NFL division races: NFC North

A look at the strengths, weaknesses, rehab issues and what to expect in the NFC North, as provided by SN's NFL correspondents:
Green Bay Packers
The strength: Few teams will be able to match the team's offense. nfl jerseys
QB Aaron Rodgers(notes) will have better protection, which means he'll have more time to find a deep receiving group. The running game will be used when opponents start dropping too many guys into coverage.
The weakness: There just aren't enough quality cornerbacks. If Al Harris(notes) can come off the phyiscally unable to preform list after Week 6 and add something, it will help immensely. But entering the opener, the defense will have two rookies in its widely used nickel package—S Morgan Burnett(notes) and CB Sam Shields(notes). Even veteran CB Tramon Williams(notes) hasn't looked like a starter subbing for Harris. For the second year in a row, this could be the team's undoing.
The rehab: DE Justin Harrell(notes) is back after two years on injured reserve because of back troubles. He made it through camp with only a few back problems and flashed some of the strength and power that made him a top pick. But he has so much catching up to do that he'll probably be inactive early on. At some point, though, he'll be needed.
The key addition: P Tim Masthay(notes) had an excellent camp and appears to be just what the team needed. He regularly hits punts beyond 40 yards and has good hang time, too. The big key, of course, will be how he handles the cold.
The bottom line: After a somewhat favorable early schedule, the Packers have a midseason stretch—against the Vikings, Jets and Cowboys—that will determine which direction they are headed. This club has talent galore on offense and will go as far as Rodgers can take them. Although the defense remains a mystery, there's enough talent all the way around for this team to go to the Super Bowl.—Tom Silverstein
Minnesota Vikings
The strength: The defensive front seven can dominate, especially in all the noise at the Metrodome. The Vikings have underrated linebackers and the best line in the league. RE Jared Allen(notes) and DT Kevin Williams(notes) are all-pros who attract double-teams. NT Pat Williams(notes) can't be moved, and LE Ray Edwards(notes) is entering his prime.
The weakness: There are many concerns entering the season, but the biggest is the offensive line. C John Sullivan(notes) missed the preseason and most of the summer practices because of a calf injury. RG Anthony Herrera(notes) is an overachiever, but the team has been looking to replace him. LT Bryant McKinnie(notes) has lapses in concentration, and that's not good when you're protecting Brett Favre's(notes) blind side.
The rehab: MLB E.J. Henderson(notes) has made a remarkable recovery from a broken femur sustained last December. It was assumed Henderson would be on the PUP list for the first six games, but he played in the first preseason game. He's good to go entering the season. When healthy, he's one of Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
the NFL's best middle 'backers.
The key addition: WR Greg Camarillo(notes) has been with the team only two weeks, but he'll have the biggest impact by far among the new players. Desperate for wideout help because of injury issues, the Vikings are glad they acquired Camarillo, a slot possession receiver with great hands and a knack for getting first downs.
The bottom line: The offense will take awhile to get up to speed because of Favre's late arrival, the problems at receiver and a line that's out of sorts. But the defense should be able to carry the team initially, as long as CBs Cedric Griffin(notes) and Chris Cook(notes) don't miss too much time because of knee injuries. Don't count out the Vikings as they pursue a third consecutive NFC North title.—Mark Craig
Chicago Bears
The strength: The addition of RE Julius Peppers(notes) should turn a lackluster pass rush into a strength, which was needed to execute the cover 2 defense properly. Peppers applied consistent pressure in brief preseason action. Considering they also have an inside player—Tommie Harris(notes)—opposing lines have to worry about, the Bears appear capable of meeting their goal of pressuring the pocket without blitzing.
The weakness: After the team allowed 16 preseason sacks, the obvious problem is pass blocking. LT Chris Williams can't give up that half step to the outside, and he also needs to hold up better against bull rushes. RT Frank Omiyale(notes) shows the ability to run block and handle bull rushes, but he also has trouble against the outside rush.
The rehab: MLB Brian Urlacher(notes) recovered from last year's dislocated wrist quite awhile ago and shows no after effects with his tackling. More recently, a pulled calf muscle was a problem for him, but that also appears to be in the past. Starting SLB Pisa Tinoisamoa(notes) has recovered from a knee injury that initially occurred early last season.
The key addition: Peppers was billed as a player who was interested only in sacks and would take off downs. So far, he has has proved to be anything but selfish by playing a big part in the run defense and displaying leadership. Peppers' approach has been serious enough that teammates voted him one of the team captains.
The bottom line: Because they're still getting a feel for Mike Martz's offense, the only way the Bears will survive a difficult schedule is if their defense is formidable. If it is, they can finish the first half above .500. However, with a brutal final four games—against the Patriots, Vikings, Jets and Packers—the best the Bears can hope for is an 8-8 or 7-9 mark.—Gene Chamberlain
Detroit Lions
The strength: The defensive line has quickly become a force, both against the run (DTs Ndamukong Suh(notes) and Corey Williams(notes)) and with the pass rush (RE Kyle Vanden Bosch(notes)). The scheme funnels everything to the inside, and they've got the muscle to finish the job.
The weakness: The secondary is filled with question marks, and the Lions probably don't want to know the answers. The cornerbacks are all skilled and highly drafted (by other teams), but none has lived up to expectations. Though they are physical, they're vulnerable in downfield coverage, especially in man-to-man. The safeties are inconsistent and must limit assignment errors.
The rehab: S Louis Delmas(notes) suffered a groin injury during the offseason and now, two months later, the problem still lingers. Delmas would be a tremendous loss for the secondary, so the Lions might end up playing him on Sundays and letting him recover most of Indianapolis Colts jersey
the week.
The key addition: The Lions made so many huge moves, but rookie RB Jahvid Best(notes) has to be the biggest. Though there are other players with more experience and credentials, Best brings balance to the team's one-dimensional pass offense. Best is a threat to go the distance with his outside speed, cutting ability inside or receiving skills.
The bottom line: With all their offensive firepower and ability to score from anywhere at any time, the Lions will be a fun team to watch. The flip side, though, is the defense can get torched from anywhere at any time. No lead will be safe—from either side of the ball—and the Lions are sure to be involved in a lot of high-scoring games. Though they are a vastly improved team, it probably won't show in wins. They're still a year away from being true playoff contenders.