NFL-Lines

With the NFL lockout coming to an end, sports betting handicappers are beginning to look at the futures odds for their favorite teams. Last season, the NFC North shocked many NFL betting lines enthusiasts, as not only did the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl, but they defeated NFC North rival the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game to do so. Here is a preview of the top division in the NFL in 2010, the NFC North.

Green Bay Packers – Last season was an emotional one for the eventual Super Bowl Champions. During the first three weeks of the season, the Packers lost 11 of their first string players, and had to spend the next 15 weeks with a make shift roster. As a result, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was forced to finally take his game to another level in order to guide the team to success, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy needed to rally his troops all year long.

What can’t be under appreciated is the emergence of linebacker Clay Matthews during last season’s Championship push. Matthews was an absolute force for the Packers, and made opposing teams quarterbacks look foolish. Heading into this season, the Packers are an obvious choice for a repeat as division champion.

Chicago Bears – The Bears went from a team that infuriated its fans, to one that came within a win of going to the Super Bowl. Despite guiding the team to their best finish since the 2007 Super Bowl, Jay Cutler will be under a lot of pressure this season, after he failed to play out the NFC Championship game due to a leg injury. Cutler was accused by players around the league of quitting on his team, and will need to put in another strong effort this season, to prove his critics wrong.

Detroit Lions – After a couple of years of rebuilding and putting together a youthful core, the Lions appear ready to take the next step in making it back to the playoffs. Detroit owns one of the scariest young defensive lines in the NFL, as they drafted Nick Fairley to compliment Ndamukong Suh. If Matthew Stafford can stay healthy, the Lions should be able to win at least eight games this season.

Minnesota Vikings – With Brett Favre gone, the Vikings can finally play some team oriented football. Running back Adrian Peterson will be forced to carry the offensive load, as Sidney Rice looks to test the free agency market, and Christian Ponder is a very raw quarterback with plenty to learn. Do not be surprised if Minnesota has one of their worst seasons win loss wise since they drafted Peterson a few years ago.