A look at the NFC

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Going all the way: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the best in the business, knows how to use his tight ends, and he's got a good one now in Martellus Bennett, who won a Super Bowl with New England last season. The Packers replaced T.J. Lang on the offensive line with Jahri Evans, a six-time Pro Bowl guard. With Rodgers at the helm, this team is always going to be making noise at the end of the season.

They're doomed: For better or worse, some familiar faces are gone from the locker room. Running back Eddie Lacy is in Seattle, tight end Jared Cook in Oakland, guard Lang in Detroit, and center J.C. Tretter in Cleveland. Someone will need to pick up the pass-rushing slack of 6-foot-7 linebacker Julius Peppers, who has returned to Carolina.

Now hear this: "There's no reason to think he couldn't play and play at a high level until - I'm not going to say 43, 44, it's up to the individual - and I don't see any decline in his game unless he doesn't want to play anymore." - Brett Favre on Rodgers

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Going all the way: Adrian Peterson is gone, but the Vikings have two impressive running backs in rookie Dalvin Cook and veteran Latavius Murray. Minnesota looked to fortify its offensive line with the addition of free-agent tackles Mike Remmers (Carolina) and Riley Reiff (Detroit). When he has time, Sam Bradford is an effective and accurate short-to-midrange passer.

They're doomed: It can take years to rework an offensive line, and there's no telling how much better the Vikings will be in that