Preseason Bold Predictions Revisted: NFC North
The NFL season is at its halfway point and it seems just like yesterday we were making our bold preseason predictions for this year. As the season continues at a relentless pace we wanted to revisit our preseason predictions. Find out in this 8-part series what we got wrong, what we got right, as well as a new bold prediction for the second half of the season. Today we will focus on the NFC North. There have been plenty of surprises in the division and it looks like the Vikings currently have a stranglehold on the division lead.
Green Bay Packers
packerswire.com
Original Prediction: AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones both finish in the top 15 RBs
Currently- Aaron Jones is RB9 in PPR formats and has been the main focal point of this Packers offense. Dillon has struggled and is currently ranked as RB35. Dillon looks like a lock to hold his end of the bargain. The silver lining is Dillon also started slowly last season before finishing as RB12 from weeks 9-18.
New Prediction - We aren’t changing anything here. While Dillon is outside of the top 30, as the weather gets colder, Quadzilla will heat up. Green Bay has been dreadful, but the redemption arc starts this week as they play the Lions. If ever there is a game for Dillon to get right, it’s this one. Jones can coast and finish in the top 15. As Green Bay starts to come together and win some games, Dillon’s role should only increase.
Chicago Bears
bearswire.com
Original Prediction - Justin Fields rushes for over 1000 yards
Currently - Justin Fields currently has 424 yards on the season and is on pace to finish with 901 yards.
New Prediction - Also doubling down on this one. While he is currently slightly behind pace, the Bears have started to show some signs of life on the offensive side of the ball. Field’s last three games have been his best rushing games of the season and he still has the Lions on the schedule twice.
Minnesota Vikings
dailynorseman.com
Original Prediction - Kirk Cousins leads the league in passing
Currently - Cousins currently sits at 15th in passing yards on the season. While the Vikings are rolling, the team hasn’t been as pass-heavy as we anticipated in the preseason.
New Prediction - Kirk Cousins may not lead the league in scoring, but we are predicting he will finish in the top 7 among fantasy QBs. He is currently sitting at QB12, but on a PPG basis, he is QB9. The Vikings just added another capable pass catcher with TJ Hockenson which should free things up further for stud WR Justin Jefferson.
Detroit Lions
detroitfreepress.com
Original Prediction - D’Andre Swift eclipses 1800 yards
Currently: The season started out with a bang for Swift but has since been full of whimpers. He has only played in 4 of a possible 7 games so far and may miss more time. Barring an all-time run, this prediction is dead in the water.
New Prediction - Jamaal Williams, currently RB 9 in standard formats, can hold on and finish as a top 12 RB. With Swift and Amon Ra St. Brown’s health constantly in question, Williams will continue to get meaningful touches. With TJ Hockenson out of the equation, the offense has one less playmaker, and Williams should be one of the primary benefactors.
That’s it for the NFC North. Come back tomorrow as we tackle our final two divisions! Make sure to leave your comments below, we would love to know what you love, what you hate, and what you think we’re completely out in left field on.