In 2007 the Green Bay Packers ran away with the NFC North Division title, distancing themselves by five games from the Minnesota Vikings. Outside of the New England Patriots, that was the largest margin of victory in any division.

We can expect that gap to close this year, but the two teams on top will remain the same. The Packers hope to prove they can run the football consistently, while the Vikings must establish an aerial assualt to open up the field for the most exciting player in football today. Whichever team can improve their weakness the most will represent the black and blue division in the playoffs.

Speaking of black and blue...

4. Chicago Bears (predicted finish: 5-11)

There's very little to be excited upon in the Windy City. Well, at least as far as football is concerned. Thanks to GM Jerry Angelo drafting an offensive tackle whom he knew had back problems, the Bears still have an offensive line in shambles. As preseason games have shown, there's going to be very little in the way of running holes for rookie Matt Forte. Chicago absolutely needs to establish some kind of rushing attack so that the weight of moving the football doens't fall on Kyle Orton's right shoulder/neckbeard.

As it stands, Devin Hester will be starting at one wide receiver position despite having very little experience. We're still unsure if he knows the offense or where to lineup, but he does find the holes in a defense and offers the Bears some hope to break plays wide open.

Defense is supposed to be the meal ticket for Chicago, but their preseason performance leads me to believe they'll take yet another step back from their 2006 Super Bowl level of play. Unless the defense finds its former self early in the season, this could be the worst team in the NFL.

3. Detroit Lions (7-9)

Congratulations Matt Millen, your team won the NFL Preseason!! If only the Lions 4-0 record in August meant anything heading into September.

The good is that Calvin Johnson, last year's top draft pick, looks like a beast and is quickly learning how to use his size at this level. Paired with Roy Williams, Jon Kitna should put up big numbers in the passing game. We like all three in world of fantasy football, but in the real world, the Lions are still the Lions.

Detroit gave up a league leading 377 yards per game last season, and while they've done some retooling in the defensive secondary, I remain unconvinced that it's enough to turn the Lions into a viable division contender. Kitna has once again guaranteed a playoff berth. Unless Kevin Smith turns into Adrian Peterson, and they locate two effective pass rushers, I guarantee another losing season under Mastermind Millen.

2. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)

When everyone jumps on a bandwagon, it's a sign you're going to be disappointed. I was prepared to jump on the Vikings wagon, or cruise ship as it were, but I've grown more fond of the rival Packers.

Any team that can run the football and stuff the run as well as the Vikings is going to be successful. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor will churn out the yards, the former going for well over 1,500. What keeps me from picking the Vikings to win the NFC North is the doubts that continue to surround Tarvaris Jackson and the passing game. As it stands teams will continue to put 8 in the box and contain AD and allow Jackson to beat them, or more likely, beat himself. His development this season and eliminated excessive turnovers is critical to a playoff berth.

A good defense got even better with the addition of Jared Allen who will get quickly acquainted with Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Orton and Jon Kitna. The Vikings are still weak in the defensive backfield, but Allen's presence will significantly limit the big pass plays. If Jackson doesn't run himself into harms way too often and throw to the opposing team, this is a playoff team.

1. Green Bay Packers (10-6)

After much hesitation, I'm now an Aaron Rodgers believer. He's not going to match Brett Favre's MVP numbers from a year ago, but he'll successfully lead this team to another division title.

Rodgers displayed some good chemistry throughout the preseason with his wide receivers, and will take advantage of a weak passing defense division. If Ryan Grant can pick up where he left off -- not the fumbling, but the powerful running -- then a return to the NFC Championship Game isn't out of the question.

Green Bay will need to rely a little more on their defense which took an encouraging step forward last season which allowed just 18 point per game. Al Harris and Charles Woodson return and must continue making big plays. DEs Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Aaron Kampman should be among the league leaders in sacks. The defense is good enough to win the division, but still having lingering questions about the running game behind Ryan Grant.