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NFL: Forecasting the NFC North

By Carlos Nazario

Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (L) and wide receiver Brandon Marshall (R) talk prior to a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (L) and wide receiver Brandon Marshall (R) talk prior to a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers: 11-5

The Packers are the class of the NFC North. With Rodgers at the helm, you have to go with them. The questions are too big for Cutler in Chicago and Stafford and Suh in Detroit to confidently pick one of them to dethrone the Cheeseheads.

On offense, Rodgers will continue his mastery of throwing the football. This season, though, he will also have a good running game to help him. Eddie Lacy did not play much together with Rodgers last season due to both being injured during the season. With both healthy this season, defenses won’t be able to play back and prevent Rodgers from getting big plays like they did with Lacy out, and they won’t be able to put eight in the box to prevent Lacy from getting big runs either.

Expect Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb to have big years. Also, Jarrett Boykin, who filled in well in Cobb’s absence last season, will get a chance as the third receiver.

What could hurt the Packers is their offensive line. Center J.C. Tretter fractured his knee, so rookie Corey Linsley will take over for him. Also, Don Barclay suffered a torn ACL, so the protection for Rodgers may break down.

On defense, the Packers suffered a big loss when B. J. Raji tore his biceps in the third preseason game. Outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who missed some time last season due to two breaking his right thumb twice, is expected to be fully healthy to start the season. With the addition of Peppers, those two can have monster seasons.

The Packers drafted Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to solidify the safety position. They also made signing Sam Shields a priority. With the quality quarterbacks and receivers in the division, Shields can cover the best and he has the football IQ to jump passes. Tramon Williams had a very good second half last season, and if he can continue that this season, the Packers could have an excellent cornerback duo.

As I said, until someone could answer the questions the Bears and Lions have, the Packers look to win their fourth consecutive division title.

Even though the Packers will probably win the NFC North, I expect the Bears to win a Wild Card berth, and they will win their first game and go further in the playoffs than Green Bay.

Whatever really happens, this will be one fun division to follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIwvx7p9xyg

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