The NFL season is approaching quickly, and with that, EZB will be providing previews of each division in the league. Up today: the NFC North.

Minnesota Vikings

Why They Might Win the Division
They can run the ball with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor like no other team in the NFL, and their defensive line is one of the most talented units in the game. Minnesota finally has promise at wide receiver with the development of Sidney Rice and the free agent signing of Bernard Berrian. Oh, and Jared Allen comes over to play defensive end after leading the league in sacks last season.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
Regardless of what ESPN tries to hammer into your head every single day of the football season, running the ball well and stopping the run are not the end-all, be-all to winning. Case in point: last season, the Vikings led the NFL in rushing yards while allowing the fewest yards on the ground defensively. They finished 8-8. Which means QB Tavaris Jackson still needs to be able to throw, and the team's secondary simply must improve their pass defense.

Green Bay Packers

Why They Might Win the Division
They went all the way to the NFC Championship game a year ago, before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants. Much of the same team returns, except possibly that one guy who plays quarterback, obviously. Either way, they have talented offensive and defensive units.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers? Is this something that will divide the whole team? Right now, the situation is a mess, and it doesn't seem like it's getting any better. And now, running back Ryan Grant says he won't show up to training camp without a new contract. These distractions won't help matters any.

Chicago Bears

Why They Might Win the Division
Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris, Lance Briggs and others are back, and though the defense fell way off last season, it would not be a shock to see them rebound and dominate once again. Not to mention Devin Hester and his capabilities in the return game.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton are fighting to be the starting quarterback, which really says plenty.

Detroit Lions

Why They Might Win the Division
Because nobody can be that bad for that long? It's difficult to come up with reasons why this squad may excel in 2008, but they do possess two talented wide receivers in Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Ernie Sims is an outstanding linebacker who they can build their defense around, and offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus, the Lions first-round pick, could be the guy who shores up the offensive line.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
Jon Kitna, bold predictions and all, is what he is: an average QB. And though Kevin Smith is a promising young running back, no one else at the position does much to strike fear into opponents. Defensively, despite the addition of cornerback Brian Kelly, the team's secondary could still be a trouble spot.