NFL Divisional Finals Preview and Predictions: By Kyle Balfour

The Go For It On Fourth 32 for 32 Season Preview:
The 2017 NFC North:

Part six of our continuing series asking a fan of each and every team their opinions on the season. Today, we turn our attention to the NFC North.

Chicago Bears: Claire Da Bear @clairedabear85

How was last season for you?

Well, last season was rough, but there were glimmers of hope, as most of our losses were by less than seven points.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

You never really know how a Draft pans out until at least three years later. But I think most Bears fans would say they were pleased with this year’s draft and free agency.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

The Quarterback situation in Chicago is interesting for the first time in a long time. Glennon will start with Mr. Butt Fumble Mark Sanchez as the backup. But Mr. T, this year’s second overall draft pick, in the wings learning the ropes. Some really good things have been said about him not just by fans and the media but by Peyton Manning and Brett Favre, and if you’re gonna get a QB seal of approval, those are the quality of QB greats of the past you want to hear it from.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

I think Long is still one of the big forces of the team, and by all accounts, is a good locker room leader. I think leadership and drive is something the Bears have lacked for a bit so seeing more of that would be good for the whole franchise, top to bottom.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Mr. Fox is under a lot of pressure, he has done well with the young talent that he’s had when they are healthy, but he now has to put WIN on the board. I feel he’ll get the boot if we have less than seven wins, but if we beat the Packers twice, that may save his bottom from the boot.

How did you come to support your team?

How I became a Bear is a long story, and I’d have to write that up at another time. But I will tell you that my love affair with the Bears started when I was 3 years old.

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

The Bears are the backbone and the heartbeat of the NFL. We are one of the founding teams. We have the history of the sport. We have more Hall of Famers than any other team in the Hall of Fame. We are known as “The Monster of the Midway”. Our Super Bowl win is still considered as one of the best. Our Defences have been the stuff of legend and opposing Quarterbacks’ nightmares, and our mascot and logo are cool.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

We are a fairly young, healthy team on the way up. The roster is deep with talent, which means people have to fight for their jobs every day at most positions. This will make us a more competitive team, which I for one wholeheartedly support.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

Playing in the “Black and Blue” division always means staying healthy is an issue.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

I am a huge fan of JJ Watt, and would love to see him as a Bear (but it will never happen). He plays like the Bears greats of the past, and that’s heart-warming to see.

How long into the season will it be before Mitch Trubisky is starting at quarterback?

I think he’ll start before two seasons are done with, but we may see him get his toes wet on the field at the end of the season if there is nothing to play for.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I think six wins is realistic. I don’t see us making the playoffs this season, but feel next year we will be in the convention for a playoff place. I do think that we will have the biggest impact on the team that represents the NFC North, as nothing is easy, and we will make the team that goes earn their place at the playoff table.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Boringly to say, I think the Pats lift it again, and will either play the Seahawks, the Packers or possibly the Cowboys in the Super Bowl.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Don’t forget to follow Claire DaBear on Twitter @clairedabear85. I run giveaways for ALL NFL teams open to fans worldwide. The prize and goodie bundles are nothing short of amazing.

Detroit Lions: Daniel Forrester 

How was last season for you?

I suppose I would say last season was a mixed bag, we started slowly, and were 1-3 after week 4, and after losing to the Bears week 4, I wasn’t holding out any hope at all for a winning season. Then all of a sudden, we picked up a good head of steam in the middle of the season, winning seven of the next eight, thanks to Matthew Stafford pulling off some remarkable fourth quarter comebacks. So, we are 9-4 after week 13, and I’m thinking this is going to be our year, we are at the very least going to be the NFC North Champions, and get a bye into the divisional playoff game…WRONG!!! Stafford injures his hand and the wheels come off, we lose the last three games and get toppled by the bloody Packers. Eventually scraping into the playoffs as a wildcard, unfortunately we didn’t turn up for that game against the Seahawks and were very disappointing. But we did make the playoffs, had a winning season, and I witnessed a lot of character from the Lions all season long, and a lot of edge of the seat action, so if I were to score last season, I’d give it a 7.5/10.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

Overall, I’m happy with the Lions’ business in both the draft and free agency. Positives in Free Agency were that we have seemed to have strengthened our O-Line with the additions of proven linemen like TJ Lang and Ricky Wagner. Negatives were letting Anquan Boldin go. Positives on the draft, well obviously it’s early days for the rookies, but from the preseason games I’ve seen so far, Kenny Goliaday, the wide receiver, looks like he is going to be some player, looking forward to seeing more of him this season! No real negatives from the Draft, but it was a little dubious at the time that we didn’t acquire a running back.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

I could go on all day about how much I love Stafford so I will keep this short and sweet. Mr. Dependable. 10/10.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

I’m hoping that if he’s fit and healthy, it will be Ameer Abdullah. We really need a good performance from him as our running game is weak! So in short, and with all fingers crossed, Ameer Abdullah.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

I’m not sure anyone is under too much pressure, so to speak. Caldwell seems to have the backing of the front office, and let’s face it, nobody is expecting the Lions to win the Super Bowl. Maybe if we have a losing season, that will change, but right now, I think things are pretty settled.

How did you come to support your team?

This is only my third season as an NFL fan. The first game I watched was the Lions take on the Chiefs at Wembley, and the Lions got thrashed big time. The next game I watched was the Lions v. Eagles and the Lions thrashed them. By now, I’m getting a little hooked on NFl, and my mate, who is a big Packers fan, asked me who I was going to support? I told him I’d developed a fondness for the Lions and he replied saying that that was a great team to choose as the Packers were in the same division, so we would be rivals, and that the Lions were a really good team…I now know he lies about the latter and he bloody tricked me…we are no longer friends! *laughs*

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

Simple really, they are not a bandwagon team. I believe that they are a team on the up, and I think following them on their rise to glory is gonna be a long enjoyable journey. Well, maybe not enjoyable, but it’s probably gonna be long!

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

I am optimistic this season, maybe I’m naïve but I believe with a stronger O-Line, a healthy backfield and a fit and healthy Matthew Stafford, the Lions are capable of big things. I’m not saying Super Bowl Champs yet but maybe a playoff win…I’d like that!

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

Just the running game, really. But if Abdullah and Riddick stay fit, I won’t really have many.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

As I’ve mentioned in previous questions, the Lions could do with a good running back and I can’t think of one better than Le’veon Bell so I’d take him all day long!

Does Matthew Stafford have what it takes to deliver this team that elusive playoff victory?

All I need to say on this matter is 100% YESSSSSSSSS! That’s all!

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I’m hoping 10-6 and a playoff win. That would be a thing of dreams!

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

I hate to say it but the Pats, they are a machine that only seems to get stronger.

Green Bay Packers: Matt @MShadows17

How was last season for you?

Last season was a fun ride. A bit frustrating in the middle part, but once Rodgers stated that the Packers were going to run the table, something just clicked, and they became fun to watch again. Safe to say, I should never doubt that guy. The ending sucked but, all in all, I can't complain too much.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

I think we nailed it in the draft. Maybe picked one too many RBs, but they got a great cover corner in King, a super physical DB in Jones, and a few other guys I'm excited about. Being a Wisconsin fan through and through, though, the Vince Biegel pick is especially cool (for obvious reasons). Not only that, but we made some very savvy free agent signings, too. Bennett will be a huge piece, Jahri Evans is a multiple-time Pro Bowler, and Lance Kendricks is back in Wisconsin, too, which I think is awesome (again, for obvious reasons).

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

Aaron Rodgers is the most talented QB in the league right now. Accept no substitutes. He may not be the most decorated (that goes to Brady and his 5 rings, obviously), but his numbers are absolutely unreal (if I could cherry-pick just one, just look at his TD-INT ratio; the guy throws AT LEAST more than one touchdown per interception over any QB that has played the game EVER). Not only are his numbers amazing, but the amount of insane throws that the guy has made over his career is astonishing (even before you consider the 3 Hail Marys). I could go on all day, but the dude is awesome, and we're so lucky to have him (especially after having a great QB like Favre).

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

In terms of importance, I am going to go David Bakhtiari. One of the best left tackles in the league. Gotta keep Rodgers upright, and the guy does a fantastic job. Jordy Nelson being healthy is huge, too.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

Dom. Capers. I am amazed the guy still has a job with some of the playoff performances his defences have turned in, but I'm convinced he'll be here forever. He's basically a human cockroach at this point.

How did you come to support your team?

I was born into it. I come from a family of big Packer fans, and it has stuck ever since. Same goes for the Badgers (I am also an alumnus), Bucks and Brewers. Would also cheer for a Wisconsin NHL team if we had one, but the San Jose Sharks will do (saw Joe Pavelski play for a local high school growing up because he played with some of my cousins, and I've pretty much followed his career since).

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

The Packers have a super-rich history, some of the coolest and nicest fans you'll ever meet, and one of the greatest gameday experiences in the NFL. Not only that, but they consistently field a very good team to boot, especially on the offensive side.

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

The offence was already awesome and now has a top 10 TE to go along with it. Needless to say, I can't say enough good things about the offense. When you have Aaron Rodgers, that's enough reason for optimism.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

Defence. Again. Been that way ever since they got exposed in the playoffs in 2011 against Eli. It's not necessarily just a Dom Capers thing, either. It's easy to talk up defensive picks in a draft (and I do like our draft), but the time needs to come where they produce on a consistent level. There is plenty of talent on paper there. Mike Daniels is fantastic, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is more than just a funny name, and Clay Matthews (albeit in a bit of a decline) got paid for a reason. They need a few more pieces to step up, though, especially on the front seven

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

Khalil Mack. He's one of the most exciting young pass rushers in the league, and we need players who can get to the quarterback. Need I say more?

How much longer of a window do you believe Aaron Rodgers has in the NFL?

Rodgers is a smart QB who doesn't make mistakes often. He still has a cannon for an arm with the accuracy to match. I believe he could easily play 6 or 7 more years at a Pro Bowl level with that skill set for sure and could go another 4 years beyond that if he stays healthy. Now he just needs a defense to help him get another ring (which is more than overdue).

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I see another season of Aaron Rodgers doing his thing and the defence being underwhelming but doing enough to get the job done. I am thinking they go 12-4. Falcons in week 2 seems like a loss, but I think every other game seems winnable. Gonna have some losses here and there, but I see us being the King in the (NFC) North again, along with a possible bye (which they could definitely use). They have the talent to go all the way from there but, realistically, I see an NFC Championship game birth for right now. Where they go from there depends on defence.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Well, obviously I'm going to say Packers, haha. As far as other teams, I'd be on the lookout for the Steelers if they stay healthy. And the Patriots are going to be good again (of course). Packers have a more than realistic chance, though, so I'm going to be a homer and stick with them.

Anything else you’d like to say about the upcoming season, or anything you’d like to plug or mention?

Go. Pack. Go. Also, if you want more insightful commentary on stuff along with occasional irrationality, follow me on Twitter! (@MShadows17)

Minnesota Vikings: Eilidh Gray @UKVikingsFan

How was last season for you?

It started off fantastic with us being the last remaining undefeated team in the league and I was even tricked into thinking we actually had a shot at going to the Super Bowl, so it was incredibly disappointing when we started losing game after game and not even making the playoffs. Personally though, it was a good season as I got to visit the new stadium and see us have a pretty great win against the Giants.

With the offseason in the rear-view mirror, how do you believe your team fared in the draft and free agency?

Considering we never had a first round pick I think we did pretty well in the draft in getting Dalvin Cook in the second round. Free agency was ok. We didn't bulk up our O-line as much as I'd have liked.

The man under centre: what’s your opinions on your starting quarterback for this season?

I have always been a fan of Bradford since he was at Oklahoma. He entered the draft after my first season of watching the NFL and he was the first college player I took an interest in, so it's kinda cool he's ended up with us. He's never gonna be an elite QB but I think he's good enough to take us to the playoffs if he can get good protection. However, having him as our QB doesn't excite me in the same way as having Teddy did.

Who would you say is the main man for your team beyond the quarterback?

It's hard to say. It was always Peterson but now with him gone we've yet to see who the new face of the franchise will be. At the moment, I think we're best known for our strong defence, but I don't really think there's one player who fills that role. Personally, the 'main man' for me would be Harrison Smith or Everson Griffen but if we're talking in terms of recognition amongst NFL fans, they're not as popular as they should be.

Which member of your team or coaching staff is under the most pressure in this coming season?

I think every season most head coaches are under immense pressure and despite my love of Zimmer, I've got to think they're looking for more out of him by now. He did have to get by with a ridiculous amount of team injuries last year (as well as his own) but arguably every team has to deal with similar situations. I would hate if he did get sacked, but coaches' lifespans are very short lived if they miss out on the playoffs, especially when they have a team more than capable of getting there. I hope Treadwell is under a lot of pressure. He didn't add anything to the team last season and I always believe if a first round pick doesn't have an immediate impact on the team, they're a wasted pick (apart from QBs sitting behind a vet for a couple years).

How did you come to support your team?

I had tried getting into NFL a couple of times and had picked teams at those times (the Rams and 49ers) but no team ever really stuck with me and my interest died pretty quickly. It wasn't until I was on holiday in Florida in 2009 and had just watched the movie Gridiron Gang before going. It made me want to watch a bit of football and get into it properly. The big game that week was Vikings v. Packers, as it was Brett Favre's first time playing against the Packers. I had remembered Favre from the cover of some of my dad's First Down magazines when I was a kid and couldn't believe he was still playing. A lot of people had Green Bay as the favourite for that game, thinking the younger Aaron Rodgers would outplay old man Favre, so, always favouring the 'underdog', I wanted Minnesota to win. I didn't get to watch a lot of the game but was happy when I found out the next day they'd won. This was the first time I actually cared about the outcome of a game. I wasn't set on them right away and did consider a few other teams but in the end, it felt right to go with them, as they're the team that made me really get into football. They happened to have an amazing season that year with a heartbreaking end (I cried when we lost the NFC Championship game). Little did I know those kinds of seasons were going to be few and far between! I love that I support this team though and couldn't imagine choosing any other team, even if teams in warmer parts of the country do sometimes seem more appealing!

For any new fans coming into the league this year, why would you endorse your team to support?

I wouldn't, they'll only break your heart over and over again!

Give us reasons for optimism for your team this season?

An exciting new running back, some solid, hardworking receivers, a tough defence and no more Blair Walsh.

And what are your doubts for your team this upcoming season?

Bradford surviving behind our offensive line. Zimmer ending the season with both eyes intact.

Name us one player within another team that you’d love to have at your club?

No consideration into whether they'd be a good fit or not, and purely for how much I like the players, I'd choose Julio Jones or Cam Newton.

With club legend Adrian Peterson gone, will Dalvin Cook or Latavius Murray take over his position successfully?

I don't think Cook will ever be as good as Peterson but I think he'll be good enough that we won't miss Peterson. Murray's a decent back up.

What are your predictions for the upcoming season for your team? What do you think your record will be, and how far do you think you will go in the postseason, if at all?

I think we'll have a pretty average season, finishing with maybe an 8-8 or 9-7 record and miss the playoffs.

Who do you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season?

Every year I find it hard to look past New England, so I’ll always say them and I’m pretty likely to be right. Being a typically pessimistic Vikings fan though, I’m sure Green Bay will probably win the first Super Bowl played at the US Bank Stadium. And we’ll never hear the end of it!