Northern Lights
Brett Favre's return to the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings may ultimately not be the biggest QB story in the division. Favre's once beloved Packers have high hopes for the second-season stewardship of Aaron Rodgers; the Detroit Lions, with this year's No. 1 draft pick, Matthew Stafford, starting Week 1, have nowhere to go but up after a dismal 0-16 season. Still, the Chicago Bears may be on the fastest elevator here, offensively speaking: the team upgraded in the QB position by dealing Kyle Orton (plus draft picks) to the Denver Broncos for Jay Cutler. If (and it's a big if) Cutler can rekindle his Vanderbilt University magic with Earl Bennett — and bring Devin Hester to the party at the same time — watch for the Bears to go deep into the postseason.