Robinson: Unlike Jason, I'll try not to bore you with my philosophical musings and just answer the question. "The very nature of the NFL … ." Thank you, Professor Cole. Anyway, I like the Vikings to win the NFC North despite the fact that they've lost a playmaker (Koren Robinson) and a first-round pick (Chad Greenway), and are hanging their hopes on a 38-year-old quarterback (Brad Johnson) and a running back (Chester Taylor) who has yet to prove he can carry the load. For my money, Minnesota has it where it counts – on the offensive and defensive lines, and in a secondary that has a pair of cornerbacks who should be one of the best tandems in the NFC. And after seeing Johnson in person this preseason, I think he's a perfect fit in Brad Childress' scheme. Even second-year wide receiver Troy Williamson looks like he's made some big strides since last season. Another factor in the prediction – Rex Grossman and the Bears' offense hasn't looked much better than what we saw last season. Even the defense seems to be a little flat. I still think the Bears will push for the playoffs, but I like Minnesota to be more consistent on both sides of the ball.
Most overrated, Jason Cole
But the big winner (is that the right way to put it?) in this category is Chicago. The Bears won the NFC North going away last season and probably will again this year. But barring incredible development by quarterback Rex Grossman (sorry, Brian Griese isn't a real alternative), the Bears are again looking at an early exit from the playoffs. The other problem for the Bears is that their secondary is weak and doesn't get tested in their excessively weak division.