NFC North Predictions

[Raptorman]

That’s another thing to consider. The Packers were fortunate to keep all 4 primary Coaching positions intact.
HC, OC, DC, STC… Fluidity and continuity is a key to success imo. Matter of fact I think we got an upgrade at DL from the Patriots Coaching tree. The only remotely concerning departure was Tom Clements replaced by Mannion. Although he was there long enough to form a solid foundation and Mannion is already stressing better footwork for Love. So sometimes those position Coaches can give a better perspective on improving areas of weakness.

Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota all have changes with at least 1 (or Multiple positions)of HC, DC, OC, Teams Coordinator.

Advantage > Green Bay

I have to ask, which person on the Vikings coaching staff changed?

 

[gopkrs]

I have to ask, which person on the Vikings coaching staff changed?

I don't know the answer to that but starting a young QB is going to make or break them imho.

 

[Raptorman]

I don't know the answer to that but starting a young QB is going to make or break them imho.

What's going to make or break them is the defense. JJM will do just fine, as long as he slows down his short passes. Apparently, he has been throwing the short one a bit too hard. And since MN Defense is about the same as last year, I'll go 12 wins at least. And since I want to be consistent, the season as I picked it on a Vikings board.


Week Opponent Result

1 at Chicago Bears L
2 Atlanta Falcons W
3 Cincinnati Bengals L
4 at Pittsburgh Steelers W
5 at Cleveland Browns W
6 Bye
7 Philadelphia Eagles W
8 at LA Chargers W
9 at Detroit Lions L
10 Baltimore Ravens W
11 Chicago Bears W
12 at Green Bay Packers W
13 at Seattle Seahawks L
14 Washington Commies W
15 at Dallas Cowboys W
16 at New York Giants W
17 Detroit Lions W
18 Green Bay Packers W

 

[DoURant]

What's going to make or break them is the defense. JJM will do just fine, as long as he slows down his short passes. Apparently, he has been throwing the short one a bit too hard. And since MN Defense is about the same as last year, I'll go 12 wins at least. And since I want to be consistent, the season as I picked it on a Vikings board.


Week Opponent Result

1 at Chicago Bears L
2 Atlanta Falcons W
3 Cincinnati Bengals L
4 at Pittsburgh Steelers W
5 at Cleveland Browns W
6 Bye
7 Philadelphia Eagles W
8 at LA Chargers W
9 at Detroit Lions L
10 Baltimore Ravens W
11 Chicago Bears W
12 at Green Bay Packers W
13 at Seattle Seahawks L
14 Washington Commies W
15 at Dallas Cowboys W
16 at New York Giants W
17 Detroit Lions W
18 Green Bay Packers W

I don't know Raptor, your predictions have you going 5-1 vs Detroit, Green Bay, Philly, Baltimore and Washington... that's a pretty tough gauntlet of teams. I would think going 3-3 in that bunch of games would be a win, and a more realistic expectation. I respect that you believe that much in your team though, I guess time will tell.

 

[gopkrs]

Well Raptor, getting those short touch passes down is often one of the problems with a young QB. I remember that it took Favre several years to get them right. And they are important. Yeah, the defense is good. I don't see anyone stopping GB offense this year though. Defenses will need to blitz imo.

 

[Raptorman]

I don't know Raptor, your predictions have you going 5-1 vs Detroit, Green Bay, Philly, Baltimore and Washington... that's a pretty tough gauntlet of teams. I would think going 3-3 in that bunch of games would be a win, and a more realistic expectation. I respect that you believe that much in your team though, I guess time will tell.

Last year, they thought I was nuts as well.

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May 30, 2024 at 10:58am Raptorman said:
I'll bite.

1. @ Giants. W.
2. 9ers. W.
3. Texans. W.
4. @ Packers. L.
5. Jets. W.
6. Lions. L.
7. @ Rams. L.
8. Colts. W.
9. @ Jags. W.
10. @ Titans. W.
11. @ Bears. W.
12. Cardinals. W.
13. Falcons. W.
14. Bears. W.
15. @ Seahawks. L.
16. Packers. W.
17. @ Lions. L.

Until the end of the season.

 

[milani]

What's going to make or break them is the defense. JJM will do just fine, as long as he slows down his short passes. Apparently, he has been throwing the short one a bit too hard. And since MN Defense is about the same as last year, I'll go 12 wins at least. And since I want to be consistent, the season as I picked it on a Vikings board.


Week Opponent Result

1 at Chicago Bears L
2 Atlanta Falcons W
3 Cincinnati Bengals L
4 at Pittsburgh Steelers W
5 at Cleveland Browns W
6 Bye
7 Philadelphia Eagles W
8 at LA Chargers W
9 at Detroit Lions L
10 Baltimore Ravens W
11 Chicago Bears W
12 at Green Bay Packers W
13 at Seattle Seahawks L
14 Washington Commies W
15 at Dallas Cowboys W
16 at New York Giants W
17 Detroit Lions W
18 Green Bay Packers W

Surprised you have them losing at Chicago.

 

[Pkrjones]

I have to ask, which person on the Vikings coaching staff changed?

Only defection was Asst. QB Coach Grant Udinski who is now OC in Jax.

 

[Raptorman]

Surprised you have them losing at Chicago.

That's more of a nod to Chicago. Just a gut feeling that Chicago is going to be better than people think. All four NFC Norris teams could easily have double-digit winning seasons. Just how I see it. Their OC was under Sean Payton in New Orleans. Now, it was only for a year, but sometimes, that is enough.

 

[DoURant]

I don't know Raptor, your predictions have you going 5-1 vs Detroit, Green Bay, Philly, Baltimore and Washington... that's a pretty tough gauntlet of teams. I would think going 3-3 in that bunch of games would be a win, and a more realistic expectation. I respect that you believe that much in your team though, I guess time will tell.

Actually, that is 6-1, not 5-1, with the only loss being to Detroit.

 

[rmontro]

Actually, that is 6-1, not 5-1, with the only loss being to Detroit.

Impressive run.

 

[Raptorman]

I'd take 3-3. MN lost to two teams last year. The Rams and Lions. And had they beaten the Lions in one of those games, the division would have gone down to the 5th tiebreaker, Strength of Victory, which the Lions would have taken. The Lions will not be the same team this year. They won't go 15-2. That being said, that was with Sam Darnold. So, the question you have to ask is this. Is JJM going to be better than Darnold? Because I'm sure the Defense hasn't lost a step.

 

[rmontro]

So, the question you have to ask is this. Is JJM going to be better than Darnold?

If you're talking about this season, I would say it's highly unlikely. Take a look at how Caleb Williams did as a first year starting quarterback last season. Probably somewhere between that and Love's first season starting.

 

[OldSchool101]

I have to ask, which person on the Vikings coaching staff changed?

The Vikings didn’t change Coaching that was my mistake as I forgot to finish my thought regarding changes at the top of the North.
I consider a QB change arguably the most volatile change next to maybe Head Coach (due to the litany of changes to derivative staff once that happens)
The Vikings had possibly the biggest change at any single impact person of all the NFC North teams. They gambled at changing QB’s and going completely green. Now that is a risky proposition in and unto itself, much less when it involves starting the 1st QB to ever be selected in Round 1 and never play a snap in his Rookie season. I think it’s too much too soon to expect to exceed the level of play of Sam Darnold 2024. imo. That’s what it will likely take to advance to a SB or Win a SB imo.
Darnold
4319 yards
102.5% Passer
36TD All-Purpose
12 INT

If JJ doesn’t at minimum flirt with those type numbers (or exceed them) I think walking Darnold was a mistake. I know teams go into mini rebuilds all the time, but generally speaking not after 14 Win season. Never ever take the foot off the gas when you’re that close unless Darnold is asking for something stupid $$$ wise

In hindsight, looking at his Seattle deal, I’m sure MN could’ve made him a very EARLY reasonable offer in the 2yrX$50mil 50% guar and got it. Im near positive Darnold would’ve took a 2yr $55-60Mil 1/2 guar to stay put if it included $1mil etc. for each playoff game he Won. MN would’ve had a 1yr rental and if Darnold played anywhere close to 2024 a much better chance for a SB then trade him on that cheaper $25-30Mil deal for a nice future draft pick as a bonus. JJ would’ve had a huge luxury of being brought up with more graduated timing. Plus 2 years Rookie $$ + a reasonable 5th year option.

 

[Raptorman]

If you're talking about this season, I would say it's highly unlikely. Take a look at how Caleb Williams did as a first year starting quarterback last season. Probably somewhere between that and Love's first season starting.

And that's based on what? Wait, a second-year QB couldn't possibly match what Darnold did. Once again, my prediction, 4,000 yards, 32 Td's 14 ints. Know what's interesting? The Bears attempt around 100 less passing attempts per year than the Vikings. I think that might have something to do with how many yards their QB pass for.

 

[rmontro]

And that's based on what? Wait, a second-year QB couldn't possibly match what Darnold did. Once again, my prediction, 4,000 yards, 32 Td's 14 ints. Know what's interesting? The Bears attempt around 100 less passing attempts per year than the Vikings. I think that might have something to do with how many yards their QB pass for.

I didn't say "couldn't possibly", I said it's highly unlikely, if you're talking about this season. And you asked if JJM was going to be better than Darnold. Even if he meets all the stats you gave, that still doesn't match what Darnold did with the Vikings, not quite. I don't think it's crazy to suggest there might be a learning curve for playing in the NFL.

 

[OldSchool101]

And that's based on what? Wait, a second-year QB couldn't possibly match what Darnold did. Once again, my prediction, 4,000 yards, 32 Td's 14 ints. Know what's interesting? The Bears attempt around 100 less passing attempts per year than the Vikings. I think that might have something to do with how many yards their QB pass for.

While I might even agree that it’s certainly possible JJ could put those numbers up, those above predictions are actually a regression at QB when applying them to 2024 standards. That’s not a good recipe to improve off of 2024. Teams are the improving or regressing. That’s a regression at the most important position.

To be an improvement JJ needs (because he’s not a run threat)

~37 TD+ All Purpose
~11 INT
~4,400+ yards
~103% + Passer

I’ll give you this much tho Raptor. If JJ put up your numbers it’s at least arguable you made a good choice not paying Darnold $30Mil etc… Mainly due to the fact that your still give yourselves a chance for Postseason and would have good QB production and projected to ascend in 2026. I still wouldn’t just throw away a year after a 14-3 season. Just my opinion but I’m glad you guys walked Darnold.

 

[Raptorman]

While I might even agree that it’s certainly possible JJ could put those numbers up, those above predictions are actually a regression at QB when applying them to 2024 standards. That’s not a good recipe to improve off of 2024. Teams are the improving or regressing. That’s a regression at the most important position.

To be an improvement JJ needs (because he’s not a run threat)

~37 TD+ All Purpose
~11 INT
~4,400+ yards
~103% + Passer

I’ll give you this much tho Raptor. If JJ put up your numbers it’s at least arguable you made a good choice not paying Darnold $30Mil etc… Mainly due to the fact that your still give yourselves a chance for Postseason and would have good QB production and projected to ascend in 2026. I still wouldn’t just throw away a year after a 14-3 season. Just my opinion but I’m glad you guys walked Darnold.

So, Love was a regression at QB for the Packers last year. Got it. Two sets of numbers.

3,194​	24​	6​
3,780​	26​	11​

Those are the passing yards, TDs, and interceptions of the Eagles and the Chiefs from last year. So, I'm comfortable with my numbers.

 

[OldSchool101]

So, Love was a regression at QB for the Packers last year. Got it. Two sets of numbers.

3,194​	24​	6​
3,780​	26​	11​

Those are the passing yards, TDs, and interceptions of the Eagles and the Chiefs from last year. So, I'm comfortable with my

That’s my point GB regressed (very little) and look what it got us. A early exit. The Vikes are not built to regress -5 TD’s and -500 yards and improve.

If you are implying to you can barely beat Hurts Passing TD numbers and be highly successful? I think you’re in for disappointment. The Eagles are just built different. They put up 1,200 yards and 20 TD’s more in the ground game than your 2024 Vikes. Where exactly do you plan on picking up that slack? Lol

PS. I notice your connection to Vero. We stayed in a twin Condo on A1A on the south side of North Hutchinson Island every summer from 2000-2011. Port St Lucie? I miss it it’s beautiful down there.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'd take 3-3. MN lost to two teams last year. The Rams and Lions. And had they beaten the Lions in one of those games, the division would have gone down to the 5th tiebreaker, Strength of Victory, which the Lions would have taken. The Lions will not be the same team this year. They won't go 15-2. That being said, that was with Sam Darnold. So, the question you have to ask is this. Is JJM going to be better than Darnold? Because I'm sure the Defense hasn't lost a step.

I an no fan of the Queens - but they had an impressive 2024-2025 season. They were exposed in the playoffs with a first round loss to the Rams. Even so, they won 14 games (I think they were 14-3, maybe 15-2) and that doesn't happen by accident. It seems unlikely that Darnold could have recreated what was a career year for him, so letting him walk was a good choice.

The Vikings are taking a chance by moving their first round pick, JJM, into the starting QB role. They passed on Rodgers, a very good move on their part, and decided to stick with their guy. It's almost impossible to know how a QB will play in the NFL, but JJM has a solid pedigree.

I think all four teams in the NFC North are gonna be right around 11-5. Even though the Lions may take a step back, they are the best team in the North imo. After that, it's the Packers/Vikings, and the Bears, while improved, will be last in the conference.

I don't know much about the Queens' D but will take your word that it's solid. That should help JJM and the offense.

Gonna be a fun year in the NFC North.

 

[Heyjoe4]

So, Love was a regression at QB for the Packers last year. Got it. Two sets of numbers.

3,194​	24​	6​
3,780​	26​	11​

Those are the passing yards, TDs, and interceptions of the Eagles and the Chiefs from last year. So, I'm comfortable with my numbers.

Interesting numbers and I would never have guessed them.

As an aside - I didn't know Tarkenton was drafted in 1961 by the Pats. How did he get to MN? I remember him from the Packer games and he gave Lombardi, and a lot of other teams, absolute fits in the 1960s. I swear I've seen him run 50 yards in the backfield while eluding tackle. He was one of a kind. So was Bud ("You don't need hand warmers.") Grant (RIP).

 

[Heyjoe4]

I didn't say "couldn't possibly", I said it's highly unlikely, if you're talking about this season. And you asked if JJM was going to be better than Darnold. Even if he meets all the stats you gave, that still doesn't match what Darnold did with the Vikings, not quite. I don't think it's crazy to suggest there might be a learning curve for playing in the NFL.

Darnold had a one-time career year last year with the Queens. I don't expect he'll ever surpass that, and he had some very good WRs and TE Hockenson.

I don't think JJM will reach Arnold's numbers, but it's impossible to say with a first-time starter. It is safe to say that JJM makes or breaks the Queens this year. They have an otherwise solid offense and a solid D. So JJM's play will have an outsized impact on the upcoming season.

 

[Voyageur]

Interesting numbers and I would never have guessed them.

As an aside - I didn't know Tarkenton was drafted in 1961 by the Pats. How did he get to MN? I remember him from the Packer games and he gave Lombardi, and a lot of other teams, absolute fits in the 1960s. I swear I've seen him run 50 yards in the backfield while eluding tackle. He was one of a kind. So was Bud ("You don't need hand warmers.") Grant (RIP).

Two separate leagues. The Patriots weren't part of the NFL, they were part of the AFL.

 

[Raptorman]

Interesting numbers and I would never have guessed them.

As an aside - I didn't know Tarkenton was drafted in 1961 by the Pats. How did he get to MN? I remember him from the Packer games and he gave Lombardi, and a lot of other teams, absolute fits in the 1960s. I swear I've seen him run 50 yards in the backfield while eluding tackle. He was one of a kind. So was Bud ("You don't need hand warmers.") Grant (RIP).

Ah, the Tark thing. That's easy. Two different leagues back then. He was a 3rd pick for MN and 5th rd pick for Boston. Separate Drafts, different rules. AFL had the 2-point conversion. MN was initially slated to be an AFL team until the NFL made them an offer.

I'll go so far as he was the reason we lost the last 3 Super Bowls. People think of him as some great QB because of the records at the time. And I did as well. Then I started looking at things differently. He was an average QB who could run around winning based not on his skill, but the skill of the Defense. His first 5 years back, when they lost 3 Super Bowls, the Defense was giving up 13.9 ppg during that time.

Now, can you imagine for one minute, if Love or for that matter, Rodgers, had a defense that gave up 13.9 ppg? (well adjusted for the slight increase in points over the years, 15.5 ppg.) For 5 years in a row. Here's a little stat for you. The Packers have 4 Super Bowls. In every one of those years, the Packers' defense gave up 15 ppg or less. But it's the QB that gets the glory. Don't get me wrong, the QB matters. Which is why I blame Tarkenton for the Vikings' Super Bowl losses. A good defense with a good QB that doesn't make mistakes will win the Super Bowl 95% of the time. Since 2003 the average SB winner had a point differential of 7.5 ppg. So, you need a QB that can score more than a TD per game or a defense that makes it easier on the QB. But this should be all on a different thread.

 

[Calebs Revenge]

Wow, and I thought I was a homer!!!!!