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Trying to look objectively, do people still believe that the Packers are the best team in the NFC North?

Minnesota seems to be the media darling, but thier defense hasn't looked all that impressive so far in the pre-season. Jackson hasn't looked real impressive and now he is hurt. I think they may end up third or four in the division.

Chicago looks slightly improved with Orton. He doesn't seem to make as many mistakes as Grossman. I think Chicago still has the best special teams in the division, although they looked horrible against S.F. I think their defense is aging, but still capable of carrying the team. I think they could end up second in the division.

Detroit to me is the wild card. I would usually write them off pretty quickly because they are Detroit, but their offense has looked better than expected in pre season. Calvin Johnson has looked unstoppable. But in the end I think they will find a way to end up third in the division.

I guess that would mean that Green Bay is still the best in the division. Although, as we all know, it will hinge on the arm of Rodgers.

It's going to be a good race come December. I've predicted the Vikings and Packers will both finish the season with identical records. The team that stays the healthiest will probably win the division.

If Detroit's offensive line shows signs of life they could be real dangerous.

Minnesota's secondary is garbage and that's going to be their downfall this season. I don't think Jackson will kill them but I don't see him winning many games either. That said, I could say the same thing for Aaron.

I have no idea how the season is going to go this year in the North. Hell, I could even see the Bears being an eight win team.

Depends on what Tarvaris does. If he plays well this season and limits mistakes, then Minnesota has the rest of the foundation in place (best RB, DL, and OL in the division). If Rodgers can outplay Jackson, then I think we are the best team, (best overall offensive weapons and best overall D). It really will come down to QB play.

Bears are way too limited offensively in terms of weapons and consistent OL play, and the Lions D will be atrociously bad, so neither of those teams worry me that much.

It's between us and the Vikes.

For the Packers it will really come down to the play off both there lines, especially the offensive line which at this point seems to be real shaky. I would like to see the Packers start off healthy but I doubt that happens...Hawk seems like he won't be ready and there has to be doubt about Picket, Harrell, and if jolly is suspended. I am also very concerned that Grant and Picket really haven't practiced at all.

I belive the Packers are still the best team,from top to bottom.I dont think there is a better team in the division.

The Vikings and even Lions have nice pieces at a few positions but the Packers are the one team from top to bottom that is solid.

There realy isnt one position on the Packers you can point to and say ''wow they suck there''.There are positions you can say that about with the Vikes (QB) and the Lions and I wont even go there with the Bears lol.

To be honest and im being objective I dont see (baring injury) how the Packers cant win the North with an 11-5 maybe even 12-4 record.

Nevermind Brett Favre for a second but you look at this Packer team its young and solid and is only going to continue to get better and we have great coaching.

Also keep in mind the team and the coaching staff has been together for a couple years now and continuity in sports can be a huge (positive) factor.

I realize QB is a huge position of course and Favre had a great season but I dont see how you go from 13-3 with Favre to say 7-9 or 8-8 with Rodgers.Football is the ultimate team game and the Packers have an outstanding team.As long as Rodgers has a solid year and stays healthy I dont see how the Packers dont take the north in 2008 with at least an 11-5 record.

I think 10-6 wins the division,9-7 might.

I could see the division shaping up like this.

Packers 11-5
Vikings 9-7
Lions 7-9
Bears 4-12

I've got all the faith in the world in Rodgers, but if he isn't the real deal and he struggles (not out of the question by any means, being that it's his first year under center), the Packers probably don't win the division.

Detroit has looked good on paper several times over the last 20 years and they always end up sucking.

Packers.

To be the best you gotta beat the best.

It does not help that our first game is against Queens when we are hurting - Pickett, KGB, Hawk, etc.

Its gonna be close b/t them and us and that 1st game could make a difference.

Think injuries could take us out this year. I do not believe we have great depth like some people here.

Crap depth at
OT - whole OL - imagine Clif going down for year.
CB - Tramon is by far the best and he got torched twice - imagine Woodson going down for year. .
DL - imagine Kampman or Pickett going down for year.
QB - imagine the Brohm or Flynn question being about who starts instead of #2.
TE - imagine Lee going down for year.

Plus questionable depth at
RB - anyone want Jackson as our starter all year?
LB - would chillar really replace Barnett or HAwk effectively?

Sure most teams are in same spot. Just saying our depth is NOT a strength except at WR.