Photo courtesy of Jim Larrison via Flickr.com

This division is probably the most competitive in the NFC. Teams like Green Bay and Minnesota have a real shot to get to the NFC title game and beyond. Detroit is trying to deal with the loss of now-retired franchise leader Calvin “Megatron” Johnson. The Chicago Bears are a shell of what they once were, struggling to find an identity and to win games.

Green Bay Packers – The Pack doesn’t miss a beat, especially when it comes to sustained success. It seems that every year they are on top of this division, but they cannot get over the hump in the postseason. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is regarded as the best in the league, and this offense will get a boost as star wide receiver Jordy Nelson returns from missing last year with an ACL injury. Can the defense give Rodgers enough help to win the Super Bowl?

Key acquisitions: Kenny Clark (Draft)

Key Departures: Casey Hayward

Prediction: 11-5

Minnesota Vikings: They would be higher, but starting QB Teddy Bridgewater just tore his ACL, among other ligaments, and is out for the year. They traded a lot for Sam Bradford to be the signal caller. This team is very young and talented, and gave Seattle a run for their money in the playoffs last year. They probably won’t survive the Bridgewater injury or make a run into the playoffs, but you still shouldn’t sleep on the Vikings in the north.

Key acquisitions: Alex Boone, Andre Smith, Michael Griffin, Laquon Treadwell (draft)

Key Departures: Mike Wallace

Prediction: 9-7

Detroit Lions – Replacing wide receiver Calvin Johnson will not be easy, but QB Matt Stafford can still sling the ball even as he gets older. The addition of WR Marvin Jones serves as a sufficient replacement for Johnson, but not entirely, leaving their defense again in question. The Lions are trending downwards fast, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they finished last in this division.

Key acquisitions: Marvin Jones, Wallace Gilberry, Taylor Decker (Draft)

Key Departures: N/A

Prediction: 5-11

Chicago Bears – This team needs an identity that is not QB Jay Cutler. WR Alshon Jeffry is a great receiver, but is injured a lot. Running back Matt Forte was their other key player, but he left for the NY Jets. WR Kevin White, 2015’s first-round pick, missed all of last season with an injury and is back to being healthy, and signing linebacker Danny Trevathan from Denver will help this team immensely. The Bears and Lions will be battling it out to see who finishes last in the division.

Key acquisitions: Danny Trevathan, Akiem Hicks, Leonard Floyd (draft)

Key Departures: Matt forte, Jarvis Jenkins

Prediction: 3-13