|
With the NFC North, sometimes,
you just never know what you’re going to
get. Having said that, I fully expect the Chicago
Bears to win this division, while the three remaining
teams will be anywhere from mediocre to atrocious.
Here’s the skinny on the NFC North.
2006 NFC North Preview - Chicago
Bears
I really like what Lovie
Smith has done with his team the past three years
and the Bears have one of the easiest schedules
in the league this season, not to mention the
fact that they are returning 22 starters from
last year’s team. So why is something bothering
me about the Bears?
Probably because I’m
still not sure whether they can put the ball in
the end zone on any kind of a consistent basis.
If Smith doesn’t open
up his offense a little more this season, it’s
entirely possible that the Bears could once again
be a double-digit win team that is eventually
left on the outside looking in. However I think
the Bears will go at least 3-3 in the division
and possibly 4-2.
2006 NFC North Preview - Minnesota
Vikings
I think the Vikings made
one of the best acquisitions in the NFL this past
offseason when they hired former Philadelphia
Eagles offensive coordinator, Brad Childress to
become their new head coach, replacing an almost
comically inept Mike Tice.
Childress in a no-nonsense
guy and one of the game’s most innovative
offensive minds and his system should work wonders
in Minnesota, where the Vikings do have plenty
of talented players – but had absolutely
no guidance whatsoever.
I also don’t think
either, Brad Johnson and Chester Taylor are the
long term answers at quarterback and running back
respectively, so those are areas Childress will
have to address at some point in the near future
as well. The Vikings did pull off a huge coup
by signing former Seattle All-Pro guard Steve
Hutchinson to a $49 million seven-year contract,
which should immediately help the Vikes’
suspect offensive line.
I think it is entirely possible
that the Vikings will win at least three division
games and possibly four. Anything beyond that
is a huge bonus for Childress and the Vikings.
2006 NFC North Preview - Green
Bay Packers
I’ve always admired
the way Brett Favre has played the game. He was
been a genuine warrior for nearly two decades
now and has come to be recognized as the face
of the Green Bay Packers franchise.
Having said that, I think
Favre should have hung up his cleats and called
it a career after last year’s dismal atrocity.
I like Green Bay’s
selection of linebacker A.J. Hawk with the fifth
overall pick in this year’s draft, but unless
the Packers can magically make at least another
three clones of Hawk appear, then 2006 is going
to be another long season on the Frozen tundra.
The Packers also have a new
head coach in Mike McCarthy, so there are also
going to be some adjustments there as well. If
the Packers win anything more than two division
games, I’ll be shocked.
2006 NFC North Preview - Detroit
Lions
It seems like every three
years or so, the Lions hire a new head coach and
an entirely new regime takes over to continue
the Lions’ losing ways.
The Lions new head coach,
Rod Marinelli makes the third new head coach in
the division, which should be entertaining enough
in itself.
Marinelli, and his drill
sergeant mentality, has promised a change in how
things are run in the motor city, although it
doesn’t bode well that some layers are already
rebelling about him “being too tough.”
If Marinelli doesn’t
get the job done in a couple of seasons, the Lions
will probably turn to new offensive coordinator,
Mike Martz to take replace him. And speaking of
Martz, that’s about the best thing the Lions
did was hire him to spice up their offense, which,
coincidentally has several talented wide receivers.
Now, if only Detroit could find a quarterback.
I think the Lions will
win two division games and possibly three. Anything
more would be a miracle.
Eric Williams is a sports columnist
for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun and syndicated
freelance writer who can be heard every Wednesday
at 3:15pm EST on www.BetUSradio.com. Contact Eric
at eklass66@yahoo.com.
Click
Here For NFL and NFC North Football Wagering Odds.
Click Below For More NFL
Divisional Previews 
NFC
West Preview
NFC
South Preview
NFC
North Preview
NFC
Eest Preview
AFC
West Preview
AFC
South Preview
AFC
North Preview
AFC
East Preview
BetUS.com
( http://www.BetUS.com)
is one of the oldest and most respected legal
online sports betting organizations in the world
and is licensed and bonded in two recognized
gaming jurisdictions – Canada and Costa
Rica. Employing over 500 people, BetUS.com provides
a safe and secure place for sports wagering
to more than 100,000 clients. Members can enjoy
wagering on some of their favorite sports including:
football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf
and boxing. BetUS.com has been in operation
for 11 years.
|
