I know, its been soo long. But better late than never. Here it is, the black and blue division:

Time to preview the old black and blue division:

Green Bay Packers

Key Additions: WR Marc Boerigter (Chiefs)
S Marquand Manuel (Seahawks)
DT Ryan Pickett (Rams)
LB Ben Taylor (Browns)
CB Charles Woodson (Raiders)

Key Losses: WR Antonio Chatman (Bengals)
LB Na’il Diggs (Panthers)
C Mike Flanagan (Texans)
DT Grady Jackson (Falcons)
HB Tony Fisher (Rams)
K Ryan Longwell (Vikings)
QB Craig Nall (Bills)

One of the most storied franchises in sports will struggle once again in 2006. Brett Favre is 37 and doesn't look like he’s a day over 50. With the health of former All-Pro tailback Ahman Green in question, and the loss of one of the staples of that offensive line in Mike Flanagan, the once potent Green Bay offense could struggle to move the chains all year long. The one bright spot from 2005 was the defense. And while they did play decently well, they were far from dominant.

I should be saying that 2006 is a transition year for the Packers and an opportunity for Aaron Rodgers to show what he’s got. Instead, it is a transition year that only allows #4 the opportunity to continue to tarnish what was a spectacular career.

Projected Record: 4-12

Detroit Lions

Key Additions: S Idress Bashir (Panthers)
WR Corey Bradford (Texans)
TE Dan Campbell (Cowboys)
DE Tyoka Jackson (Rams)
CB Jamar Fletcher (Chargers)
QB Jon Kitna (Bengals)
OT Barry Stokes (Falcons)
QB Josh McCown (Cardinals)

Key Losses: OT Kyle Kosier (Cowboys)
QB Jeff Garcia (Eagles)
WR Troy Edwards (Jaguars)
LB Wali Rainer (Texans)
CB R.W. McQuarters (Giants)

Once again Lions training camp was oozing with optimism with a new staff and a new quarterback. No one has ever questioned Jon Kitna’s ability, however he has always had a penchant for turning the ball over at the most inopportune times. New offensive coordinator, Mike Martz’s offense which is predicated on rhythm and timing should suit his abilities better than did Cincinnati’s (which incorporated a lot more deep drops and vertical passing, which is not Kitna’s strength).

New head coach Rod Marinelli has made his feelings well known about what he expects from everyone on his team (no one knows that any more than recently released former #2 overall pick Charles Rogers). He may not have all of the talent on defense that he would like, however bringing in veterans like Tyoka Jackson and Idress Bashir who have experience in his cover 2 defensive scheme should help a young inexperienced defensive unit.

Projected Record: 6-10

Minnesota Vikings

Key Additions: S Tank Williams (Titans)
FB Tony Richardson (Chiefs)
K Ryan Longwell (Packers)
HB Chester Taylor (Ravens)
LB Ben Leber (Chargers)
G Steve Hutchinson (Seahawks)

Key Losses: LB Sam Cowart (Texans)
WR Nate Burleson (Seahawks)
LB Keith Newman (Dolphins)
G Toniu Fonoti (Buccaneers)
S Corey Chavous (Rams)
QB Daunte Culpepper (Dolphins)
HB Michael Bennett (Chiefs via Saints)
CB Brian Williams (Rams)
HB Moe Williams (Rams)

The Vikings have done a lot of good things in the off-season, such as signing key veteran free agents like Steve Hutchinson and Tony Richardson. However they have lost some key players as well with Daunte Culpepper at the top of the list to go along with Corey Chavous and Nate Burleson. Brad Johnson has proven that he can be an effective starter in the NFL and has great experience with the west coast offense (which head coach Brad Childress runs). He helped take an offensively challenged Buccaneers squad to a super bowl championship and will not lose games for you. They have a pretty effective couple of wide receivers with Marcus Robinson and Troy Williamson. The biggest question mark on the offensive side of the ball will be whether or not Chester Taylor can be an every down #1 running back. He certainly showed flashes that he can be an effective starter while doing spot duty in Baltimore. The Vikings still posses one of the more underrated defenses in the NFC. Tank Williams is no Corey Chavous but he is a solid starter at safety.

The Vikings will be extremely competitive and will narrowly miss the post-season.

Projected Record: 8-8

Chicago Bears

Key Additions: CB Ricky Manning Jr. (Panthers)
QB Brian Greise (Buccaneers)
CB Dante Wesley (Panthers)

Key Losses: CB Jerry Azumah

The 2006 Chicago Bears will be looking to prove that unlike 2001, 2005 was not a fluke. It certainly will not be a fluke for the defense, which unlike the 2001 defense, is very young and fast. Bringing in veterans like Rocky Manning will only help the teams depth in the defensive backfield. The biggest off-season addition was veteran QB Brian Griese (never thought I’d be saying that about any team). But with a team that has so many quarterback issues (especially last season) it is important to have an experienced starter on the roster whether he starts games or not (which I think he eventually will). The tailback issue is a bit of a concern with both Ced Benson and Thomas Jones being hurt, as well as Jones wanting to be traded. Both Jones and Benson should be ready for the start of the regular season, and the Bears will continue to win games running the ball and dominating on defense.

Projected Record: 10-6 (Playoff berth)

We will preview the NFC East on Tuesday, the NFC West and South on Wednesday and on opening night i'll have my playoff and superbowl predictions. Keep it locked on pfcritics.com