NFC North 2017 predictions: Packers expected to retain crown

Joe D’Aloisio

The Packers should runaway with the division and are likely to finish the season 11-5.

Martellus Bennett will be a huge difference maker for an already talented Packers offense. Defensively, the Packers added veteran Davon House and used their first two picks of the 2017 NFL Draft (Kevin King and Josh Jones) to help improve the secondary. If King can prove himself early, the secondary should be a middle-tier unit.

The Detroit Lions will finish behind the Packers and likely have a chance at a wild-Card berth or perhaps just miss out on the playoffs. Matthew Stafford just got paid and all eyes will be on the quarterback.

As for the Minnesota Vikings, they also have questions surrounding their quarterback. When will we see Teddy Bridgewater under center? The Vikings are a much better team with Bridgewater leading the way rather than Sam Bradford. This also will be the first year without Adrian Peterson. Rookie Dalvin Cook should have a successful NFL career, but it’s difficult to replace a future Hall-of-Famer. If one thing is certain, the defense will be the best in the division.

Lastly, the Chicago Bears will once again finish at the bottom of the division. The Bears have invested in their future when they drafted Mitchell Trubisky in the Draft. But there are too many questions marks surrounding the entire roster.

Green Bay 11-5

Detroit 9-7

Minnesota 7-9

Chicago 4-12