We know the Lions are favorites in the NFC North. Question is, who's their biggest threat?
The defending champs in Minnesota, who still have plenty to work with on offense? The longtime kings in Green Bay, who lost Aaron Rodgers but still have lots of talent on defense? Or the up-and-comers in Chicago who are building around Justin Fields?
"The only team that I’m not scared of is Green Bay," says Karsch. "Am I foolish for thinking of them as the afterthought of the division?"
Gator says he's "more concerned about the Bears" than the Vikings head-to-head against the Lions, but "overall I think it’s the Vikings as a team that could have more of an effect on the division."
"It's a matchup thing. I won’t know until I see it, but I’m not convinced the Lions have done enough to handle a quarterback with the skills that Justin Fields has, with his ability to run."
"To me," says Karsch, "the Vikings and the Packers are the past and the Bears and the Lions are the future of the NFC North. It feels like it’s been the Vikings and the Packers for a long time. The Bears scare me more and the Vikings are absolutely a quality team, but man, did they get some breaks last year."
Of the Vikings' 13 wins last season, 11 came by one score. Even with their offensive talent, some regression is likely in store. Still, if they loom as the Lions' biggest threat to winning their first division title in 30 years, two games in the final three weeks between Minnesota and Detroit should be interesting.
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