Matt Wiesenfeld
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Looking at those numbers it looks like the NFC North is the rare division that has three contending teams. The Bears are at the top but can they improve on last year’s breakthrough or will some take the division from them. Let’s dive into the 2019 Win Total Predictions for NFC North as well as some bold predictions.
Chicago Bears – 9.5
Last year the Bears won a lot of games with defense. If they are going to take the next step though they are going to have to get more from their offense led by Mitch Trubisky. I am not sure he is an all timer but I think he can be better. It will make the difference when they take on good teams. The defense is essentially intact and featured three who made All-Pro. Bringing in Khalil Mack was a game changer and the Bears never looked back. The Bears have a tough schedule but most of their toughest non division games are at home. I can see them getting just above this number. Take the over.
Minnesota Vikings – 9
It is not Kirk Cousins’ fault that they are paying him as much as they are. It is his fault that his teams seem to never live up to expectations. This season, he and a strong receiving corps will put up some numbers. If Dalvin Cook stays healthy they can have a nice balance too. The defense is probably not as good as it was a couple of years ago. Danielle Hunter is a force but the rest of the line is aging quickly. They do have a strong back seven featuring Harrison Smith but he can only do so much. The schedule looks really good at home but there are going to be challenging road games at the likes of Kansas City and Seattle. Take the over on Minnesota this season.
Green Bay Packers – 9
The Packers are looking to get the most out of Aaron Rodgers who is now 35. There is a new regime in town even though Rodgers can still more than get the job done he seems to get nicked every year. He has a bonafide top receiver in DaVante Adams and the running game can be effective. On defense Blake Martinez is a stud in the middle but overall they are pretty average. They do not make a lot of explosive plays and usually they are relying on Rodgers to bail them out late. Playing at Lambeau they could win all of their home games. If that happens then they cruise over this number. The over looks very good with their schedule.
Detroit Lions – 7
Matt Stafford is in his thirties and even though he can still sling it the Lions have not won much with him at the helm. Ever since Calvin Johnson hung it up there has not been an offensive player that you have to gameplan for and that puts Stafford in a tough spot because he will force things. Jarrad Davis likes to get in on every tackle but beyond him there is not a lot to like about the defense. They are average at best. The schedule is pretty favorable though and I can see this team having just enough success to finish at 8-8. Take the over.
