The Green Bay Packers are set to be a top contender in the NFL this year. With Aaron Rodgers back under center, anything is possible for this organization. They're likely to finish as a top-two team in the NFC, making them one of the best teams in the league.
The perception of the NFC North is that the Packers are going to run away with it. The Detroit Lions are rebuilding, the Chicago Bears have quarterback concerns, and the Minnesota Vikings seem mediocre. However, one of these three franchises has a chance to knock the Packers off their pedestal in 2021.
Chicago did make a playoff appearance last season, but it's hard to imagine they'll repeat that performance with Andy Dalton under center. Justin Fields is likely to earn the starting job at some point this season, but it's rare for rookie quarterbacks to lead a playoff-caliber team. With the Lions in complete rebuild mode, that leaves just one team remaining. Here are three reasons why the Vikings are the biggest threat to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.
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3. Vikings are healthy (for the most part)
The Vikings were one of many teams hit by the injury bug last year. Multiple starters missed valuable time, costing Minnesota dearly. It's unknown how well the Vikings would have played with a healthy team, but they would've had a better chance. Similar to the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota aims to have a huge bounce-back season after suffering from injuries.
If that's the case, the Vikings could be a surprise NFC North winner. Many have written this team off, but this franchise should feel confident heading into the 2021 season, which is bad news for the Packers.
2. Defense should be vastly improved
After being plagued with injuries, the Vikings' defense should be vastly improved. Danielle Hunter and Dalvin Tomlinson lock down the defensive line, Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr provide support within the front seven, and the secondary is stacked with Patrick Peterson, Harrison Smith, and Xavier Woods. Keep an eye on the Vikings' defense as they could rival the Packers' offense.
With the defense playing at the top of their game, the Vikings should be able to stay in the mix throughout the season. If they can do that, Minnesota could put themselves in contention with the Packers to win the NFC North.
1. Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson are a dynamic duo
Minnesota is a run-first offense, making Dalvin Cook the focal point of the team. As long as he's in the backfield, the Vikings have a chance to beat anybody. With Justin Jefferson out wide, this franchise has a balanced offense that will cause fits for opposing defenses. Not to mention, the offensive line looks solid, and Adam Thielen returns as a high-end second option in the passing game.
Kirk Cousins isn't the most exciting quarterback in the league, but he's proficient. The Green Bay Packers are still the favorite to win the NFC North, but the Vikings have the tools to dethrone them. It should be an interesting year, as Minnesota could be a surprise team in 2021. Keep an eye on this division, as the Packers could find themselves in second place in the NFC North.
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