I don't quite understand some of the opinions on the Queens here. Their FA signing have been pretty sensible as they rebuild through the draft. Signing ex-Packer players is a big "so what" as far as I'm concerned. It's still all about Favre.
The Vikings are going to compete with us for the NFC north. They're the most talented team other than us. Why the sports minions are picking the Bears over the Queens is beyond me. Is it because they have Cutler? Well, for the last 4 games that he played last season, Ponder had the 2nd highest QB rating I believe. Take Cutler-Ponder out of the equation and who is more talented, Bears or Vikings? Vikings absolutely. They've had two very good drafts, and although I question the way they gave up so many picks just to get Cordarelle Patterson in the 1st, I can't argue with Floyd-Rhodes-Patterson. Sheesh.
I have to agree with Raptorman on this one: the #1 difference between the Vikes and the Pack is Rodgers, full stop. Otherwise the two teams are pretty close in talent, and I seriously think they are going to challenge us for the NFC crown this year.
There's several wait-and-see situations for the Pack: are Datone Jones, Nick Perry going to be able to give us the pass rush we've been so sorely lacking? Are they going to be able to help free up CMIII? How about our OL shuffle, is Rodgers going to get better protection this year? How about the running game, are we going to see a workhorse emerge? Is Lacy the guy or is Franklin/Harris going to play a significant role? What about ILB, is Brad Jones going to deliver? How about Terrell Manning?
Some of these I'm reasonably optimistic about, others are big ? marks, and if enough of them don't happen, all it will take is for Ponder to have a decent season for them to give us a serious run for the money.