Minnesota Vikings: Who is their biggest NFC North worry?

Despite winning the NFC North in 2017, the Minnesota Vikings look to be dethroned but who should the Vikes be most cautious of?

In 2017, no one imagined the Minnesota Vikings would capture the NFC North but they did. It was a triumph season, ended at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. Even so, the team managed to win games with a backup quarterback. No doubt an impressive feat.

Looking forward to 2018, the Vikings are already being pushed to the side. If last year proved anything, it’s not to doubt the team. With their future uncertain, there’s always a possibility of them winning the NFC North again. Even if they don’t, who should be their biggest division worry?

For each division, there’s always an odd team out. It’s one that no one really counts on or plans on being a true contender. Despite the strides the Bears have made, the Chicago Bears are the NFC North’s version of that. Besides a rock-solid defense, the team struggled in 2017.

It seems the struggles will continue this season. The team lost one of their best playmakers, Cameron Meredith, to the Saints. Meredith would have been a great building block for Mitch Trubisky. There’s definitely some hype around the Bears, but the NFC North crown seems out of their reach.

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The NFC North is really out of the ordinary with its other teams. Of the two teams remaining, one is a contender while the other might be. Looking at the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers, it’s pretty obvious. Even so, the Vikes suffered one loss to the Lions, but beat the Packers twice — so it’s still tricky.

Detroit another team who is always almost there. They get close to winning a Super Bowl or making the playoffs but don’t get there. It’s disappointing for fans and confusing for non-fans. It makes it hard to rank them against their fellow rivals.

Looking back at 2017, the Lions failed to make the playoffs, resulting in losing coach Jim Caldwell. The team could be on the right track with Matt Patricia but he’s still a first-year head coach. With Patricia’s focus on defense, the Lions look promising but a lack-luster offense could spell disaster.

The Lions are still a worth-while opponent but don’t pose as big of a threat as the next team. Even if you hate the Green Bay Packers, there’s no denying Aaron Rodgers is one of the best in the league. The sentiment couldn’t have been truer in 2017.

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After losing Rodgers for nine games, the Packers struggled. With the promise of a healthy Rodgers in 2018, they easily pose the biggest threat to the Vikings. The main issue with the Packers is their poor defense. Similar to the Saints in 2014, their offense can’t wholly make up for their defense’s problems.

Even with a less than stellar defense, the Packers are the biggest challenger for the NFC North. Looking at the NFC North as a whole, each team has a chance but also has a few minor issues. If one can get the kinks worked out, who knows which team will become NFC North champs?

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