NFC North 2009 NFL Picks Preview: Lots of change is going on in the Black ’n Blue division heading into 2009. Chicago was able to land a “franchise QB in Jay Cutler in exchange for practically half of Illinois. The Detroit Lions drafted their “franchise” QB with the first pick of the draft in Matthew Stafford with the hopes that he can help them avoid 0-16 again. Green Bay has made the switch to the 3-4 defense with the hope that outside linebacker Aaron Kampman can become their version of pass-rushing demon DeMarcus Ware. And Minnesota is lobbying for QB Brett Favre to take them to the next level.

1. Minnesota Vikings -  With Brett Favre the Vikings are Superbowl contenders. Without Favre, the Vikings will still be the champs of the NFC North but are not a threat to go to the Superbowl. Minnesota has the best defense in the North and the best running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson. Added to help the passing game was explosive #1 pick WR Percy Harvin. The Minnesota Vikings NFC North 2009 NFL Picks Preview odds to win the division is at 3/2.

2. Green Bay Packers - Now with the Brett Favre fiasco over the Packers can just get back to focusing on football. Aaron Rodgers proved to be a capable replacement for Favre last season and could have a breakout year in his second season as the starter. The defense will be making the transition to the 3-4 which should work favorably with the current defensive personnel. Green Bay has a soft schedule that should help ease the transition to the 3-4. The Green Bay Packers NFC North 2009 NFL Picks Preview odds to win the division is at 2/1.

3. Chicago Bears - Jay Cutler gives the Bears the stability at QB that they have lacked for years. With Cutler and versatile RB Matt Forte the Bears have some weapons. Starngely the problem for Chicago has been their defense which ranked 21st in the NFL last season. Head coach Lovie Smith plans on taking a more hands on approach which should help. The Chicago Bears NFC North 2009 NFL Picks Preview odds to win the division is at 8/5.

4. Detroit Lions - It can only get better for Detroit after last year’s season long 0-16 nightmare. Detroit will be lucky to get 2 wins this season with a proven losing coach in new hire Scott Linehan. Detroit did manage to pick up a quarterback to build around in #1 overall draft pick Matthew Stafford. Stafford has some toold to work with in WR Calvin Johnson and RB Kevin Smith who both are real talents. The problem is that the Lions have arguably the NFL’s worst defense still. The Detroit Lions NFC North 2009 NFL Picks Preview odds to win the division is at 12/1.