NFC North 2017 predictions: Packers expected to retain crown

Freddie Boston

As long as Aaron Rodgers is upright and performing at an MVP level, the NFC North is Green Bay’s yard. Consider 2015 the anomaly. That year the Packers couldn’t get out of their own way offensively, but much has changed since then.

With the offseason additions, this might be the Packers best offense in a number of years. Martellus Bennett is game-changer for his ability as both a blocker and receiver. Don’t forget about fellow tight end addition Lance Kendricks, either.

Minnesota is set to rebound after an injury-hit 2016 campaign. Sam Bradford has had an entire offseason with the team, and the addition of rookie Dalvin Cook should give the ground game fresh life.

Detroit put together a solid offseason and should provide competition for the division frontrunners, but I predict them to slide into third spot.

The future looks bright for Chicago, but sadly the future doesn’t arrive until the Mike Glennon era comes to an end. This will soon be Mitch Trubisky’s team, but until then the Bears remain in fourth.

Green Bay 11-5

Minnesota 10-6

Detroit 8-8

Chicago 4-12

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