NFC North through 3 weeks

To me, the NFC North had some of the most interesting story lines coming into the 2010 season. For the most part, I'd say that the division has lived up to the hype. I think we've learned a lot through three weeks, culminating with last night's MNF matchup between the Packers and the Bears.

1) The only people really capable of beating the Packers are themselves. I mean, 18 penalties? Are you kidding me? We had penalties that negated key first downs, took points off the board, and nullified turnovers. And yet we were still in the game, and probably should have beaten a solid Chicago team. One thing that the Packers can do great is pass the ball, without a doubt. If we can get some resemblance of a running game established (Marshawn Lynch, perhaps?) and become more disciplined on defense (rookies, personal fouls), we'll be just fine. I can really only see us losing three more games; one of the Minnesota games, at New England, and maybe either at Atlanta or at the New York Jets. I think we'll right the ship at be sitting at 5-1 heading into Week 7 versus Ol' Brent.

2) The Bears are good. They aren't great, but they don't suck. Jay Cutler has been lucky at times this season, but sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Matt Forte seems to be bouncing back from his sophomore slump, and Greg Olsen seems to have developed a go-to relationship with Cutler. Devin Hester has found his explosiveness again, but I don't completely trust that o-line or the other skill position players. Julius Peppers does scare me however, as does a rejuvenated Brian Urlacher. The Bears could very easily be 1-2, but sit at 3-0. The Bears have a brutal second half of the season, and could easily, easily finish 9-7 - or worse.

3) The Vikings won a game! Wahoo! They are damn lucky they have Adrian Peterson. Brett Favre already has 6 interceptions, and the next four games (@NYJ, Dallas, @GB, @NE) are against four probable playoff teams. Favre is looking at Darrelle Revis, DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews and Bill Belichick in the next month. Good thing they have their off week right now. Your 6-10 Vikings, anyone? (And no, I'm not biased. Congrats on beating Detroit.)

4) The Lions will be feisty. Jahvid Best is really looking like a steal at the end of the first round, making plays and giving Detroit a playmaker. They should have beaten Chicago, hung right with Philly, and then fell on the road to a desperate Vikings team. And this is all with Shaun Hill behind center. I'm backing off the Lions going 9-7, but they look like they should win 5-6 games once Stafford comes back. The defensive line is solid (if not downright dirty) and will improve as the season progresses. Will the Lions make the playoffs? No. But they could very much play spoiler, particularly against the Vikes in Week 17.

The Best Players in the Division (according to me, so far in 2010)

1) Adrian Peterson - Carrying the Minnesota offense

2) Julius Peppers - Worth the money to that Chicago defense

3) Aaron Rodgers - Dangerous with weapons at his disposal

4) Clay Matthews - Playmaker.

5) Calvin Johnson - Still bitter about the Week 1 no-catch.

Projected Season Standings:

1) Green Bay 12-4

2) Chicago 9-7

3) Minnesota 7-9

4) Detroit 5-11