Similar to the NFC East, no one would want to be in the same room as a Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings fan when talking about this division. The rivalries between these teams are legendary. Generally speaking, the Packers have dominated the division for years. Yet, in 2011, after what was one of the best regular seasons seen in years, the Packers came out flat in the playoffs and exited early. The Bears were on a roll up until a regular season ending injury side-lined Jay Cutler. As a result, a team that looked primed to make another playoff run had its season ended prematurely, especially once Matt Forte was lost for the season too. The Lions continued to roar back in 2011 and officially have emerged as a contender in the league itself, even though they still have much to prove. As for the Vikings, 2011 was another season where the team struggled. Still, the Vikings are a young team that has been making off-season moves that has made the team better. While this year, it still looks to be a three horse race, one never really knows with certainty which of the three horses will be in that race. From a fantasy football perspective, there is a possibility this could be a good year for this division’s quarterbacks and wide receivers.
As you read through the previews below, among other things, note a player’s projected draft round is based on a twelve team league due to the fact that the fantasy football draft pool of players shrinks faster in a twelve team league than in a ten team league. The previews also assume a fifteen round draft, and a roster made up of a QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, DST, and K. We also assume most fantasy football players do not draft a second defense-special teams unit (DST) due to the fact that one can be picked up off waivers for bye weeks. Besides, every season, the top-twelve defensive units have their share of turnover, and so while one DST might be good one season, it may not be good the next. The Fantasy Greek likes drafting defensive units, in the latter rounds of drafts.
When fantasy footballers draft, they must consider the block of players on the board to be drafted in any given round to fill their positional needs, as well as what round each player should be drafted in. This is important because generally speaking, no player should be drafted before it is time. If you let other fantasy football players reach on their draft picks, you should be able to draft a quality team by comparison.
Hopefully, the previews help in understanding this concept. Enjoy the previews. And, please, don’t forget to post your comments and questions in the chat box below. They are very much appreciated.
It comes as no surprise that the 15-1 Packers dominated their opponents at home (8-0) and on the road (7-1). The biggest problem the Packers had in 2011 was that their pass defense was the worst in the NFL. This was the biggest difference between the 2011 Packers and the Super Bowl Champion 2010 Packers.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 35.0* | 405.1 | 307.8 | 97.4 |
| (1)** | (3) | (3) | (27) | |
| Defense | 22.4 | 411.6 | 299.8 | 111.8 |
| (19) | (32) | (32) | (14) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
Otherwise, the Packers put a team on the field that was another Super Bowl contender in 2011. The Packers should do it again in 2012. Entering the off-season, the Packers did not have any glaring needs except at running back where the Packers running game was non-existent compared to seasons past. With a premier quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have the best quarterback and receiving group in all of fantasy football.
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| C Jeff Saturday | Colts |
| DE Anthony Hargrove | Seahawks |
The Packers did well to sign C Jeff Saturday after their former starting center Scott Wells departed for the Rams. The first player the Packers were expected to draft was a high impact defensive player. At that point, the Packers were expected to address problem areas like pass defense, and draft a running back. Because this is such a talented team, the draft was about adding depth.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | DE Nick Perry | 28 | 28 |
| 2 | DT Jerel Worthy | 19 | 51 |
| 2 | DB Casey Hayward | 30 | 62 |
| 4 | DT Mike Daniels | 37 | 132 |
| 4 | SS Jerron McMillian | 38 | 133 |
| 5 | OLB Terrell Manning | 28 | 163 |
| 7 | T Andrew Datko | 34 | 241 |
| 7 | QB BJ Coleman | 36 | 243 |
How do the Packers do it? First round draft pick Nick Perry is an immediate starter as an outside linebacker. Jerel Worthy, who looks like he’ll be used as a defensive end, should get some playing time. Generally, the Packers were able to get players who could have been picked one to two rounds earlier than the round the Packers drafted them in. None of their drafted players were better off as free agent signings as opposed to draft picks. Unfortunately, as the Packers recent signing of RB Cedric Benson makes clear, the Packers did not address the running back position even though they needed to in this year’s draft. It’s unclear whether the Packers effectively addressed their pass defense in this year’s draft.
Fantasy Football Players
In 2011, Aaron Rodgers (4,643 yards, 45 TDs, 6 INTs, 60 rushes, 257 yards, 3 rush TDs, 0 FMBL) proved his value once again to fantasy footballers lucky enough to have him on their rosters. Even though missing one game due to injury, Aaron Rodgers still finished as one of the best two QBs in fantasy football. If there is a sign that the league has become more pass-centric this is it: Aaron Rodgers boosted his 2011 stats by 700+ yards passing and 17 passing TDs over 2010. Rodgers should be drafted with one of the first few picks in Round 1 in fantasy football drafts, and is the No. 1 fantasy football pick in fantasy football leagues where passing TDs count for 6 points.
Give credit where credit is due to a still very deep and talented wide-receiving corp made up of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Donald Driver, Randall Cobb, rookie Jarrett Boykin, and Jermichael Finley. In 2011, both Jordy Nelson (68 recpts., 1,263 yards, 15 TDs, 0 FMBLs) and Greg Jennings (67 recpts., 949 yards, 9 TDs, 0 FMBLs) finished as one of the best set of fantasy football wide-outs, and were in a virtual tie for leading the Packers in receiving until Jennings’ late season injury. Both Jennings and Nelson are top-10 fantasy football wide receivers, draftable in Rounds 2 to 3. Second year wide receiver Randall Cobb (25 recpts., 375 yards, 1 TD, 3 FMBLs) has made some noise in off-season reports, but besides that, there is nothing to indicate that it is Cobb’s time to break out for the Packers. The ageless Donald Driver (37 recpts., 445 yards, 6 TDs, 1 FMBL) is on the down-side of his career and during the off-season, there was talk of James Jones (38 recpts., 635 yards, 7 TDs, 0 FMBLs) not even coming back to the Packers. As for Jermichael Finley (55 recpts., 767 yards, 8 TDs), Finley’s 2011 season was mired with inconsistency. While he stands to benefit from the Packers passing game, it’s hard to look at Finley as anything more than a low-end, top-ten fantasy football tight-end, draftable in Round 7 of fantasy football drafts.
The Packers rushing game has been a mess since Ryan Grant’s last great season in 2009. Last season, Grant (134 rushes, 19 recpts., 827 APY yards, 3 TDs, 1 FMBL), who was coming back from an injury shortened 2010 season, was a shell of his former self. After his injury, the Packers have struggled to run the ball, using a merry-go-around of rushers. It was thought James Starks (133 rushes, 29 recpts., 794 APY, 1 TD, 1 FMBL) could carry the load, but that has yet to happen except during the 2012 playoffs. Alex Green has only played four games in an injury shortened rookie season. As neither Starks nor Green are the apparent answers to the Packers having a running game, the Packers recently signed free agent RB Cedric Benson. Benson has averaged 1,266 all purpose yards and about 7 TDs over the past three seasons. Benson appears to be a perfect fit for the Packers and reports are that he has looked good in camp. For fantasy football purposes, consider Benson a solid RB3 or flex-play, draftable in Round 8 in fantasy football drafts. Avoid all other Packers running backs for now.
The Packers DST was an opportunistic defense that did not defend the pass well at all in 2011. The rush defense was middle-of-the-road. The hope here is the unit bounces back in 2012. Consider the Packers DST a top-ten option worth a late round draft pick. Kicker Mason Crosby (24/28 FGs; 68/69 XPs) is one of the top field goal kickers in the league because of the Packers high-powered offense. Crosby should be one of the top kickers drafted in fantasy football in Rounds 12 or 13.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 17 | 29 | 10 | 21 | 5 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | 49ers | |
| 2 | Bears | |
| 3 | at Seahawks | |
| 4 | Saints | |
| 5 | at Colts | |
| 6 | at Texans | |
| 7 | at Rams | |
| 8 | Jaguars | |
| 9 | Cardinals | |
| 10 | BYE | ——- |
| 11 | at Lions | |
| 12 | at Giants | |
| 13 | Vikings | |
| 14 | Lions | |
| 15 | at Bears | |
| 16 | Titans | |
| 17 | at Vikings |
The Packers – The Bottom Line
While winning the division is never a lock in the NFC North, The Fantasy Greek likes the Packers’ chances of posting another winning record at 12-4, and returning to the playoffs. With such a well balanced and well stocked team, there is no question the Packers can genuinely contend for another Super Bowl championship in 2012.
The Bears finished 8-8 in 2011 (5-3 at home, 3-3 on the road, 3-3 in the division), but likely should have finished 11-5. But for a season shortening injury to QB Jay Cutler, the Bears were en route to going to the playoffs. While the Bears offensive line has had it share of problems, Jay Cutler did a good job avoiding sacks, and advancing the ball.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 22.1* | 314.1 | 188.2 | 125.9 |
| (17)** | (24) | (26) | (9) | |
| Defense | 21.3 | 350.4 | 254.1 | 96.4 |
| (14) | (17) | (28) | (5) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
While the number of sacks the Bears offensive line alloweddecreased from 52 in 2010 to 23 in 2012, Jay Cutler remained under constant pressure and was prone to getting hit more often than not. As such, it was expected that the Bears would try to get Jay Cutler some additional protection along the offensive line. Indeed, towards the end of the season, the passing game progressed to a point that it looked dangerous.
As The Fantasy Greek stated two off-seasons ago, “…the Bears are one wondrous wide receiver from opening up the offense.” A marquee wide receiver was a must especially since it was unclear whether Johnny Knox would be available for the start of the season, if at all. Defensively, the Bears were still solid even though getting burned by the occasional pass. The Bears were expected to add a defensive back and safeties where they could. And while one might say, the Bears needed to be preparing for the future on the defensive side of the ball, the Bears still have a solid core of players. Still, the Bears were expected to get some help for Julius Peppers. Given the injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte last season, and their impact on the team, adding a solid back-up QB was a must, and adding another back-up RB a nice luxury, if the Bears could swing that too.
Free Agency Signings/Trade(s)
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| WR Brandon Marshall | Dolphins |
| WR-KR Eric Weems | Falcons |
| QB Jason Campbell | Raiders |
| RB Michael Bush | Raiders |
| LB Blake Costanzo | Forty-Niners |
| WR Devin Thomas | Giants |
| G Chilo Rachal | Forty-Niners |
| LB Geno Hayes | Buccaneers |
| CB Jonathan Wilhite | Broncos |
| CB Kelvin Hayden | Falcons |
The Bears entered free agency with guns blazing, making some of the strongest moves made by any team with the additions of WR Brandon Marshall, RB Michael Bush, and back-up QB Jason Campbell. While The Fantasy Greek liked the addition of a younger line-backer, the Bears desperately needed offensive line help, and help defending the pass.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | DE Shea McClellin | 19 | 19 |
| 2 | WR Ashlon Jeffery | 13 | 45 |
| 3 | FS Brandon Hardin | 16 | 79 |
| 4 | TE Evan Rodriguez | 16 | 111 |
| 6 | CB Isaiah Frey | 154 | 184 |
| 7 | CB Greg McCoy | 13 | 220 |
With the Bears making some of the best free agency signings/moves in the off-season, Bears fans expected big things from new GM Phil Emory in his first NFL draft. With the first pick, the Bears selected DE Shea McClellin and big things are expected from him. The Fantasy Greek loves the addition of WR Ashlon Jeffrey. As to the remainder of the Bears draft picks, the remaining picks seemed to be for added depth. The Fantasy Greek was deeply, deeply troubled that not one single draft pick was spent on a quality offensive lineman.
Fantasy Football Players
Before the injury, Jay Cutler was on pace to having his second best season as a pro (3,710 yards, 21 TDs, 11 INTs, 291 completions/502 pass attempts). Cutler’s best season? Jay Cutler‘s best season was with Brandon Marshall in 2008: 384 completions/616 pass attempts; 4,526 yards; 25 TDs, and 18 interceptions. However, for Cutler to even get close to the amount of pass attempts he had in 2008, the Bears will have to increase their number of pass attempts at a pace of roughly 7 per game. While doable, the Bears are very much a team of field position and ball control. As such, for Cutler to duplicate the kind of stats he posted in 2008 appears to be a stretch. But, because of this upside, and a schedule that favors the pass, Cutler makes for a high-end QB2, draftable in Round 9 of fantasy football drafts.
As to the wide receivers, Brandon Marshall (81 recpts., 1,214 yards, 6 TDs, 1 FMBL) is no stranger to the 80+ reception club, or 1,000 yards-plus receiving club. In five of the past six seasons, Marshall has posted 1,000-plus yards receiving, and in three of the last six seasons, Marshall has caught more than 100-plus receptions, the latter of which were all during his time with the Broncos. The Fantasy Greek lovesMarshall’s chances of posting 1,000 to 1,200 yards receiving and 7 to 8 touchdowns this season. Everything else is a bonus. As such, Marshall makes for a low-end WR1, or high-end WR2. For Marshall to have a breakout type of season as he did in both 2008 and 2009 would require a philosophical shift in the Bears offensive philosophy. Marshall is draftable in fantasy football in Round 3.
Now that the Bears have a legitimate No. 1 wide-receiver in the offense, what little fantasy football value Devin Hester (26 recpts., 369 yards, 1 TD) and Earl Bennett (24 recpts., 384 yards, 1 TD, 1 FMBL) had is gone. Neither are draftable in fantasy football. Johnny Knox (37 recpts., 727 yards, 2 TDs, 1 FMBL) suffered a severe kneck injury last season. While he has been placed on the PUP list and could be activated after six weeks, The Fantasy Greek’s feeling is Knox will likely not play in 2012. The Bears drafted top prospect Ashlon Jeffrey (2011: 49 recpts., 762 yds., 8 TDs) who presents well as a big, fast compliment to Brandon Marshall. Jeffrey is worth a late round flier as The Fantasy Greek can see him in the starting line-up and contributing to the offense such that he should be fantasy football relevant. There has been some suggestion in the off-season that the Bears could lean on the tight-end position in the passing game. But, at this point, seeing is believing and The Fantasy Greek isn’t seeing it. While fantasy footballers should monitor tight-ends Kellen Davis, Matt Spaeth, and Evan Rodriguez, none are worth a fantasy football draft pick at this time.
As you have probably noted by now, if Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are to be effective this season, this will likely eat into the production of RB Matt Forte whose 2011 season was cut short due to injury with four games left to go in the season. Forte was well on his way to a 2,000 all-purpose yard season even though his touchdown total would have been roughly five. Assuming the passing game comes alive for the Bears, and free-agent signee Michael Bush (256 rushes, 37 recpts., 1395 APY, 8 TDs, 1 FMBL) eats into Forte’s production, Forte could have a tough time reach 1,000 to 1,200 all-purpose yards, based on 175 to 225 touches. While there is no question Forte can be an RB1 as he has been in the past, Forte is better drafted as an RB2 in Round 3 of fantasy football drafts. As for Bush, he will likely be a change of pace back used more so near the goal line where Bush excels and Forte struggles. Bush has RB3 value and is draftable in fantasy football drafts in Round 9.
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Defensive/special team TDs, TDs, TDs. With a healthy Brian Urlacher, and the addition of Julius Peppers, the Bears DST can be as dominant as it has been in years past. While the pass coverage was wanting at times last season, this is still a defense of playmakers, game-changers. The Bears DST should be one of the first five defenses drafted in fantasy football in Rounds 8 or 9. Kicker Robbie Gould (28/32 FGs; 37/37 XPs) was having a very good season (5-for-5 from 50-plus yards out) until the Bears offense sputtered. With the Bears offense expected to be more effective, Gould should return to be being one of the top fantasy football kickers again. Draft Gould in the one of the last two rounds in fantasy football drafts.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 12 | 14 | 8 | 10 | 25 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | Colts | |
| 2 | at Packers | |
| 3 | Rams | |
| 4 | at Cowboys | |
| 5 | at Jaguars | |
| 6 | BYE | ——- |
| 7 | Lions | |
| 8 | Panthers | |
| 9 | at Titans | |
| 10 | Texans | |
| 11 | at 49ers | |
| 12 | Vikings | |
| 13 | Seahawks | |
| 14 | at Vikings | |
| 15 | Packers | |
| 16 | at Cardinals | |
| 17 | at Lions |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Jay Cutler, QB | 9 |
| Matt Forte, RB | 3 |
| Michael Bush, RB | 9 |
| Brandon Marshall, WR | 3 |
| Devin Hester, WR | Undrafted |
| Earl Bennett, WR | Undrafted |
| Ashlon Jeffrey, WR (R) | 15 |
| Johnny Knox, WR | Undrafted |
| Kellen Davis, TE | Undrafted |
| Matt Spaeth, TE | Udrafted |
| Evan Rodriguez, TE (R) | Undrafted |
| Bears DST | 8-9 |
| Robbie Gould, K | 14-15 |
The Bears – The Bottom Line
The Bears have had a solid nucleus of a team for some time now. They have won in the past because the Bears can play their opponents tough. Now, with an offense that should be able to put points on the board, the Bears make for a formidable opponent. The Fantasy Greek can see the Bears posting a winning record at 11-5, and making the playoffs. But, pushing for the division title is altogether a different thing with the Packers dominating the division. The Bears big push will come at the end of the season.
The Lions finished 2011 with a record of 10-6. While the Lions were solid playing at home (5-3) and on the road (5-3), the Lions struggled playing against their division foes (3-3).
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 29.6* | 396.1 | 300.9 | 95.2 |
| (4)** | (5) | (4) | (29) | |
| Defense | 24.2 | 367.6 | 239.4 | 128.1 |
| (23) | (23) | (22) | (23) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
Over the last several drafts, and through free agency, the Lions have done a great job building a foundation that they can build on for the next several seasons. Offensively, the Lions have become an offensive juggernaut. Their main need on that side of the ball is finding a dependable running back that can play an entire season relatively injury-free. Otherwise, the Lions need to keep protecting their most prized asset, their quarterback, Matt Stafford. Defensively, the Lions made a name for themselves last season, but were still getting burned by the pass. Now that the Lions have added good run stuffers, adding personnel to the secondary is a priority. The Lions were wise to re-sign DE Cliff Avril, a defensive end several other teams coveted.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | OT Riley Reiff | 23 | 23 |
| 2 | WR Ryan Broyles | 22 | 54 |
| 3 | CB Dwight Bentley | 22 | 85 |
| 4 | OLB Ronnell Lewis | 30 | 125 |
| 5 | OLB Tahir Whitehead | 3 | 138 |
| 5 | C Chris Greenwood | 13 | 148 |
| 6 | CB Jonte Green | 26 | 196 |
| 7 | OLB Travis Lewis | 16 | 223 |
The Lions must have been salivating at the fact that T Riley Reiff, a top-rated offensive tackle, fell to them with the twenty-third pick of the draft. However, with the exception of two picks, the Lions seemed to reach a bit in this year’s draft. That being said, WR Ryan Broyles has a genuine opportunity to be an impact player in the Lions offense. Broyles is one to watch for fantasy football purposes. CB Dwight Bentley could be an immediate starter. The Lions failed to address their need at running back in this year’s draft.
Fantasy Football Players
Because the Lions had a tough time establishing a consistent running game because of the carousel of players that came in and out of the line-up due to injury, the Lions passing game flourished in 2011. Indeed, Matthew Stafford (421 comp./663 att., 5,038 yards, 41 TDs, 16 INT, 22 rushes, 78 yards, 1 FMBL) finished top-five among all NFL quarterbacks. Based on the injuries that have continued to plague Lions running backs into 2012, and because Stafford will be tossing the pigskin to wide-out sensation, extraordinaire, Calvin Johnson, Stafford remains a top-five fantasy football option and is draftable in the late first round, early second round of fantasy football drafts.
Calvin Johnson (96 recpts., 1,681 yards, 16 TDs, 1 FMBL) needs no introduction. Johnson is an elite pass-receiver who can beat double- to triple-coverages and post 1,500+ yards. Last season, Megatron’s stats were helped by an additional four TDs over the previous season. Johnson is draftable as the No. 1 fantasy football wide-out towards the end of Round 1 of drafts. After Johnson, the next best Lions receiving option has been TE Brandon Pettigrew (83 recpts., 777 yards, 5 TDs), a PPR beast and a seventh round pick in fantasy football drafts. After Johnson and Pettigrew, however, there is a genuine void that needs to be filled by one of the other Lions receiving options. Neither WR Nate Burleson (73 recpts., 757 yards, 3 TDs, 11 rushes, 85 yards, 1 FMBL) nor speedster Titus Young (48 recpts., 607 yards, 6 TDs) have stepped up even though Young, a second year pro, showed genuine flashes of being able to contribute sooner rather than latter. The Lions spent an early round draft pick on WR Ryan Broyles (2011: 83 recpts., 1,157 yards, 10 TDs). Only Titus Young is worth a late round flier in fantasy football, given how close he was to contributing as a rookie.
The Lions continued to have a carousel at the running back position because of all the injuries the team has sustained at the position. The Lions spent one of their two second round draft picks in 2011 on rookie Mikel Leshoure and he was lost in the pre-season to injury. In 2012, Leshoure starts this season by serving a two-game suspension. The Lions’ Jahvid Best (84 rushes, 27 recpts., 677 APY, 3 TDs, 0 FMBLs) continued to have problems staying healthy and had his sophomore season cut short due to having sustained multiple concussions. Best starts the 2012 season on the PUP list and will not be available until at least Week 7. Best is undraftable in fantasy football. On the other hand, veteran Kevin Smith (72 rushes, 22 recpts., 535 APY, 7 TDs, 1 FMBL) saw some action last season in seven games, and did a good job effectively moving the ball even though he too has been injury prone. Right now, Kevin Smith is the Lions running back to draft in Round 9 as a high-end RB4 with the expectation that he will get some immediate playing time and has been the “healthiest” among the Lions running back. However, Mikel Leshoure has been having a strong pre-season and Leshoure is the Lions running back to draft in fantasy football with a late round pick with an eye towards using him beginning in Week 3.
Even though the Lions DST is stacked with talent, the unit continues to struggle in terms of yards and points allowed. The unit’s fantasy football value is in sacks where the team dominates. While not a top-five fantasy football unit just yet, the Lions DST should be drafted for fantasy football purposes in the latter rounds of fantasy football drafts. The Lions still need help in the secondary. Kicker Jason Hanson (24/29 FGs, 54/54 XPs) is a solid kicker, kicking slightly more than half his games indoors for a high-powered passing offense. Hanson is worth a late round draft pick.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 11 | 25 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | Rams | |
| 2 | at 49ers | |
| 3 | at Titans | |
| 4 | Vikings | |
| 5 | BYE | ——- |
| 6 | at Eagles | |
| 7 | at Bears | |
| 8 | Seahawks | |
| 9 | at Jaguars | |
| 10 | at Vikings | |
| 11 | Packers | |
| 12 | Texans | |
| 13 | Colts | |
| 14 | at Packers | |
| 15 | at Cardinals | |
| 16 | Falcons | |
| 17 | Bears |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Matthew Stafford, QB | 1-2 |
| Kevin Smith, RB | 9 |
| Mikel Leshoure, RB | 15 |
| Stefan Logan, RB | Undrafted |
| Keiland Williams, RB | Undrafted |
| Jahvid Best, RB | Undrafted |
| Calvin Johnson, WR | 1 |
| Nate Burleson, WR | Undrafted |
| Titus Young, WR | 15 |
| Ryan Broyles, WR (R) | Undrafted |
| Brandon Pettigrew, TE | 7 |
| Tony Scheffer, TE | Undrafted |
| Lions DST | 11 |
| Jason Hanson, K | 15 |
The Lions – The Bottom Line
The Lions should continue thriving in the passing game this season. If the Lions offense can stay healthy, be effective in the running game, and the Lions’ defense improves even more, the Lions should give the Bears a genuine push for second in the division. A 9-7 or 10-6 record would not be a surprise.
It feels like the Vikings are long way from the team they were before Brett Favre, when they won the division without him. Despite having the best running back in the NFC, the Vikings still have a way to go as their 2011 record (3-13) reflects. Notably, the Vikings were able to improve the amount of points they scored offensively from 2010 to 2011. However, with the Vikings offense otherwise struggling, the Vikings defense struggled, especially against the pass.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 21.2* | 329.7 | 184.8 | 144.9 |
| (19)** | (18) | (28) | (4) | |
| Defense | 28.1 | 358.2 | 251.2 | 107.0 |
| (31) | (21) | (26) | (11) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
It was obvious from last season that the Vikings greatest need is on the defensive side of the ball. The Vikings were among the worst teams defending the pass, and among the top-twelve worst defending the rush in fantasy football. The Vikings let fifteen players go into free agency. They had needs at line-backer, defensive tackle, and safety. On offense, the Vikings needed some wide receivers. Lastly, the Vikings would do well to add quality protection where available for their young quarterback.
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| TE John Carlson | Seahawks |
| FB Jerome Felton | Colts |
| LB Marvin Micthell | Dolphins |
| CB Chris Carr | Ravens |
| CB Zachary Bowman | Bears |
With the Vikings addressing corner back in free agency, the Vikings were expected to address their offensive line with their fist draft pick and then look to land a quality wide-receiver to help Percy Harvin in the second round. The Vikings will still address their secondary, but it is not as pressing given their free agency signings.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | T Matt Kalil | 4 | 4 |
| 1 | FS Harrison Smith | 29 | 29 |
| 3 | CB Josh Robinson | 3 | 66 |
| 4 | WR Jarius Wright | 23 | 118 |
| 4 | FB Rhett Ellison | 33 | 128 |
| 4 | WR Greg Childs | 39 | 134 |
| 5 | CB Robert Blanton | 4 | 139 |
| 6 | K Blair Walsh | 5 | 175 |
| 7 | ILB Audie Cole | 3 | 210 |
| 7 | DE Trevor Guyton | 12 | 219 |
The Vikings had ten draft picks this year, and the Vikings seemed to make the most of them. T Matt Kalil is an automatic starter as is FS Harrison Smith. It looks like Robert Blanton will get his opportunity to play too, at the strong safety position. Trevor Guyton was an absolute steal in Round 7 as Guyton likely should have been draftedtwo to threerounds earlier. WR Jarius Wright could have an opportunity to contribute to the offense early but whether he can contribute in fantasy football remains to be seen. While the offensive line could still use some help, the Vikings seem to be doing the right things to improve their roster even though they are likely a season or two from truly turning their team around.
Fantasy Football Players
QB Christian Ponder (158 comp./291 att., 1,853 yards, 28 rushes, 219 rush yards, 13 TDs, 13 INTs, 2 FMBLs) had a forgetful rookie campaign in ten starts. Still, Ponder showed arm strength and moxie. While Ponder is a ways from being a fantasy football starter, we should see him take a big step forward in terms of being able to sustain steady drives and being able to keep the Vikings in close games against tough teams.
Regardless of the quarterback, it still goes without saying Adrian Peterson (208 rushes, 18 recpts., 1,209 APY, 13 TDs, 0 FMBLs) is one of the elite fantasy football running backs. While Peterson is coming off a severe knee injury which limited his 2011 season to 12 games, Peterson says he’s fine and he has had no adverse complications running and returning to practice. Peterson will likely be drafted either in the late first round or early part of round two of fantasy football drafts. Toby Gerhart (109 rushes, 23 recpts., 721 APY, 4 TDs, 0 FMBLs) is a solid hand-cuff for Peterson owners. However, because of the expectation that Peterson will be limited at the beginning of the season, Gerhat will be drafted by some in the middle rounds of fantasy football drafts.
In terms of the Vikings wide receivers, it’s tough to say how they will do in Ponders second season but, the expectation is that it will be a better season. Percy Harvin (87 recpts., 1,312 Yards, 6 TDs, 52 rushes, 2 rush TD, 2 FMBLs), continued to be the Vikings best receiving option and is a solid pick beginning in Round 6 of fantasy football drafts. The Vikings signed free agent Jerome Simpson (50 recpts., 725 yards, 4 TDs, 0 FMBLs) in the off-season. Simpson is a speedy, tall target who can stretch the field. Simpson begins the season serving a four-game suspension. While The Fantasy Greek expects Simpson will go undrafted in fantasy football, he should be a decent waiver add in Week 4 or 5. No other Vikings receiving option is worth consideration in fantasy football at this time.
TE Kyle Rudolph (26 recpts., 249 yards, 3 TDs, 0 FMBLs) had a quiet rookie season and the Vikings added TE John Carlson in free agency. While it remains to be seen how each will be used in the passing game, there is an expectation that Rudolph will be more involved in the offense. Consider Rudolph a TE2 in fantasy football draftable in Round 15.
The Vikings DST continued to struggle because it spent so much time on the field with the offense struggling. There is a chance this will continue into 2012, making the Vikings a defensive unit that should be undrafted for fantasy football purposes. Rookie kicker Blair Walsh was brought in to replace 15 year veteran Ryan Longwell (22/28 FGs, 32/39 XPs). Blair was the top scorer for his conference in college even though struggling a bit his senior year. Until Blair establishes himself in the pro game Walsh should remain on fantasy football waiver wires after your draft.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 22 | 21 | 18 | 13 | 12 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | Jaguars | |
| 2 | at Colts | |
| 3 | 49ers | |
| 4 | At Lions | |
| 5 | Titans | |
| 6 | at Redskins | |
| 7 | Cardinals | |
| 8 | Buccaneers | |
| 9 | at Seahawks | |
| 10 | Lions | |
| 11 | BYE | ——- |
| 12 | at Bears | |
| 13 | at Packers | |
| 14 | Bears | |
| 15 | at Rams | |
| 16 | at Texans | |
| 17 | Packers |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Christian Ponder, QB | Undrafted |
| Adrian Peterson, RB | 1-2 |
| Toby Gerhart, RB | Mid to Late Rounds |
| Percy Harvin, WR | 6 |
| Jerome Simpson, WR | Undrafted |
| Michael Jenkins, WR | Undrafted |
| Devin Aromashadu, WR | Undrafted |
| Stephen Burton, WR | Undrafted |
| Jarius Wright WR (R) | Undrafted |
| Kyle Rudolph, TE | 15 |
| John Carlson, TE | Undrafted |
| Vikings DST | Undrafted |
| Blair Walsh, K (R) | Undrafted |
The Vikings – The Bottom Line
Make no doubt about it, the 2012 Vikings are a team still under construction. Yet, it is a promising team with a promising quarterback. While we could be surprised, seeing a Vikings team that finishes 4-12 or 5-11 would not be out of the realm of possibility given their schedule.