Taking a Look at the NFC North

Teams listed in alphabetical order.

CHICAGO BEARS
2007 record: 7-9
The Forecast: Partly sunny with some clouds
Can a team win with a potentially great defense and a likely marginal offense? Aside from rookie RB Matt Forte and second-year TE Greg Olson, the Bears' offense lacks playmakers. Re-signing LB Lance Briggs and keeping S Mike Brown, CB Nathan Vasher and DTs Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoraceck healthy could usher in another dominant Bears defense.
That Won't Be Wind Howling If: The Bears don't get something from their passing game and the middle part of the defense can't stay healthy.

DETROIT LIONS
2007 record: 7-9
The Forecast: Cloudy, with a chance of sun
The defense needed a lot of help, and that is what the Lions addressed in free agency and somewhat in the draft. None of the position groups stand out, though DT Cory Redding has Pro Bowl ability and LB Ernie Sims is not far behind. Subtracting DT Shaun Rodgers and adding CB Leigh Bodden were good moves. The passing game could be special with WRs Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, but who will run the ball?
Look for More Layoffs in Detroit If: The Lions don't show significant improvement and at least contend for a playoff spot.

GREEN BAY PACKERS
2007 record: 13-3
The Forecast: Sun mixed with possible storms
After a surprisingly promising 2007 season ended on a sour note in the NFC Championship game, the news has gone from bad to worse in the land of wholesome dairy products. First QB Brett Favre retired, then shortly before camp started he decided not to retire. Compounding matters has been the club's stance that they've moved on to Aaron Rodgers as their QB. But enough of that. The Packers have rebuilt a lot of depth through the past three drafts, and it's become apparent they might have the deepest group of WRs in the league. They're strong on the lines and at linebacker as well. If RB Ryan Grant's holdout ends soon, their ground game is in good hands. If not, Rodgers will have another tough hand to play. The defense needs better safety play and a return to health at the DT spot, otherwise it's very solid.
Cheeseheads Will Melt If: Favre plays for another team, Grant has a lengthy holdout, Rodgers can't justify the team's faith in him or injuries, which the Packers largely avoided in '07, hit this time around.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2007 record: 8-8
The Forecast: Partly sunny
A popular choice as a playoff contender, the Vikings turned over significant parts of their roster in hopes of upgrading their pass defense and passing game. WR Bernard Berrian has the speed the Vikings have lacked since saying good-bye to Randy Moss, but he's nowhere near the caliber of player Moss is. S Madieu Williams will help the secondary, but unless another newcomer, DE Jared Allen, massively upgrades the pass rush, teams might still be able to exploit Minnesota's secondary. The running game offers no such worries with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor giving the Vikings the top 1-2 combination in the league. The offensive improvement will hinge on QB Tavaris Jackson's improvement, and he has the tools to do so.
The 10,000 Lakes Might Freeze Early If: Jackson regresses, Peterson gets hurt or the high-priced talent that was brought in doesn't live up their contracts.

Next: The NFC South