Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; A general view of a NFL divisional playoff logo before the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
After starting the season with two losses in the team’s first three games, the Green Bay Packers rallied to finish with a 12-4 record last season. Their impressive season led to the Packers’ fourth straight division title.
While no other team has actually taken home an NFC North crown since the Chicago Bears in 2010, the NFC North is actually a very competitive division on paper. Last season for example, led by an incredible defense, the Detroit Lions went 11-5. While the Lions faded down the stretch and were not real competitors in the playoffs, they gave the Packers legitimate competition during the regular season.
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With a record a 7-9, the Minnesota Vikings may not seem like a huge immediate threat to the Packers and Lions, but make no mistake, this team has serious upside. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is entering his second season, and the return of Adrian Peterson is only going to help him grow as a player. The Vikings also possess a very impressive defense with a ton of potential going forward. The success of the Vikings may be mostly projection, but the pieces are in play for them to surprise.
While the Bears have some nice, young pieces, they are clearly in a rebuilding year. New head coach John Fox and his revamped staff will primarily use 2015 as a year of transition. I think the Bears have some nice pieces in play, but with so much talent in the division, I have a hard time thinking they will be actual threats.
The NFC North is loaded with talent throughout. What seems odd, is that in a division that has historically been centered around defensive play, the NFC North is now loaded with offensive talent. Their are certainly some very talented defensive players in the division, but the offensive talent that these four teams possess rivals any other division in the NFL.
The talent discrepancy between the top three teams and the probable bottom-dwellers was relatively clear when filling out this team, but that is to be expected with a rebuilding cause in a loaded division. There is certainly not a lack of talent in the NFC North, but the question remains: Which players get the nod?
Here is the 2015 All-NFC North Team.
Next: Offensive Backfield