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NFL Predictions: 2014 Winners and losers

By Bryan Gibberman

Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Colisuem. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Colisuem. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

NFC North 

1st Place- Green Bay Packers

2nd Place- Minnesota Vikings

3rd Place- Detroit Lions

4th Place- Chicago Bears

 The Packers were able to make the playoffs in 2013 and Aaron Rodgers only started nine games. They were 6-2 when he played the majority and Seneca Wallace didn’t throw more passes than him. Not only does Green Bay have an elite quarterback, but he’s also surrounded by really good skill position players — Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Eddie Lacy. They also have depth behind these studs to overcome injuries. Whether the Pack are a playoff team or a Super Bowl contender depends on the defense. Green Bay was ranked 29th in defensive DVOA last season. Throw back years from linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers along with development from some of their young defensive lineman is necessary for a deep run into the playoffs.

The best way to get around average to below average quarterback play is to have high level talent at the skill positions, offensive line and a good defense. On offense, I’m confident the Vikings have the tools to hide quarterback Matt Cassell or rookie Teddy Bridgewater if they eventually decide to go in that direction. Adrian Peterson is still one of the top running backs in football, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is a unique talent entering his second season and tight end Kyle Rudolph should shine underneath new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. That’s the type of talent you can overcome a QB with.

This is going to sound weird, but despite picking the Lions third if I were to pick one team to win the division not named the Packers, it would be them. Under head coach Jim Schwartz Detroit was consistently one of the most undisciplined defensive teams in the NFL racking up the penalties. Schwartz is gone, replaced by Jim Caldwell, which wasn’t one of my favorite coach hires of the offseason. Caldwell needs to get the defense to play more disciplined football to help the Lions become a more stable team.

I love the Bears offense. I hate the Bears defense. This isn’t groundbreaking analysis as most would agree with this conclusion. Chicago should have a top five offense built around quarterback Jay Cutler, wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery plus running back Matt Forte. Head coach Marc Trestman had Chicago finish sixth in DVOA last season despite it being his first year on the job. How the Bears will improve a defense that ranked 31st in DVOA is a question I don’t have an answer to.

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