I think youre right about the packers. They should have a promising team this year just like last year, but the vikings and bears are still a threat, the lions, maybe not so much Packers 13-3 divsion champs Vikings 9-7 wildcard maybe if theres no better team Bears could go like 6-10 but will probably end up at 4-12 like you said Lions 5-11 depending how tough there schedule is.
I couldn't agree with you more about the Packers. My God do I hate them with every fiber of my being, but their offense is unstoppable and their rush defense is superb. Their pass defense isn't elite like every other unit they have (assuming their offensive line makes the necessary strides), but if that is what they're biggest weakness is, then they are in very good shape.
13-3 is certainly do-able, and 11-5 seems to be the worst case scenario. I think you are way too low on the Bears. Keeping in mind that they were no where near full strength last year and they STILL went 7-9 and were about average in total offense and total defense, 4-12 is pretty harsh when they are guaranteed to be stronger.
I don't expect a finish any higher than 9-7, but I do think their record will be better than last year. Their WR's are a lot better (Aromashodu is the real deal), Chester Taylor will be a huge addition, and the pass rush and run defense should be back to normal. Their pass defense is the definition of terrible, which makes their potential for the playoffs very slim, but I still feel 4-12 is extremely harsh.
Your prediction of the Vikings at 8-8 seems weird only because everyone else and their mother has them going AT LEAST 10-6 with Favre returning and their successful formula of being able to run the football and being able to stop the run. I guess 8-8 isn't out of the question, I just don't see it happening since their defense is among the league's best, their offensive line is a top 3 unit, and their is nothing wrong with a Big 3 of Favre-AP-Rice. I see them in basically the same situation as the Pack, with 11-5 as the floor.
The race between these two should be something else to watch. I think you're spot on with the Lions. This team should be much improved.
They don't have all the pretty names, but a core of Stafford, Best, Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew is very serviceable on offense and their management has been trying like hell to revamp this defense, you'd figure that it all has to payoff at some point. With all of their young guys maturing and a positive flow under Schwartz, 6-10 seems like a good chance of happening. With all that said, my personal prediction is: Packers 13-3 Vikings 11-5 Bears 8-8 Lions 6-10.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.