ODDS TO WIN THE NFC North

Green Bay won seven of their last nine games to finish 13-3 and win the division going away. Minnesota was in the playoff chase late but dropped their last two games to finish 8-8. Chicago continued the Super Bowl loser hangover trend, finishing 7-9. Detroit started 6-2 but won only one more game to also finish 7-9.

The Packers didn't get much chance to build on their feel-good '07 season as Brett Favre retired, tried to come back and then was eventually traded. They also traded their top interior player, DT Corey Williams, and then saw several D-linemen get injured. Aaron Rodgers is the new man under center but early returns in the preseason (6 sacks) haven't been encouraging.

The Vikings made a bold move during draft week, shipping three picks to acquire Jared Allen giving the defense the pass rusher they lacked. They've been No.1 vs. the run the past two years and hope Allen will round out a solid front seven. The offense has Adrian Peterson but need Tarvaris Jackson to mature and get healthy. Getting Bernard Berrian will give him a legit deep threat.

The Bears are going back to Kyle Orton at QB and hope he can improve his numbers from 2005 when he led the team to a 10-5 record in 15 starts. Cedric Benson was a very expensive flop and was cut and the team will rely on rookie Matt Forte. Both starting wideouts are gone and top draft pick, LT Chris Williams, may miss the season with a back injury.

The Lions are going back to basics after firing Off. Co. Mike Martz. They will rely on a power running game with the passing game utilized as a compliment to that philosophy. The team rid itself of more locker-room cancers but their talent level has dipped again. They're hoping an improved attitude will allow them to move forward.

If Favre was still with the Pack, they would be the favorites. Rodgers isn't a proven commodity and the Vikings did a lot to improve themselves in the offseason. Signing a veteran QB like Gus Frerotte could pay dividends if Jackson's knee injury lingers or the offense is stunted due to his ineffectiveness. The Bears and Lions just aren't factors right now and Green Bay's offense hasn't come around in the preseason. We like the value Minnesota provides and think they're the way to go in this division.

Our Pick - Vikings

NFC North Betting Lines

Green Bay Packers 7-4
Minnesota Vikings 7-4
Chicago Bears 5-2
Detroit Lions 11-2

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