Future Odds
NFC North Betting Lines
Here are the odds at Bodog to win the NFC North division
Chicago Bears 3/1
Detroit Lions 6/1
Green Bay Packers 7/4
Minnesota Vikings 7/5
Chicago Bears - 2007 record 7-9
The off-season for the Bears did not go well to begin with, but now the team signed LB Brian Urlacher and KR Devin Hester to long term contracts and they jettisoned troubled RB Cedric Benson. Even though things are looking up in the Windy City the team still needs to find a QB. Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton are competing for the starting job, but neither will instill fear in opposing defenses. Even though this is the case they did not draft a QB even though there were several available. The Bears also have problems with their offensive line, as they gave up 43 sacks last year. They addressed that need by drafting OT Chris Williams (#14 overall) and he should help, but it may not be enough. The Bears D slipped and ranked 28th last year and was especially weak against the pass. Urlancher and Hester are happy with hefty new contracts, but there are still many question marks on both sides of the ball.
Detroit Lions - 2007 record 7-9
The Lions missed the playoffs yet again in 2007 and the team has many problems, one of which is the GM Matt Millen and the mistakes he continues to make running the team. The Lions used their 2nd round pick on a projected 5th round pick (OLB/ILB Jordan Dizon #45 overall) and their weak secondary was retooled with new players, none of which are legit stars. QB Jon Kitna played well and to compete in the tough NFC North RB's Tatum Bell and rookie Kevin Smith (#64 overall) have to play well. The Lions D ranked dead last in 2007, but their new secondary can't be worst than last year. The Lions can score, but can they keep other teams from scoring more? That is the question in Motor City coming into the 2008 season.
Green Bay Packers - 2007 record 13-3
The Brett Favre saga has been the headlines in Green Bay, as the team handed the starting QB job to Aaron Rodgers. Favre is seeking a trade to another team and RB Ryan Grant has not reported to camp yet, as he seeks a long-term contract. The Packers have a solid team and their D is legit ranking 11th last year. They used their 1st round pick on WR Jordy Nelson and their 2nd round pick on QB Brian Brohm. Their secondary was solid last year, but both CB's Charles Woodson and Al Harris were burned in the NFC Championship game loss to the Giants. Grant needs to be re-signed and the Favre situation needs to be taken care of so the Packers can get down to business. If Rodgers plays well the Pack have a good chance to win the NFC North again.
Minnesota Vikings - 2007 record 8-8
In Minnesota QB Tavaris Jackson is the key to their season. If Jackson plays well the Vikes can challenge for the NFC North and may be a dark horse to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Vikings were especially weak against the pass last year, but the trade for 2007 sack leader Jered Allen should help. RB Adrian Peterson is only in his second year, but he is already one of the premier backs in the league. The Vikings ranked 20th on defense last year and needs to improve in 2008. The receiving corps of the Vikes is a concern, as there are no big names catching the ball. They need to play well so opposing teams only focus on stopping Peterson. The Vikes have question marks on both sides of the ball, but they also have talent, so if they team clicks they can be a legit contender.
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