Betting:Vikings favored in NFC North

The Vikings jerseys finished the season on a 7-3-1 spread run and they have cashed at a 6-2-1 clip in their past nine as home favorites. They have thrived against division rivals as well, winning and 'covering' nine of 12.

Minnesota has taken advantage of the bye week recently, winning five straight (4-1 ATS). This year they face the New York Jets after their week off.

Last year the Green Bay Packers jersey narrowly missed a shot at the NFL's elite eight in a 51-45 overtime loss to Arizona. They made huge strides across the board, improving from six wins to 11, despite an offensive line that was ravaged with injuries.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 4,434 yards and 30 touchdowns with just seven interceptions last year. To become great, he must lower the number of sacks he took in 2009 (50). The return of Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher and the addition of first-round pick Bryan Bulaga provide stability on the offensive line and makes Rodgers job a lot easier.

The Vikings are the favorites to win a third consecutive NFC North title and compete for the home-field advantage necessary to reach Super Bowl 45. Minnesota has moped for months over their loss to the New Orleans Saints jerseys thanks to an uncharacteristic five turnovers, but appears to have moved on.

However, the Vikings' path to Dallas is paved with potholes, beginning with an opening night showdown with the Super Bowl champion Saints on Sept. 9. Minnesota draws the short end of the straw with its schedule outside the division when it takes on the NFC and AFC East.

Green Bay has been virtually invincible at Lambeau Field (32-6 since 1992) and against division competition. The Packers have won and 'covered' 17 of their last 24 against their Northern neighbors.

Green Bay has also been a solid investment on the highway, cashing 14 of 21 as road pups and eight of 12 as road favorites since 2006.

The addition of Julius Peppers should spice things up in the Windy City. The Chicago Bears jerseys defense will also benefit from the return of leader Brian Urlacher, back from the dislocated wrist that wiped out his entire 2009 season, and a healthy Tommie Harris at tackle.

Coach Lovie Smith is well aware that if the Bears don't improve this season, after going 7-9 in 2009, he can pack his bags. He has been allowed to promote good friend Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator and hire former boss Mike Martz to run the offense.