1. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008

1. JACKSON MUST TAKE THE NEXT STEP: If the Vikings are going to go beyond the 8-8 threshold, Tavares Jackson must take the next step in his progression. At times he made good decisions and directed the offense while at other times he looked like a rookie. The inconsistency cannot be an issue in a year where this franchise needs to make the playoffs.

2. PASSING GAME MUST BETTER COMPLEMENT RUN GAME BETTER: This again falls on the shoulders of Tavares Jackson. The addition of Bernard Berrian gives them the vertical threat that this offense lacked last season and he also gives them number one receiver they lacked. With all that said, he is one guy and so it is up to Bobby Wade, Aundrae Allison and Sidney Rice to step it up and make this a more viable passing game.

3. ALLEN’S PRESENCE: The addition of Jared Allen makes one of the league’s best defenses even better. Allen led the league in sacks last season with 15 ½ and he brings that motor and tenacity that the Vikes lacked off the edge last season. Of course it comes at a high price but Allen’s ability to get to the quarterback consistently will give this defense a bonafide pass rusher and it should help a vulnerable secondary.

IN THE END: The Vikings are now in position to make a run in the NFC and although you may not consider them a Super Bowl contender, they are. We all know what the combination of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor can do but if the passing game comes along and the defense maximizes its talent, this team has the makings of being a sleeper contender. The honeymoon period is over for Brad Childress and 08 could be playoffs or bust.

2. CHICAGO BEARS

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008

1. FIND A STARTER: The Bears need to either settle on Kyle Orton or Rex “The Hex” Grossman as their starter. Neither guy stirs the loins but apparently the Bears think that both have the make-up to start in this league. My bet is on Orton simply because he doesn’t make the mistakes Grossman makes and he can manage the offense better.

2. FIND S STARTING RUNNING BACK: With Cedric Benson gone, the Bears must figure who will start for them from a rotation of the other Adrian Peterson, rookie Matt Forte and veteran pick-up Kevin Jones. Peterson would have the early edge because he knows the system and has started for them before but the offensive staff loves Forte’s size, speed combo. Jones is talented but can’t stay healthy and he may not make it out of camp. In the end, look for them to go with a rotation with the focus being getting Forte on the field.

3. DEFENSE MUST IMPROVE: Second year DC Bob Babich has a lot of pressure on him to improve a defense that tapered off in 2007. The Monsters of The Midway struggled to sustain consistent pressure and the front seven was awful against the run at times. If the Bears are to make a return trip to the playoffs, Brian Urlacher and company must find themselves again and return to the form they displayed in 06.

IN THE END: The Bears almost seems directionless two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance. 07 was a horrible year all-around and Bears fans are obviously hoping 08 is more memorable. Well, for this season to be memorable, the Bears need improved quarterback play and a sustained running game along with a resurrection on defense. If all of those things fall in place, 10-6 is possible, if not, 7-9 is more realistic.

3. GREEN BAY PACKERS

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008:

1. GET PAST BRETT FAVRE FIASCO: The Packers now need to move from the Favre fiasco and find a way to make life easy on Aaron Rodgers. It is imperative that Rodgers get comfortable and not worry about the things going on around him. Obviously no matter what he does now, he will always be compared to Favre, so he must focus on being himself. There is no question this will be a lingering issue that could affect this team’s season.

2. GRANT CAN’T BE A ONE-YEAR WONDER: The Packers are going to lean on their ground game more now that Favre is gone but unfortunately for them, they are also going to see more eight man fronts. If Grant and company can get off to a good start, teams will drop the safety down which will open up more opportunities over the top in play-action.

3. DEFENSE MUST MAINTAIN THEIR I.D: The defense was a pleasant surprise for the Pack last season and this unit must play at the same level if this team is going to get back to the playoffs. With leaders like Aaron Kampman, Charles Woodson, Al Harris and Nick Barnett, this group is good enough to continue what they did last season.

IN THE END: There is no doubt the Brett Favre saga is going to affect this team. The question is, can Aaron Rodgers overcome this and can this team as a whole overcome it? If they can, the talent is there to win 11 games and the division, if not, then it could get interesting in these parts come January. Whether you agree with the Packers position or not, Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson have a lot riding on the decision they have made.

4. DETRIOT LIONS

3 KEYS ENTERING 2008:

1. ADAPT TO A NEW OFFENSE: New OC Jim Colletto promises a more physical approach that will emphasize more ball control and less of the big play. The goal is to balance the offense out and take pressure off of QB Jon Kitna. As far as the passing game is concerned, Colletto will keep some of Martz’s concepts but will not throw nearly as much.

2. DEFENSE MUST COME AROUND: If Lions are to turn the corner with Rod Marinelli, then they must play better on defense. The Lions attempted to fix this group by upgrading the secondary with the additions of FS’ Dwight Smith and Kalvin Pearson and CB Brian Kelly. Although this secondary has a “Tampa Bay” feel to it, Marinelli is signing guys he’s comfortable with and he hopes familiarity with the scheme will help. It is boom or bust for Rod and friends.

3. STAND PROSPERITY: The Lions need to learn to win consistently. After a 6-2 start least season, they fell apart and looked like the Lions of old. This team needs to learn to win close games and develop a winning identity. If they do that, they are good enough to sneak into the playoffs in the wide-open NFC.

IN THE END: In the end, the Lions are the Lions! Kitna will push the 4, 000 yard marker, Ernie Sims will finish with 175 tackles and Roy Williams will have a couple of big games. But unfortunately that is not enough. It would be good for the league if the Lions turned the corner and got back to the playoffs but it may have to wait because at best, this is an 8-8 team.