The NFC North will be one of the most exciting divisional races in the NFL this year without question. One familiar uncertainty hangs over the division that could be the deciding factor in who title. Will Brett Favre play for the Minnesota Vikings this year? If Favre decides to retire this season it could have a huge affect on the Vikings’ postseason hopes. Minnesota’s staunch defense and high-powered running game could still propel the Vikes to the top of the NFC North without Favre, but head coach Brad Childress definitely has his fingers crossed that #4 is in purple this season. The Green Bay Packers would be the next logical contender after going down guns blazing in a NFC Wild Card postseason classic with the Arizona Cardinals. Aaron Rodgers has solidified himself as one of the most best quarterback in the league in his two years in the job. Look for the Pack to be back in the playoffs in 2010. The Chicago Bears were dissapointed with their 7-9 season a year ago, but a number of changes has things looking up in the Windy City. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz could give the Bears’ offense a new look this season, while off season signing Julius Peppers could make a huge difference on the other side of the ball. Coach Lovie Smith and general manger Jerry Angelo have their backs up against the wall this season, because if the Bears fail to make the playoffs this season both are likely to be out of a job. Lastly we have the Detroit Lions who actually considered their 3-win season a year ago an improvement. Quarterback Matthew Stafford showed flashes of becoming a good NFL quarterback last season, but the young signal caller will need to step his game up a few levels if the Lions want any shot of being a .500 team. The focus in Motown will be fixated on the Lions first round draft pick, Ndamakong Suh. The Heisman Trophy canidate is one of the most exciting defensive draft picks in recent history. The Lions certainly are in need of an improved defense from last year.

Predicted Finish (If Favre Retires)

1. Packers

2. Vikings

3. Bears

4. Lions

Predicted Finish (If Favre Plays)

1. Vikings

2. Packers

3. Bears

4. Lions

Brett Favre announced his retirement again this week. He has retired several times before, most notably in the spring of 2008, when he was completely decided that he was going to leave the game once and for all. Then he attempted a Green Bay comeback, where he reported for camp, despite the fact that they were getting Aaron Rodgers ready for the position. So he was released to the New York Jets, where he played last season. But it’s kind of sad, because the season didn’t end quite so great there. Favre played well at the beginning, but was injured late in the season, one of the reasons that this retirement looks like it’s more permanent. We don’t think this story is going any further, but you never really know, I guess.