The NFC North was a division of underperformers last season. For the first time in several years, the Norris Division was without one Brett Favre. While Brett will not be on the helm for the Green Bay Packers, he may well surface for another North team – the Minnesota Vikings. This division is full of value from a futures standpoint.
NFC North Tale of the Tape
The defending champion Minnesota Vikings are clearly the team to beat going into the 2010 season in this tough division. Finishing 11-5, last season’s division champs have been courting the ageless Brett Favre and grabbed on to Percy Harvin. The presence of Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson on the field simultaneously make for some interesting play calling regardless of the quarterback. The chalk of the North Vikings command football odds of 150, which presents significant value for a division favorite.
The Chicago Bears made waves in the off-season when they acquired pro bowl quarterback Jay Cutler in exchange for draft picks and Kyle Orton. The upgrade at quarterback, however, will not realize its full potential, however due to the lack of depth at the wide receiver position. Matt Forte, however, will provide the offensive spark by grinding out yards on the ground. Defensively speaking, Chicago will have to stop the run in order to compete. The Bears are getting odds of 165, but with the lack of wideouts, I do not find value in Chicago as division champions.
The Green Bay Packers had a disappointing 2008-09 season despite looking strong at the beginning of the season. Green Bay are also getting odds of 165 and have upgraded their defense in addition to moving to the 3-4. Aaron Rodgers leads a high-octane Green Bay pass attack and has matured another year. Look for big things down the stretch from Green Bay. With odds of 165, there may be value in this squad should Minnesota flop.
The Detroit Lions are getting odds of 850 and are quite possibly over valued. The Lions are beginning to rebuild after a decade or more of rebuilding. The Lions have a foundation to work with in WR Calvin Johnson and Quarterback Matthew Stafford, though not much more. The Lions are a few years out from thinking about a .500 season and do not provide value regardless of the odds.
I see value in Minnesota as the chalk sitting as the best value pick for the NFC North at 150. I additionally see Green Bay presenting a nice hedge for the Norris Division winner at 165.