The NFC North has been a strong division that has fought to get two or more teams in the playoffs in the last few years. Last year both teams played against the Dallas Cowboys as the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers both played them with controversial endings. Green Bay then collapsed in the 2015 NFC Championship Game in the last five minutes as Seattle went to the Super Bowl. Looking at the division as a whole, it is clear that there are some changes from last year, and it’s time to look around and answer some strong questions about what to expect within the NFC North.
1. Adrian Peterson is back in the backfield for the Minnesota Vikings after a season off. What type of statistics do you expect and will he be able to ignore the off the field attention? Why?
Randy Glisson--The scary thing about Peterson is that he hasn't been hit other than one game last season, since 2013. Being that he doesn't play in preseason games, it's hard to gauge where he is at physically until he gets hit. I expect a healthy Adrian Peterson to gain at least 1,200 yards. And for the first time since the Favre days the team has other options (Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace, and possibly Cordarrelle Patterson) and promise at the quarterback position.
Richard Sena--I do not believe that Peterson’s off-field transgressions a year ago will affect his on-field performance this year. Considering he’ll be entering a team that should be markedly better than the one he departed in 2014—which will include promising sophomore quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater—I strongly expect Peterson to post healthy production in 2015. Peterson, while entering his 30s, would enter 2015 with fresh legs and a fresh start, and I would not be surprised to see Peterson run for over 1,200 yards and score more than 10 times this season.
Vj Vemu--Three years ago, Adrian Peterson showed us that he is a super human and that he can come back from long breaks and churn out great production for the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson showed when he came back for OTA’s that he can handle the media attention that will be there given the events that have occurred over the past year. Peterson will be fresh and healthy to start the season and you can expect another dominant season from him. It is also a bonus that the rest of the NFC North’s run defense is a little bit suspect and if Peterson has another great season, the Vikings could be playoff contenders. I expect around 1,300 yards from Peterson with 11 rushing touchdowns.
Bryan Castillo--Adrian Peterson is one of those unique players that relishes on adversity and proving doubters wrong, much like when he returned from a torn ACL in record time and went on to run for over 2,000 yards the following season. For this upcoming season I wouldn't be surprised if AD runs for about 1,400 yards and catches 400+ yards out of the backfield. Peterson has fresh legs and a lot to prove that he is still the best running back in the league and I believe he will. Norv Turner has already stated he wants to get AD more passing opportunities and that's help AD in not having to run the ball 20+ times every single game.
Colin Williams--What happened to Adrian Peterson was most unfortunate for all that were involved. I believe the way this event was carried out by the NFL and the Vikings will fuel Peterson the wall he was fueled in 2011 after blowing out his knee an then rushing for over 2,000 yards the following season in 2012. The young Teddy Bridgewater and the addition of Mike Wallace will help take pressure off Peterson on and off the field. Peterson also kept himself in great shape despite the long time off. I expect Peterson to rush for around 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns with 3 fumbles. Peterson will round up around 200 yards receiving. Any criticism thrown Peterson's way will be hard for him to ignore he may respond on some occasions but he will use most of it as fuel to prove everybody wrong by performing on the field.
Caleb Wahlgren—It is not a stretch to believe that Adrian Peterson can come back again stronger than before and having a rare opportunity to be back after having a season off to rest his legs. Yes, he’s been grinding away running for the Minnesota Vikings since 2007. But for most of that time he’s been the only reliable player they have consistently had. That’s why he was and still is the face of the franchise, despite being out of football except for one game last season. When healthy, Peterson has consistently topped 1200 yards and 10 touchdowns, but Peterson is coming back with something to prove. I will go on the record to say Peterson will get at least 1700 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns for the Vikings in 2015. Also, he will get 30 catches and 300 receiving yards as he wins comeback player of the year. The most difficult part of this is that he is joined in the backfield by now second year running back Jerick McKinnon, who will steal away several touches.
2. Aaron Rodgers won the MVP Award last season. Will he be able to win it again in 2016 or who will take it from him and why?
Randy Glisson--In my opinion Rodgers shouldn't have won that award last season. I felt that JJ Watt was more deserving. That being said Rodgers is always in the discussion. I think JJ Watt and Justin Houston will give him a run for his money.
Richard Sena--Apart from strong competition from his peers, Aaron Rodgers should enter the 2015 season as the MVP favorite. He’ll have as strong a supporting cast that he’s ever had on both sides of the ball. Injuries notwithstanding, Rodgers should face formidable competition from Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and maybe even J.J. Watt. Luck probably has the best chance to supplant Rodgers, mostly due to having one of the leagues most formidable receiving corps paired with the best backfield he’s ever had.
Vj Vemu--It’s no secret that Aaron Rodgers is the best player in the NFL. He fits the definition of MVP. He is the most valuable player to his team. The Packers struggled when Rodgers was out due to injury and his knack to make clutch plays is the difference between Packers wins or losses. He has all the tools of a great quarterback. He can make all the throws and his scrambling ability extends plays and he is also one of the smartest quarterbacks in the NFL. He can do it all for Green Bay and he is the most important player for that team and only J.J Watt has the best chance of dethroning Rodgers of back to back MVP’s.
Bryan Castillo--It's very hard to win back-to-back MVP's in the NFL, Peyton Manning is one of the few players to ever accomplish such a feat. A big reason for that is team performance, health and the ability to capture the same type of magical regular season. Aaron Rodgers is an elite quarterback and I'm sure will be in the MVP discussion once again but I'll go with two other quarterbacks to have never won an MVP before to be the front-runners. Andrew Luck always puts up big numbers but with the Colts adding offensive weapons such as Andre Johnson and Frank Gore, Andrew Luck should only improve his game and numbers in 2015. Tony Romo is my other quarterback that I believe will be in the conversation at the end of the 2015 season. Romo was an MVP candidate last season and if the Dallas Cowboys repeat a season similar to last season's there's no reason Tony Romo won't be a candidate again.
Colin Williams--Aaron Rodgers had an outstanding 2014 season throwing for 4,381 yards 38 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions while leading the Packers to a NFC championship berth. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers has the the stage set for him for MVP caliber season. After having his best career year in 2014 Roethlisberger and the Steelers will be facing the NFL toughest schedule. Roethlisberger has never won the MVP but never has had the weapons he has now. Roethlisberger has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL at his fingers. All-Pro wideout Antonio Brown will lead this corp with the help of rising stars Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton. The addition of third round wide receiver Sammie Coates and his size will help in the red zone. With All-Pro Running back Le'Veon Bell suspended the first 3 games of season Roethlisberger will need to be at his best to help the Steelers get through these first 3 games and the NFL's toughest schedule.
Caleb Wahlgren—If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy all year, of course he is going to have a good chance at winning the MVP for the 2015 season. He orchestrates one of the best offenses in football with ridiculously high accuracy, throwing very few interceptions every year. While we’re at it, let’s at least be honest that the MVP Award is slanted towards quarterbacks anyway, with most of them winning the award over the last several years, with Adrian Peterson in 2012 being the obvious exception. The last non-quarterback and non-running back to win the award was Lawrence Taylor back in 1986. So with apologies to J.J. Watt being a top tier defensive player, I simply don’t see him having a much better chance to win then he did last season. The person who I think has the best chance to take the MVP from Rodgers is Andrew Luck, simply because he plays in an atrocious division and actually has some known talent around him this year as he is joined by newcomers Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. Gore is far and away the best running back Luck has had behind him in his NFL career. With Tom Brady’s suspension and Peyton Manning another year older, the Indianapolis Colts could go 13-3 and have the best record in football. Luck is a serious threat for the 2016 NFL MVP.
3. Green Bay has won the division four years in a row. What team has the best chance to dethrone the Packers? Why?
Randy Glisson--The Detroit Lions. They were 11-5 in 2014. They did lose Ndamukong Suh, but gained Haloti Ngata and depth at previously thin positions. Another year in the offense and a healthy combo of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate is a tough task for any opposing defense. Look for Ameer Abdullah and Eric Ebron to have breakout seasons for the Lions.
Richard Sena--For the past few years, the Packers have entered the division as clear favorites, and cashed in just about every time. Both the Lions and Packers have been the Packers’ most staunch competition in recent history, but I anticipate that the Vikings have the best chance to supplant the Packers as division champs. A lot of that has to do with second year starter, Teddy Bridgewater who possesses many traits befitting of a high level franchise quarterback. Unlike last year, Bridgewater will be backed by the presence of Adrian Peterson, the addition of Mike Wallace, a developing Charles Johnson, and a burgeoning defense helmed by head coach, Mike Zimmer.
Vj Vemu--In a division where the Packers usually dominate, there is one dark horse team lurking. That is the Chicago Bears. Chicago has embraced a whole new makeover with new head coach John Fox and GM Ryan Pace constructing a great staff. The biggest issues for Chicago will be the defense and Jay Cutler. The Bears improved big time in terms of defense and now it is Vic Fangio’s job to get this defense playing like how we all remember the Bears defense was back in the day. But the biggest wild card will be Jay Cutler. Can John Fox be the coach that finally changes Jay Cutler? Minnesota is still a young team and Detroit also lost some key players this off-season as well so the chance for Chicago to swoop into the division race is now.
Bryan Castillo--I'm picking the Green Bay Packers to repeat as division champions until further notice but if there's a team that has a chance to dethrone the 4-time NFC North champs it may be the Minnesota Vikings. Teddy Bridgewater really started to impress down the stretch last season and with Adrian Peterson back it'll only help his growth and make the Vikings offense more dynamic. The Vikings defense is also a unit to not be overlooked as they've taken the makeup of a Mike Zimmer defense and should only improve next year. They almost upset the Packers last season on their home turf last season and will more than certainly be the Packers toughest competition for the NFC North crown.
Colin Williams--The Minnesota Vikings have the best chance to dethrone the Packers. They have the best running back in all of football with Adrian Peterson. The Vikings also have the second best quarterback in the division with Teddy Bridgewater. Mike Wallace gives the Vikings a number one receiver and deep threat. The Vikings defense is young but developing. Anthony Barr is one of the best young defensive players in the game and will continue to get better. The Viking also added arguably the best cornerback in the draft with Trae Waynes. With the young talent on defense and a deadly offense, the Vikings can make a push for the NFC North title.
Caleb Wahlgren—It might be hard to believe, but the Minnesota Vikings simply outscored the Detroit Lions last year, albeit by a measly 4 points. They get to bring back Adrian Peterson this year and the play action game should be improved with Mike Wallace going deep on the go route. So their offense should be even better, but the Detroit Lions lost a lot of key players this year. Detroit is and should be the easy pick for the team to contend with Minnesota. The Vikings though should be able to rise up and make it the purple and gold versus the green and gold for the divisional title. However, Green Bay will win the division for a fifth straight year as they should be a Super Bowl contender as they are second to the odds makers in Vegas behind only the Seattle Seahawks.
4. With the absence of Ndamukong Suh this year, who is the best defensive player in the division? Why?
Randy Glisson--One of two players: Packers Clay Matthews or Lions DeAndre Levy. Both players can make impacts in all areas of the defense. Whether it is the blitz, deflecting passes, or causing fumbles, these two guys do it all.
Richard Sena--Right now, Clay Matthews stands above the rest as being the NFC North’s best defensive player. His ability to play in multiple places in the defensive second level proved to be a boon for Green Bay late in the season, and I expect defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, to continue to play with Matthews’ placement. Still, there are a number of other players in the division that could displace Matthews from the mountain top. Namely, Everson Griffin, whose 12 sack 2014 campaign decidedly put him in the conversation for the North’s best defensive player.
Vj Vemu--With Ndakumong Suh out of the NFC North, the best player in the division award now goes to Clay Matthews. Although he has struggled with injury last year, Matthews still showed how dominant he was. Even when he was moved to inside linebacker, Matthews still showed that great pass rushing ability and he showed that he can still wreck havoc in a backfield. He is one of the best tacklers in the league and is willing to run across the field to make a tackle. Matthews has been the heart of the Green Bay for a couple of years now and has been underrated in terms of a good defensive player and now he has his chance to shine again.
Bryan Castillo--With Ndamukong Suh no longer with the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers linebacker, Clay Matthews, moves to the front of the defensive players pack. He's a 5X Pro Bowler who for the first time in his career was able start in every single game and lead the Packers defense into battle each and every single game during the 2014 season. He's one of the strongest and most agile linebackers in the game and has performed at a Pro Bowl level throughout his career. His presence out on the field is crucial as he is the vocal leader out on the field and the quarterback of the defense.
Colin Williams--The absence of Ndamukomg Suh will NFC North fans rejoicing except for of course Lions fan. That makes Clay Matthews III the best defensive player in the NFC North. Matthews played 11 games at inside linebacker and had 5.5 sack more than any other inside linebacker in the League. Matthews ability to switch positions and show his versatility and how special of a player he is. Matthews has averaged 10 sack a season. He was the 2010 NFC defensive player of the year and has been to 5 pro-bowls.
Caleb Wahlgren—Right now I need to be clear that I am a huge fan of Clay Matthews, but having seen him deal with injuries over the course of the last few years it is just tough for me to come out and declare him as the best defensive player in the division. But the challengers might even still be on his own team. I really am unsure of what to think about Detroit’s defense because losing your two best defensive tackles can easily mean that the linebackers behind them could be largely ineffective because they won’t have the same openings when they were rushing or tackling behind Suh. Chicago ripped apart their defense the last few years and it is a complete mess. Minnesota is rebuilding their defense and has an excellent safety in Harrison Smith. But Julius Peppers is also good and Sam Shields is the best cornerbacks in the division right now, so I’m going to stick with Clay Matthews as the top player in the division, but it’s not head and shoulders above the rest.
5. Chicago has had a complete makeover at several positions this off-season on and off the field. What do you expect from The Bears this season?
Randy Glisson--Losing Brandon Marshall could have been detrimental if not for the Bears drafting WR Kevin White. They are implementing a new style on defense where many positions are thin. The offense should be alright, but the defense will be near the bottom of the league all season. I see this as a 6-10 team.
Richard Sena--While the Bears have spent the off-season attempting to overhaul their defense from top to bottom, they will still enter the season with Jay Cutler as their projected day 1 starter. Cutler, whose numbers indicate he’s much more the journeyman than the franchise quarterback his contract suggests, hasn’t proved to be the type of player a team can count on for the duration of a season. Still, Vic Fangio’s track record should reflect well on the Bears’ pours defensive front 7, while Adam Gase and John Fox should do their best to mold the offense around the waning Matt Forte. With all that said, I don’t expect more than 9 wins for the Bears this season.
Vj Vemu--The Chicago Bears are on the right path. They have gotten rid of Phil Emery and Marc Trestman, both whom showed signs that they were up to the job in terms of what they needed to do to help the team grow. Although many are expecting the Bears to be a 6-7 win team, the Bears have a potential to exceed that win total. The defense is revamped with a new system and a new coordinator in Vic Fangio. The Bears also got some new playmakers via free agency and the draft. The offense revamped after trading away Brandon Marshall. They drafted a stud wideout in Kevin White but the big mystery will still be Jay Cutler. Can he cut down on his turnovers? Chicago will go as far as Cutler and the defense can take them.
Bryan Castillo--The Chicago Bears have a lot of questions going into next season and it's hard to have many high expectations for them going into 2015. Their defense still has a lot of gaps and holes starting with their defensive line, a big reason why they took a shot with Ray McDonald who has now been released after being charged again with another domestic violence charge. Their offensive line still has question marks and one has to wonder if Matt Forte can carry another heavy workload like last season's as he creeps closer to the age of 30. The only chance the Bears having of making this a successful season is if Jay Cutler can sharpen his decision making and put the team squarely on his shoulders. Prediction: 7-9.
Colin Williams--The Bears are not as much as a complete mess as I initially thought. Jay Cutler made tons of bad decisions in 2014, but if he can get it turned around and back to his 2013 form the Bears could be a surprise team. They are in position for a playoff push but I can see them as a 5-7 win team. Alshon Jeffery will take over as the number 1 receiver and should have Kevin White starting and the opposite side. The reason I say should is because John Fox has an issue with starting rookies but they will need White if they want any chance and not being a 2 win team. Matt Forte is one of the most underrated backs in the NFL and is great receiver out of the backfield. The team added Pernell McPhee in the offseason and he should help their push rush be better. Eddie Goldman was a good pick up in the second round. He will help them become a better defense. As I said earlier I see the Bears as 5-7 win team.
Caleb Wahlgren—Last year the Chicago Bears went 6-10 and Jay Cutler did not look good and wound up getting benched late in the year for Jimmy Clausen. Even typing that now I have a hard time believing that it actually happened. They have made so many changes in Chicago this year, that I think it’s going to be tough to see just how those changes meld together. New Head Coach, loads of new defensive players, new General Manager, but same old Jay. This year I would again project them to be at 6-10, because even if you get a new vehicle, but you put it in the hands of a poor driver, he’s still pretty likely to get in a wreck. I don’t blame them, Jay’s contract is pretty atrocious, but back in 2009 when Chicago finally thought they were getting a legitimate quarterback, it is clear that they had the wool pulled over their eyes again as Jay Cutler is not good enough to lead Chicago back to some promising futures.