Lucas SmithSPORTS COLUMNIST

Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings square off against the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game on Thursday night. Brett Favre returns for his nineteenth season to quarterback the talented Vikings offense against the evenly matched Saints. The QB matchup between All-Pro Drew Brees and forty-one year old Favre is reason enough to tune in.

Offense:

The Vikings finished 12-4 last year atop the NFC North behind the arm a Favre and the power running of Adrian Peterson who finished second in the NFL in rush yards. Peterson led the league in rushing the previous two seasons before that. If Peterson can hold on to the ball, he is primed for a career year. The loss of pro-bowl wide receiver Sidney Rice for 6-8 weeks is a major blow considering he was Favre’s number one option. The team will rely on 2009 Offensive Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin and first time pro-bowl tight end Vishante Shiancoe to catch TD passes. With shaky offensive line play in the preseason, Vikings fans can only hope three-time MVP Favre can carry the offense for one more year which Favre says will be his last.

Defense:

The Vikings finished sixth in total defense last season with the defensive line leading the way. Perennial pro-bowl tackles Kevin and Pat Williams, along with fellow all-pro Jared Allen make up one of the toughest defensive lines in the NFL which led the league in sacks with forty-eight. South Dakota native Chad Greenway and the talented EJ Henderson head up the linebackers. The acquisition of veteran Lito Shepperd and the hard hitting Antoine Winfield combined for four pro-bowls and will be crucial in mentoring a young defensive backfield.

Chicago Bears

The addition of Jay Cutler last year at QB didn’t work out in the Bears favor. He led the league in interceptions and the Bears missed out on the playoffs. The defense is headed up by veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher and newly acquired sack machine Julius Peppers – who received a hefty contract in the offseason. The Bears are hoping offensive coordinator Mike Martz can help Cutler regain his 2008 form when he had a career year with the Denver Broncos.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers finished 11-5 in route to a wild card berth but lost in the NFC playoffs to the Arizona Cardinals. Pro-Bowl Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hopes to continue his success in becoming one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Rodgers replaced Brett Favre three seasons ago and he is close to stepping out of his shadow. The Packers finished with the NFL’s second best team defense and they show no signs of slowing down. It is safe to say that the Packers are a serious threat to compete for a Super Bowl crown.

Detroit Lions

The Lions finished last in the NFC north at a lowly 2-14 and the outlook isn’t much better this year. Second year pro Mathew Stafford showed signs of potential last year but the North is to strong this year for the Lions to compete. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson has unlimited talent and is a nice complement for Stafford. First round draft picks DT Ndamukong Suh and RB Jahvid Best are exciting players, but this could be a long year for Lions fans.