NFC North: 2015 NFL Divisional Preview

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talk after the game at TCF Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers win 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Who is the single most important player to your team’s success in 2015?

Carlson, Vikings: Teddy Bridgewater. I know that Adrian Peterson is the popular choice here, but in the absence of Adrian, Bridgewater was still able to get things done at the end of last season. He’s shown poise and patience in his youth. While backup Shaun Hill is a decent quarterback, he’s not the guy you want the season resting on his shoulders.

Roethlisberger, Packers: We saw the impact Aaron Rodgers had on the Green Bay Packers when going down in 2013, making him the team’s most valuable player. The 2014 NFL MVP, is in the prime of his career and he will once again be the field general on a Super Bowl contending team.

Payton, Lions: This team is unquestionably the deepest team the Detroit Lions have ever had. But in the end, they can live or die based on the play of Matthew Stafford. Stafford must continue his improved decision-making and come out ready to go in 2015. The Lions offense must not be the failure to launch offense it was in 2014.

Schmelzer, Bears: I would love to pick another position here, but the choice for the Bears is clear. If they are going to surprise and be competitive in the NFC North, Jay Cutler will have to be better than what he has been in recent years. The defense is shaky, but the offense has some talent. If they are going to make the most of that talent, Cutler will have to play to his best abilities.

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