As the NFL season has already reached its halfway point (already?), let's take a look at what some teams have done so far in comparison to what we thought they would do.  Also, we'll take a look at some players who've been better than advertised, and some who've sucked majorly for their teams.

Today, we look at the NFC North. 

Green Bay Packers.  Record 7-1.  FanIQ's Preseason pick: 6-10

The Good: They've already won more than what all of FanIQ predicted they'd win in a whole season, so they're doing something right.  Defensively, they've allowed the 2nd fewest points amongst NFC teams.  Aaron Kampman is having a beastly year at DE, and Nick Barnett has emerged as one of the NFL's elite linebackers.  Offensively, the pass blocking has been strong, and Brett Favre has done a very good job passing the ball.

The Bad: They can't run the ball to save their lives.  They're only averaging 3.3 a run, and that's bound to catch up to them.  Also, surprisingly their turnover difference is only +1.

The Future?: Believe it or not, the Lions are their other division threat, and they still have to play them twice.  Dallas will definitely be a tough game, and division rival games against the Bears and Vikings are never easy.  Rams, Raiders, and Panthers are all definitely winnable games.  I think they'll win at least half of their remaining games, and I believe they'll finish the year at 12-4.

Detroit Lions.  Record: 6-2.  FanIQ's Preseason pick: 4-12

The Good: They aren't the doormat of the division.  In fact, they're 3-0 against division opponents, and are one of 3 teams in the NFC who've scored 200 points.  Jon Kitna has played very well, Shaun McDonald has stepped up as well.  Plus, the D has more takeaways than any other NFC team, and they have a turnover difference of +8.

The Bad: The offensive line has allowed 33 sacks.  I know they pass a lot, but that's still terrible.  That offense can be deadly if the blocking improves.  And the pass D has struggled, no team has a higher completion percentage against them.

The Future?: The Lions have a brutal final 8 games.  Only the Cardinals and Vikings have a losing record.  They still have to play the Packers twice, along with Dallas, San Diego, the Giants, and KC.  I just can't see them winning very many of those games.  I think they fall under .500 in the 2nd half and finish the year at 9-7.

Chicago Bears.  Record: 3-5.  FanIQ's Preseason Pick: 12-4 

The Good: Devin Hester is a great kick returner.  The injuries are healing on the D, so that should improve.

The Bad: The Bears "Great" D has been just average, and has been killed by injuries.  Of course, the worst thing is that joke of an offense. The line has been bad, Cedric Benson is not that good, and they don't have a decent quarterback.

The Future?: They don't have an easy path ahead of them.  Oakland really seems like the only sure win.  Green Bay, Washington, Chicago, Seattle, the Giants, and Minnesota all have looked better than the Bears this season.   Denver and Oakland seem to be their best shot at wins.  I think they go .500 in that stretch at best, and I'm predicting that my preseason Super Bowl pick will finish 7-9.

Minnesota Vikings.  Record: 3-5.  FanIQ's Preseason Pick: 6-10

The Good: Adrian Peterson has been a complete beast.  He's a rookie and perhaps the NFL's best back.   They've allowed the 3rd fewest points amongst NFC teams, they have a turnover difference of +6, and they still have one of the best run defenses.

The Bad: They have a bad pass defense, and have allowed the 2nd most passing yards/per game of any NFL team.  They also have a pretty awful passing offense, barely completing 50% of their throws.  Luckily, they've kept the INT's on the low end.

The Future?: Oakland, at San Francisco, at Denver, and Chicago all seem like winnable games.  But Green Bay, Detroit, Washington, and the Giants doesn't seem like too much fun.  I think they can go .500, but that's probably about it.  I'll say the Vikings finish 7-9.

What do you think will happen in the NFC North in the second half of the season?  Can the Packers and Lions keep it going?  Will the Bears turn the season around? 

More divisions to come through the week.