and Green Bay could easily lead the NFL in scoring again this year. Scoring points and winning regular season games won’t be an issue, but if the Packers want to win more than just a division title this year, their defense needs to get back to putting pressure on opposing QBs and forcing turnovers. Rookies Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy should provide the boost Green Bay’s pass rush needs, and veterans like Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews should take care of the rest. Look for another special season out of the Packers.
2. Detroit Lions (Prediction: 9-7)
The losing culture that Detroit has built over the years was shattered last season when the Lions made a rare trip to the playoffs. Former No. 1 pick Matthew Stafford finally got to show what he could do when healthy, and 41 touchdown passes later, it is clear that Detroit has found its franchise quarterback. The Lions also have the best receiver in the game in Calvin Johnson to stretch the field, but a myriad of injuries in the backfield will make this high-powered offense one dimensional once again. Of course, the bigger issue for Detroit will be stopping opponents from lighting up the scoreboard. Despite having an excellent pass rush and opportunistic secondary, this defense gives up way too many big plays. Detroit will contend for a playoff spot, but this group isn’t ready to challenge for the division title just yet.
3. Chicago Bears (Prediction: 9-7)
Trading for receiver Brandon Marshall will finally give Chicago a true playmaker in the passing game, and his history with quarterback Jay Cutler bodes well for the Bears’ offense as a whole. What doesn’t bode well is a porous offensive line that allowed Cutler to get pounded on a repeated basis last season. Chicago collapsed when Cutler got injured last year, and if the line doesn’t protect him, the Bears are going to have issues. The defense still has stars like Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher, but the unit’s best days are behind it. Chicago has enough talent to contend for a playoff spot but dethroning the Packers to win the division is another story.
4. Minnesota Vikings (Prediction: 5-11)
Despite a 4-12 record last year, the Vikings can take solace in the fact that quarterback Christian Ponder looked better than expected and star running back Adrian Peterson recovered from a knee injury in record time. If Minnesota can find a way to incorporate freakishly athletic tight end Kyle Rudolph into the game plan, this offense will be a little dangerous. Unfortunately, the Vikings did little to upgrade a secondary that allowed the most touchdown passes in the NFL last season. With the quarterbacks and offenses that play in the NFC North, that is a recipe for another disastrous season in Minnesota.
2012 NFC North Division Odds
9051 CHI Bears +450
9052 DET Lions +500
9053 GB Packers -300
9054 MIN Vikings +2500
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