Much like my College Football Is Upon Us section, I’m going to be doing a similar posting with the NFL. I’ll try to get one division out a day, but my work schedule is busy, so some days might not be posted on.

Today’s post will be on the NFC North, a division that, to be honest, isn’t super competitive. The next post will probably come, oh, maybe tomorrow, but probably Thursday. To see my past NFL Season Preview posts, click here. I’m trying to bounce back and forth between NFL previews and NCAA previews. Anyway, enjoy.

1.) Chicago Bears: They’re probably a lock to win the North because, well, look at the North: Detroit is a sleeper pick like they are every year, Green Bay is playing with the interception prone Brett Favre, and Minnesota is playing with. . . well, uh, Tarvaris Jackson? They can go 8-8 and make the playoffs without a problem, except maybe:

Insert: Rex Grossman. I never thought I’d live the day where 40,000 people want Brian Griese to be behind their center. After a full year of Sexy Rexy, though, it’s not that much of a stretch.

Biggest Question: Aside from the Rex Grossman question, it’s this: Can the Bears defense be the same defense it was the first half of the season? In their first seven games they gave up 59 points. In their final nine games, they gave up 186 points. Tommie Harris is healthy, which will help, but someone needs to step up where Tank Johnson’s departed.

2.) Detroit Lions: I guess this is their year. Calvin Johnson shouldn’t be the bust that “CFL” Charles Rogers was, and he’ll surely be better than Mike Williams, whose pre-draft guidance and advice came from Maurice Clarett. John Kitna didn’t have mind-boggling stats last year, but with Mike Furrey and Roy Williams on the other side of Johnson, and with Mike Martz calling the shots, it should be an entertaining offense to watch.

Insert: Matt Millen. The team’s 24-72 since Millen took over. I’d say if things aren’t turned around this year he’d be gone, but if things aren’t turned around this year he’ll probably just draft another receiver. Eleven of their losses came by 9 points or less, so at least they were competitive.

Biggest Question: Can the Lions finally win? It’s that simple. They’ve got a young defense, but their entire defensive line, which was plagued by injuries last year, is back and healthy this year. They’ve added some depth in the backfield with Tatum Bell and TJ Duckett, and adding Calvin Johnson — or anyone from Georgia Tech, for that matter — is the best decision Matt Millen’s made since he got there.

3.) Green Bay Packers: Their first round pick was Justin Harrell, which had fans in Green Bay and everywhere else scratching their heads (I’m a UT fan, and I couldn’t defend that pick). It’s Brett Favre’s last year, which should create some momentum for the team. Their only problem?

Insert: It’s Not Really Brett Favre’s Last Year. Who does this guy think he’s kidding? Some time next April — hell, he may even wait until, like, Sepetember, couple of days before Week 1 — he’ll let everyone know he’s coming back for one last hoo-raw. And Aaron Rodgers, poor Aaron Rodgers, will have one more year on the sidelines looking just as concerned about his career as he did at the draft.

Biggest Question: Can their defense play? If they can, the Pack may have some success. Brett Favre has to cut back on the picks, though, if this team wants to play in January.

4.) Minnesota Vikings: Surprised? Shouldn’t be. Their best player on offense is an offensive guard. Their second best player on offense is a rookie. Their coach looks like a porn star.

Insert: Help. They’ll need it. Tarvaris Jackson, with all due respect, isn’t an NFL quarterback. This team is pretty much playing for the Brian Brohm sweepstakes next year.

Biggest Question: Too many to answer.