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1. Chicago Bears

Predicted Finish: 11-5

Last Season: 13-3

Insight: With the most dominating defense in football, the Bears madd few changes from last season. Although they did lose the services of CB Walt Harris, the Bears feel that either Jerry Azumah or Roosevelt Williams will be able to fill the void. With Brian Urlacher coming off a pro bowl season and Ted Washington and Keith Traylor at tackle, there is nothing coming up the middle against the Bears. On offense, Chris Chandler was brought in to back up Jim Miller and Anthony Thomas looks to improve upon his awesome rookie season at running back. Marty Booker will line up with Marcus Robinson at wideouts, but the offense, though it is solid, is not superb. They don't have to score many points because the defense will keep them in most games. The Bears have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl, because they have the kind of defense that can stop the Rams. They should win this division in a cakewalk.

Key Games: Nov. 3, Philadelphia; Nov. 18, at Tampa Bay; Dec. 1, at Green Bay

2. Green Bay Packers

Predicted Finish: 9-7

Last Season: 12-4

Insight: Brett Favre will take this team as far as he can. After that, it's up to a few new arrivals and the defense to step up. Almost all of the receivers from last year are gone, including Cory Bradford, Bill Schroeder and Antonio Freeman. Bubba Franks is still the tight end, but the other wideouts are question marks. Terry Glenn signed on and he can be a big play man if he keeps his attitude under control. Javon Walker was drafted in the first round from Florida State and he is expected to contribute. Donald Driver may end up as a slot back, but the Packers also lost dependable Dorsey Levens to Philly. Of course, Ahman Green will provide most of the rushing attack, but this team is not deep and injuries could hurt their chances. With the defense being nothing special, the Pack may have a long season in front of them if the passing game doesn't jell quickly. They did beat Chicago in both meeting last season, but still ended up a wild card.

Key Games: Oct. 7, at Chicago; Nov. 24, at Tampa Bay

3. Minnesota Vikings

Predicted Finish: 6-10

Last Season: 5-11

Insight: Last season was a disaster for the Vikings, starting with the death of Korey Stringer preseason, then Robert Smith's premature retirement, Daunte Culpepper's injuries, Randy Moss' admission to not playing every down and the eventual firing of Dennis Green. The Vikings may have to overcome nearly as much advesity this season beginning with rookie head coach Mike Tice, who is on a steep learning curve. The Vikes also lost WR Cris Carter to retirement, CB Dale Carter and S Robert Griffin to free agency. They didn't draft very well, opting for non-skill position players. Michael Bennett will be the full time running back, and Moss will line up with either D'Wayne Bates or Sean Dawkins, neither of who will scare many defenses. Look for Moss to see lots of double coverages and have another off year with plenty of whining. The defense outright stinks - maybe the worst in the league.

Key Games: Sept. 29, at Seattle - a test against a fair team just before the bye week; Oct. 27, Chicago - big effort needed.

4. Detroit Lions

Predicted Finish: 5-11

Last Season: 2-14

Insight: The Lions will probably start Joey Harrington, drafted in the first round from Oregon, at quarterback. They have dependable James Stewart at RB, and two pretty good wideouts in Bill Schroeder and Az-Zahir Hakim. However, the offensive line is porous and the defense is just adequate. This team does play with heart, however and will win a few games they are not expected to.

Key Games: They either are all key or none of them are. The Lions were a good play against the spread in the second half of the season last year and that may carry over if the offense clicks and the defense doesn't make too many bonehead mistakes.

LINKS PRO FOOTBALL HOME AFC EAST AFC NORTH AFC SOUTH AFC WEST NFC EAST NFC NORTH NFC SOUTH NFC WEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL HOME SPORTS HOME	1. Chicago Bears Predicted Finish: 11-5 Last Season: 13-3 Insight: With the most dominating defense in football, the Bears madd few changes from last season. Although they did lose the services of CB Walt Harris, the Bears feel that either Jerry Azumah or Roosevelt Williams will be able to fill the void. With Brian Urlacher coming off a pro bowl season and Ted Washington and Keith Traylor at tackle, there is nothing coming up the middle against the Bears. On offense, Chris Chandler was brought in to back up Jim Miller and Anthony Thomas looks to improve upon his awesome rookie season at running back. Marty Booker will line up with Marcus Robinson at wideouts, but the offense, though it is solid, is not superb. They don't have to score many points because the defense will keep them in most games. The Bears have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl, because they have the kind of defense that can stop the Rams. They should win this division in a cakewalk. Key Games: Nov. 3, Philadelphia; Nov. 18, at Tampa Bay; Dec. 1, at Green Bay
	2. Green Bay Packers Predicted Finish: 9-7 Last Season: 12-4 Insight: Brett Favre will take this team as far as he can. After that, it's up to a few new arrivals and the defense to step up. Almost all of the receivers from last year are gone, including Cory Bradford, Bill Schroeder and Antonio Freeman. Bubba Franks is still the tight end, but the other wideouts are question marks. Terry Glenn signed on and he can be a big play man if he keeps his attitude under control. Javon Walker was drafted in the first round from Florida State and he is expected to contribute. Donald Driver may end up as a slot back, but the Packers also lost dependable Dorsey Levens to Philly. Of course, Ahman Green will provide most of the rushing attack, but this team is not deep and injuries could hurt their chances. With the defense being nothing special, the Pack may have a long season in front of them if the passing game doesn't jell quickly. They did beat Chicago in both meeting last season, but still ended up a wild card. Key Games: Oct. 7, at Chicago; Nov. 24, at Tampa Bay
	3. Minnesota Vikings Predicted Finish: 6-10 Last Season: 5-11 Insight: Last season was a disaster for the Vikings, starting with the death of Korey Stringer preseason, then Robert Smith's premature retirement, Daunte Culpepper's injuries, Randy Moss' admission to not playing every down and the eventual firing of Dennis Green. The Vikings may have to overcome nearly as much advesity this season beginning with rookie head coach Mike Tice, who is on a steep learning curve. The Vikes also lost WR Cris Carter to retirement, CB Dale Carter and S Robert Griffin to free agency. They didn't draft very well, opting for non-skill position players. Michael Bennett will be the full time running back, and Moss will line up with either D'Wayne Bates or Sean Dawkins, neither of who will scare many defenses. Look for Moss to see lots of double coverages and have another off year with plenty of whining. The defense outright stinks - maybe the worst in the league. Key Games: Sept. 29, at Seattle - a test against a fair team just before the bye week; Oct. 27, Chicago - big effort needed.
	4. Detroit Lions Predicted Finish: 5-11 Last Season: 2-14 Insight: The Lions will probably start Joey Harrington, drafted in the first round from Oregon, at quarterback. They have dependable James Stewart at RB, and two pretty good wideouts in Bill Schroeder and Az-Zahir Hakim. However, the offensive line is porous and the defense is just adequate. This team does play with heart, however and will win a few games they are not expected to. Key Games: They either are all key or none of them are. The Lions were a good play against the spread in the second half of the season last year and that may carry over if the offense clicks and the defense doesn't make too many bonehead mistakes.