2009 NFL Win Total Odds by Conference: NFC North

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Now that Brett Favre has officially announced that he will not sign with the Minnesota Vikings, the other teams in the NFC North can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Not they thought his signing with the Vikings would make Minnesota a virtual lock to win the North, they just don’t have to find out the hard way. With the exception of Detroit, this is one of the more closely matched divisions in the league. The team that can best maximize their strength and play around their weakness will have the best chance to win the division. Here is a preview of each team’s win total odds for the 2009 season.

Chicago Bears: current odds = 8.5 wins

The Bears made the biggest splash early in the off season when they made a trade with Denver for All Pro quarterback Jay Cutler. Lack of consistency at this position has been one of the Bear’s biggest problems on offense in the past. He will be able to open things up for Chicago, making them a threat to score every time they have the ball. If their defensive stars, most notably Brian Urlacher can return to the form that once made them dominant, a 10+ win season is very realistic.

Detroit Lions: current odds = 4.5 wins

Everyone knows about last year’s 0-16 record, so there is no reason to keep dragging the Lions through the mud. With a brand new front office, coaching staff, and the first overall pick in the draft, QB Matthew Stafford it is time for a new beginning. The only problem is as I go through the Lion’s schedule it may not be until week 8 against St. Louis before they have a legitimate chance to win. Given that this season is a complete rebuilding process, more than 4 wins for this team would be a stretch.

Green Bay Packers: current odds = 8.5 wins

With the pressure of replacing Brett Favre over with, I expect QB Aaron Rodgers to have a better season in 2009. While he did throw for over 4000 yards last year, he didn’t play with the consistency needed to win on a regular basis. With another year of experience and a better supporting cast he has the potential to be one of the best in the NFC. Unfortunately for the Pack, I think that new defensive coordinator, Don Capers will have his hands full trying to implement his new 3-4 defensive scheme with this current roster of players. This all adds up to a 7-9 or 8-8 season for Green Bay in my book.

Minnesota Vikings: current odds = 9 wins

They have actually taken the Vikings off the betting board for now until the odds makers can weigh the impact of Brett Favre decision not to join the team, so 9 may no longer be an accurate number. I have absolutely no confidence in Tavaras Jackson’s ability to lead this team. What little confidence he had was completely shattered when his team lobbied so hard to sign Favre. I do not see Sage Rosenfels as the answer either. RB Adrian Peterson is an incredible player, but the Vikings become very one dimensional without the ability to scare anyone with their passing game. On defense they still face the chance that NT Pat Williams and DT Kevin Williams will have to serve their suspensions for testing positive for a banned substance. Everything is all pointing toward a rocky start that Minnesota may not be able to recover from. I would stay away from this one until a new total wins number is posted.

• NFL Opening Day Lines: Minnesota vs. Cleveland
• NFL Vegas Odds for December 28, 2009
• Rumors: Could Brett Favre Return?
• Brett Favre’s Agent: “I Really Don’t Want To Talk About That”
• Report: Brett Favre Visits Minnesota Doctor