NFC North Odds

Thanks to rampant Brett Favre speculation-will he or won't he retire?-most sportsbooks have taken NFC North lines off the board for the moment. So how does it all shake down? Either way, the Vikings and Packers should still be the cream of the crop.

The Green Bay Packers are quickly growing into a chic championship pick (10/1 Super Bowl odds at Bodog). Much of the credit belongs to the offense, which was lights out last year. Aaron Rodgers has developed into one of the league's top five passers, and there's no reason to be believe he won't be as good-if not better-in 2010. Green Bay struggled with pass protection through the first eight games last season, largely contributing to a 4-4 start, but eventually Rodgers and the line settled down. Expect fire works on offense this year.

Defensively, there are some serious question marks. Johnny Jolly was crucial to the defensive line rotation, but he'll miss the year due to suspension (he could, in fact, be finished playing in the NFL). Cornerback is also a pressing concern. Charles Woodson enjoyed a fantastic campaign in 2009 but, considering his age, at least partial decline is to be expected. Al Harris is trying to come back from a devastating leg injury, but it doesn't look good. Overall, the secondary lacks depth-any more injuries and they're sunk.

The Minnesota Vikings, of course, are holding their breath over Favre's status. If he returns, the Vikes are legit title contenders; without him, things get dicey. As it stands, Minnesota has 14/1 odds to win the Super Bowl. With or without Favre, Minnesota will employ one of the best playmaking groups in the NFL. Adrian Peterson is a dominant back, while Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin cause nightmare match ups in the passing ame.

The "D" is quite good. Pat and Kevin Williams are beasts in the middle, clogging up lanes and helping snuff out the run. Minnesota is also adept at stopping the pass, largely because of the pass rush, led by Jared Allen. Ultimately, if Favre returns under center, the Vikings should be elevated to top-five Super Bowl contender status.

After a disappointing start to the Jay Cutler era, the Chicago Bears are hoping for a turnaround in 2010. Cutler was much ballyhooed when he was brought in from Denver, but the young quarterback was mistake prone through most of the year. Now, he'll get a chance to work with Mike Martz. Cutler should certainly improve under Martz's tutelage, though the running game will probably become an after thought.

The Bears have regressed on defense. Injuries and age have chipped away at the unit, which allowed 23.4 points per game this season, just 21st in the league. The team made an effort to improve its pass rush with Julius Peppers. The former Panthers defensive end has notched double digit sacks in six of his eight seasons. Peppers is inconsistent, though, and Chicago needs him at 100 percent for the full year if they're going to improve on defense.

Though the Detroit Lions struggled again in 2009, there are many signs of brighter things to come. The discussion begins with Matthew Stafford, who looked like a natural talent and leader as a rookie. He'll lead an offense that's suddenly not so thin; Calvin Johnson is one of the most explosive receivers in the league, while rookie running back Javid Best is an excellent home run hitter. If those two stay healthy-a big if, especially in Best's regard-Detroit should put up a healthy number of points this season.

The defense remains a work in progress. Drafting Ndamukong Suh second overall will certainly help. He's a disruptive force in the middle of the "D" and should free up other linemen and linebackers to make big plays. The Lions may not be playoff bound, but they seem very much on their way to respectability in 2010.