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With Training Camp nearly upon us, it's time for me to make my final record predictions for the only remaining division, the NFC North. But before I jump into record predictions, let's assess what each team can bring to their respective tables, going into the 2019 season.
The Packers certainly surprised many by making a splash in free agency, adding players like pass rushers Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, along with safety Adrian Amos. The Vikings still have one of the league's most stout defenses, especially after being able to convince star linebacker Anthony Barr to return, just after he had committed to the Jets.
Detroit made sure they weren't left out of the free agent frenzy, by adding cornerback Justin Coleman and star pass rusher Trey Flowers. Meanwhile, it seems to be business as usual for the Chicago Bears, as they still have one of the NFL's most prominent defenses, with Khalil Mack leading the way.
Based on everything mentioned, this could be one of the tougher divisions going into this season. Here's how I believe every NFC North team will fare, record-wise, in 2019!
#1 Chicago Bears: 11-5
Last season, NFL offenses took center stage and gave fans an abundance of performances that no one will forget in a trice. With star players such as Patrick Mahomes and Andrew Luck creating personalized highlight-reels on a weekly basis, the idea of having a dominant defense seemed to be put on the back-burner fairly quickly. Well, unless you were the Chicago Bears, that is. Behind this proponent group of players with Khalil Mack, Leonard Floyd, Roquan Smith, Kyle Fuller and others, they made sure the phrase 'dominant defense' went from being irrelevant, to relevant in a matter of weeks.
This was a defense that no one wanted to play, as they quickly climbed their way to becoming what many believed to be the scariest unit in the entire league. Behind now former DC Vic Fangio, Chicago's defense ranked 1st in points allowed per game with 17.7, 3rd in total yards allowed per game with 299, 7th in passing yards allowed per game with 219.7, and 1st in rushing yards allowed per game with 80.0.
The quality play and numbers for this defense last season is about as conclusive of evidence as you need to see. They are no laughing matter. And I haven't even mentioned the offense and its major improvements behind first-year head coach Matt Nagy. I have no concerns with this Bears' defense. I do, however, have yet to see Mitchell Trubisky take that 'next step' in becoming THE guy for Chicago. Now, that's not on an indictment on his potential. Trubisky's 24:12 TD:INT ratio and 95.4 QBR is pretty good, if you ask me. I would personally like to see that improve over time. And I think it will.
Here's the other thing, too, Trubisky doesn't have to be perfect. Where he lacks in arm strength he makes up for in mobility. The weapons on offense are in place, and the defense is arguably the best in football. It's simple: All Trubisky has to do is utilize what he's been given to his advantage, and the Bears could be legit Super Bowl contenders this season.
That said, I think there are other teams that currently are better suited at the quarterback position. Even still, I'm critical, not stupid. Picking the Bears to win their division is a foregone conclusion. They may not be the NFC's top seed, but look for them to win 11 games this season and still be one of the tougher teams to beat as well.
#2 Green Bay Packers: 10-6
I love what the Packers did this offseason. Green Bay, who've been reluctant to be big spenders in free agency since the start of the Aaron Rodgers era, finally went out and ACTUALLY gave Rodgers some help defensively. They added two pass rushing linebackers in Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, along with star safety Adrian Amos.
Amos, who's had three interceptions and a combined 274 tackles over his short stint with the Bears, is sure to bring those same elite talents to Lambeau Field this season.
Despite suffering what many thought to be a torn ACL during Week 1 last season, Rodgers overcame the knee injury and still managed to throw for over 4,000 yards and garner a 25:2 TD:INT ratio, too. If Rodgers can return to the field 100% healthy, especially with new offensive head coach Matt LeFleur at the helm, I fully expect him to be in the front-running for the MVP race this season.
Yes, the offense has been drastically improved compared to last season, and the defense finally has some big-time talent, but I don't think that'll be enough to dethrone the reigning NFC North champions Chicago Bears. Not yet, anyway. I do, however, expect the Packers to win at least ten games this season and make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
#3 Minnesota Vikings: 8-8
After a disappointing season, in which many people, myself included, expected the Vikings to be a playoff team, they finished the 2018 season with a very disappointing 8-7-1 record. Going into this season, their defense is still among the NFL's best, there's no denying that. However, I still have major concerns with their offensive line, despite drafting center Garrett Bradbury this past April.
The offensive line was, without a doubt, the Vikings' biggest issue last season. The group tied with division-rival Detroit Lions for surrendering the tenth-most sacks in 2018 with 40, which isn't exactly something to be proud of. Anyway, even behind a treacherous offensive line, Kirk Cousins still managed to throw for over 4,000 yards and garner a 30:10 TD:INT ratio with a 99.7 QBR.
Don't let these numbers fool you, though. Kirk Cousins had his fair share of struggles last season. Granted, the offensive line woes certainly didn't help Cousins. But, similar to Mitchell Trubisky, I think now's the time for Cousins to become that force multiplier the Vikings expect him to be, and ultimately prove that he is worth that 3-year, $84 million contract the team gave him two offseasons ago.
It pretty much goes without saying that the play of Kirk Cousins and this "improved" offensive line is going to be vital in the Vikings' amount of success this season. That said, I don't believe this line is improved enough to handle either Green Bay's, Chicago's, or Detroit's defenses this season. For these reasons listed above, I don't see the Vikings winning more than eight games this season.
#4 Detroit Lions: 7-9
The Lions have been longing for a playoff berth since 2016. Adding defensive end Trey Flowers could turn out to be a phenomenal move, should he be able to amass similar production from when he was in New England. Cornerback Justin Coleman is an intriguing addition, who should pair nicely with elite corner Darius Slay, too.
But I kind of feel like we as fans have the same song stuck in our heads titled: "Will Matt Stafford ever win a playoff game?" I mean, it's been over ten years since he was drafted #1 overall back in the 2009 draft. Granted, he didn't have the greatest amount of talent around him. Hell, he waited over five years before he finally got his first 1,000-yard rusher.
Even with the new additions, I just think we're looking at the same 7-win Lions team that we've been accustomed to seeing since the Matt Stafford tenure began. The Lions have some nice pieces, but the other three teams are light years ahead of them when we think about the overall depth and stability of their roster. For these reasons, I'd expect the Lions to win no more than seven games this season.
