Wednesday, July 30
This is my seventh of eight installments giving a quick prediction on each NFL division. Today: NFC North.
1. Packers - Aaron Rodgers, knowing how to win and what I fully expect to be an improved defense makes the Packers my top choice. Jay Cutler has yet to prove himself in the clutch and the Lions don't know how to win.
2. Bears - The offense can now take its place among all the other high-powered attacks in the NFL courtesy of offensive guru Marc Trestman. Chicago's defense hasn't recovered from Brian Urlacher's retirement, but it won't be as bad as last season. Jared Allen still is a top caliber pass rusher especially when motivated.
3. Lions - The talent is there. It has been lack of discipline and bad coaching that have held the Lions back. I haven't liked a Lions head coach since Buddy Parker. Looking at the roster, it's easy to get excited about Detroit's chances. But don't get seduced. The Lions have been to the playoffs once during the 21st century.
4. Vikings - Mike Zimmer is a proven defensive whiz, but the Vikings are so putrid offensively that they won just 11 games with Adrian Peterson. Zimmer has a huge challenge with his 31st-ranked pass defense trying to contain Rodgers, Cutler and Matthew Stafford for a combined six games. Note that for the first time in 32 years, the Vikings will be playing all of their home games outdoors as they wait for their new stadium to be built.
On the handicapping front, I went 1-0 on Tuesday cashing my Triple Star Underdog Game of the Month with the Marlins, a $1.25 'dog who beat the Nationals, 3-0. I also have one big play for today - my July Run Game of the Month. Don't sleep in because this one goes early and can be found here: /pregamepros/pro-bettor/bettor.aspx?id=7746#capper.
Also my NFL/College football package is now available at a temporary special early-bird lowest special price. I have turned a profit 18 of the last 20 years in the NFL and have won 64 percent of my bowl plays during the past two years. It also can be found on my home page.