1. Green Bay Packers: In Matt LaFleur’s first two seasons as coach, the Packers have won the NFC North and had first-round byes in the playoffs. Also, they’ve made it to back to back NFC conference title games. The Packers are 26-6 in their last two seasons. It’s easy to see why they would be the favorites to win their division again. However, their season hinges on one thing: What will Aaron Rodgers do? In April, the veteran quarterback announced he wanted out of Green Bay. With him, the Packers run away with this division. Without him, they’re nowhere near the top of the North. As I’ve told several people, this situation is only going to get uglier before it gets better. I can’t wait to see what comes of this situation. Here’s my question for you: Will Aaron be in a Packer uniform come week one?
2. Chicago Bears: Last season was a weird year for them. They got off to a quick start, lost games, won games and still got into the playoffs with an 8-8 mark. The defense has been the engine of this team. It’s the offense that’s been holding them back. The team decided to part ways with Mitchell Trubisky in the off-season. In March, they signed Andy Dalton to a one-year deal. The Bears were big time winners in the NFL Draft this April. They swapped picks with the New York Giants and selected their quarterback of the future! Justin Fields out of Ohio State. While Andy Dalton has been announced the starting quarterback entering camp, I have a feeling Justin will be starting for the Bears by week four. This is a make or break year for Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Their main issue in 2020 was the inability to remain consistent. That was their Achilles heel. However, their offense wasn’t the issue. The Vikings averaged 27 points a game which was ranked 11th in the league. They also averaged 393 yards per contest which was ranked fourth in the league. Everyone wants to criticize Kirk Cousins. He actually put together a nice year last season. Kirk threw 35 touchdown passes. My biggest takeaway was Dalvin Cook. When he’s healthy, he’s a difference maker for this offense. The one concern I have is their defense. I’m shocked they played so poorly last season, especially with Mike Zimmer being a defensive minded guy. If both sides of the ball are clicking, this is a playoff team. The Vikings go as far as Kirk Cousins takes them.
4. Detroit Lions: There was some activity from them in the off-season. First, they hired Dan Campbell as their new head coach to replace Matt Patricia. The Lions also made the first big trade by sending Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff. It shocked me. They also let Kenny Golladay walk in free agency. It’s safe to say the Lions are in full rebuild mode at this point. I’ll say I liked their first draft pick. They selected Penei Sewell from the University of Oregon. Watch the Lions run the football until Goff is on the same page with his receivers, whoever they could be.
2021 Predictions
1. Packers (12-5)**
2. Vikings (9-8)
3. Bears (8-9)
4. Lions (2-15)
There’s a lot of uncertainty in this division. We have no idea if Aaron Rodgers will be wearing a Packers uniform. If he does return, this is the Packers division to take once again. With number 12, they are a lock to win the NFC North (This is why I put the asterisks by their record because of the unknown). If Rodgers doesn’t come back, I see this division coming down to the Vikings and Bears. All this will be interesting to watch how it all unfolds and pans out.
