Less than four weeks to go NFL fans! As week two of the preseason approaches, we should expect to see a few of the bigger names get a series or two this weekend in preparation for the upcoming campaign, something to grease our wheels a little bit more.
We wrapped up the AFC last week, so we're moving up to the frozen tundra of the NFC North for today's divisional preview, kicking it off in the Windy City.
Chicago Bears
Make or break season for Justin Fields. The dual-threat QB is entering his third professional stint, fully entrenched as the starter with some upgrades at key positions to foster his success. DJ Moore was a huge trade acquisition from Carolina as part of the package that they sent over for the top pick in this most recent draft. Left tackle Darnell Wright was Chicago's first selection in that same draft, showing a commitment to keeping the kid's jersey clean. While it's not a Super Bowl or bust situation, it would be a massive red flag if Fields' doesn't show marked improvement in the passing game.
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| Photo: Owen Ziliak/ Sun-Times |
Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan round out the team's at-least-average pass catching core. I hated the Claypool trade last season, for what amounted to being the 32nd pick overall no less. He'll need to step up to make that draft capital worth surrendering. Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman should get the bulk of the work out of the backfield, with neither really jumping off the page as spectacular. Rookie Roshon Johnson could be in line to steal some touches too at RB, given the fairly light competition ahead of him.
Not as exciting a group on the other side of the ball. Yannick Ngakoue was a recent addition to a pass rush that ranked dead last a year ago, with just twenty sacks overall. It's a positive step, I guess, but far from a needle mover. Linebacker TJ Edwards was a nice piece to get in free agency, as was run stuffer Andrew Billings from Las Vegas. The secondary won't be great, but should finish middle of the pack once again.
Synopsis/Predictions
Chicago went all in on the offensive side of the ball to see what they have in their young quarterback. If he pans out, they should be able to address the defense in the upcoming draft/offseason, and be in a really good spot for subsequent years. If not, the search will look far different for Ryan Poles. Their GM has definitely facilitated a good situation to foster this growth they're looking for though, we'll give him his credit there.
-Justin Fields will make improvements in the passing game, further opening things up for him on the ground. Let's see him rack up 3,000 yards throwing and 1,000 rushing, with 30 total touchdowns
-DJ Moore matches or breaks his career high for touchdowns, currently set at a modest seven
-Chase Claypool gets benched at some point for Equanimeous St. Brown in the season. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't think he's that good of a receiver, and he didn't seem to click well with their signal caller in limited action a year ago
Detroit Lions
Darlings of the league a year ago, the Lions look poised to build upon their new found success. Jared Goff underwent a complete career turnaround under Ben Johnson's tutelage and is admittedly excited to be getting back to work with him. It feels like the quarterback's been in the league forever, but he's still just 28, suggesting he may have not even played his best football yet.
He'll have two new faces behind him at tail back, with first rounder Jahmyr Gibbs and former Bear David Montgomery replacing D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams in the backfield. Gibbs was unanimously one of the biggest reaches in the draft, but has a skill set that should thrive in this offense.
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| Photo: Detroit Lions |
Amon Ra St. Brown is the big name though, fresh off of an electric 1,161 yard campaign. Word on the street is that he looks great in camp and should improve on those numbers. He'll be without WR2 Jameson Williams though for the first six games due to a gambling violation-- a huge mistake for a kid who barely played his rookie season due to an ACL recovery... Marvin Jones, Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond will all get occasional looks from Goff, as will new receiver Denzel Mims and tight end Sam LaPorta, their recent second round selection.
Expect Aidan Hutchinson to hit double digit sacks this year, after posting 9.5 sacks during his rookie year. Former Iowa Hawkeye Jack Campbell will slide in at linebacker next to Alex Anzalone, in what should be a pretty athletic group. Love what Detroit did with the secondary too, adding Cameron Sutton and Chauncy Gardner-Johnson in free agency before drafting Brian Branch, the top safety in the draft. With Kerby Joseph also on that backend of the defense, the Lions' pass D could end up surprising some people.
Synopsis/Predictions
Detroit built up a ton of momentum with the way they finished a year ago, eliminating Green Bay in the final week while narrowly missing the playoffs themselves. They've addressed weaknesses on defense and are getting continuity on the offense, which should set up each unit to excel. A good mix of youth and veterans should lead to a quality on-field product
-Jahmyr Gibbs finishes top five for all running backs in receiving yards and receptions
-Amon Ra St. Brown catches 10+ scores
-Aidan Hutchinson and Charles Harris each record double digit sacks
Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love szn is officially upon us! After a few awkward years behind three-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, the 2020 first rounder is finally getting his opportunity to start. Oh, the Packers way... Temper expectations for the Utah State product, but I think he'll prove to be more competent than not.
Having AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones as an RB tandem is one way to help facilitate that. The two combined for nearly 1,900 rushing yards last year and will likely be given plenty of carries to push past that number. Don't be shocked either if Dillon finally surpasses Jones in productivity either.
Christian Watson started slow before an electric finish to his rookie campaign. He and Romeo Doubs are a pretty respectable receiver duo, hoping for help from rookies Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave in the pass catching department. Definitely some question marks with this offense as a whole, but it's a youthful group that's going to have the chance to grow together over the coming months.
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| Photo: Packers Wire |
Green Bay's got some young pieces on the defensive side of the ball as well set to log a bunch of snaps this season. Rookie Lukas Van Ness should slot in nicely in the trenches next to Devonte Wyatt, Rashan Gary and Preston Smith in a line that could be disruptive. Quay Walker has a high ceiling in the middle of this D, while Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas hold down the perimeter-- the latter which having really come into his own these last two years after far less successful stints in Philly and Carolina. Imagine if Eric Stokes, another first round pick, could actually get on the field.
Synopsis/Predictions
Can't sleep on these Packers, even with the loss of one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. This is still a very talented and well coached roster in a relatively weak NFC. A playoff push isn't outside of the realm of possibilities, though Super Bowl may be a bit too bold of a prediction. Personally, I don't see them getting to the postseason, but there should be plenty of visible growth to feel comfortable moving forward with Love at the reins.
-Jordan Love throws between 20-25 touchdowns and less than ten interceptions
-AJ Dillon outrushes Aaron Jones
-Christian Watson finds paydirt a dozen or more total* times
Minnesota Vikings
Arguably the most one-sided team in the whole NFL in my opinion. Kirk Cousins is going to get his at QB, especially during the one o'clock block. He'll be primed for a big season as the Vikings quickly realize the drop off from Dalvin Cook to Alexander Mattinson at lead back.
I absolutely love Jordan Addison as Adam Thielen's replacement in this offense. He's a fluid route runner who'll be matched up regularly in single coverage against opponent's #2 corners with the safeties helping out with Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson. Bijan's the OROY favorite, but the USC grad is in a fantastic situation for some big numbers.
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| Photo: ESPN |
The defense though...leaves a bit to be desired. Trading Za'Darius Smith to Cleveland took their best player on this side of the ball away, leaving them with Danielle Hunter, Harrison Smith and a bunch of unknowns. Free agent addition Byron Murphy should be an upgrade from Patrick Peterson at corner and Marcus Davenport was a lotto ticket worth scratching, but there's not a ton of established talent here.
Synopsis/Predictions
We're going to see a lot of shoot outs and blow outs (in either direction) with this team. On offense, they have more than enough to hang against the best of the best. The inexperienced D though (and primetime games), will be the downfall of the Vikes.
-Jordan Addison has over 80 catches and 1,000 receiving yards
-The Vikings allow the most defensive points in the league
Wrap Up
As confident as I am in Detroit winning the NFC North, it really is a wide open division. Minnesota should score with the best of them, Green Bay is youthful and could surprise and even Chicago has some explosive pieces in place to compete. I'm going to go with my head and say Detroit takes the crown, but something in my gut tells me the Packers could wind up stealing the thing. Fun games ahead though regardless!
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@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
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