The NFC North is the proud new owner of the highest paid player in the NFL. No, it’s not Aaron Rodgers (even though it should be). That distinction now belongs to Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford. With a deal like this, you’d think the Lions represent the NFC in the Super Bowl every year. Not so much. Who do you think they are..the Patriots?? Oh, we finished the AFC Preview??
If you missed any of my AFC preview, keep scrolling down….
And now, let’s kick-off our NFC Preview with the NFC North:
Last Season’s Standings:
Green Bay Packers: 10-6
Detroit Lions: 9-7
Minnesota Vikings: 8-8
Chicago Bears: 3-13
You know the drill. Worst-to-first….
Chicago Bears
Da’ Bears are going to be really, really, REALLY bad this year. The Bears recently gave the nod to Mike Glennon to be their starting quarterback Week 1. 1st round draft pick (#2 overall pick), Mitchell Trubisky, will await his turn on the bench. Don’t get too comfy Mitch, for I think your shot will come sooner rather than later. Whoever is under center will lack the basic offensive weapons necessary to succeed. Wide receiver, Cameron Meredith, tore his ACL in Week 3 of the Preseason, leaving Kevin White atop the receiver depth chart. No offense Kevin but, wait yes, I do mean offense. If Kevin White is your #1 receiver, you’re in trouble.
Key Additions: Kendall Wright, Mitchell Trubisky (Draft), Mike Glennon
Key Losses: Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffrey, Eddie Royal
Detroit Lions
Monday evening, Matthew Stafford reportedly agreed on a 5-year extension with the Detroit Lions. This deal will make the 29 year-old quarterback the highest paid player in the NFL. SAY WHAT?! Yes, you read that right. Matthew Stafford is set to make 27 million dollars per year. The reported 92 million dollars in guaranteed money would be the highest of any contract in NFL history. And does all this mean the Lions will be good this season?? It most certainly does not!! Expect an extremely average performance by Mr. Stafford and company.
Key Additions: T.J. Lang, Greg Robinson, D.J. Hayden
Key Losses: Anquan Boldin, Larry Warford, Riley Reiff
Minnesota Vikings
Oh Minnesota. What could have been?? To start 5-0 and miss the playoffs is not easy to accomplish. They won’t however, have to worry about starting 5-0 this year. The Vikings still have a stellar defense, and they upgraded their running game, but they will only go as far (stop me when you’ve heard this before) as their quarterback will take them. And as long as their quarterback is Sam Bradford, they won’t reach the outer limits of their city. Expect them to finish smack dab in the middle of the league. But hey, who doesn’t want to spend their life in purgatory??
Key Additions: Latavius Murray, Dalvin Cook (Draft), Riley Reiff
Key Losses: Adrian Peterson, Matt Kalil, Chad Greenway
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers. A staple in the NFL. They show up, they win games, they go home. It sounds simple, but it’s not. Aaron Rodgers just makes it look easy. Aaron Rodgers’ teams haven’t been blessed with top-5 defenses or running games, but he goes to the playoffs every year (they haven’t missed the playoffs since 2008). That is quite a feat in the NFL. And this season, after losing talent from his defense and offensive line, Rodgers will prove, yet again, why he should be the highest paid player in the NFL. Expect a deep run in the playoffs this year.
Key Additions: Martellus Bennett, Jahri Evans, Davon House
Key Losses: Eddie Lacy, Julius Peppers, T.J. Lang
This Season’s Predictions:
Green Bay Packers: 11-5
Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
Detroit Lions: 6-10
Chicago Bears: 3-13
Anyone disagree with my predictions?? If you do, you may want to have that looked at….
I see an upset Lions fan yelling at me in the near future.
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