The Vikings have the North. This week we’ll look ahead to the draft for the other three teams.

Vikings 12-3

Lions 8-7

Packers 7-8

Bears 5-10

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Vikings (Last Week: Win, 16-0 @ Packers)

For years now it has felt like the Vikings were searching for that missing piece to complete their team. Well, in pursuit of the last piece of the puzzle they’ve come across something that may be even more elusive, depth. The Vikings are a complete team in every facet of the game. They lost their 2nd option qb in Bradford and have thrived with Keenum. They lost their stud rookie running back and haven’t thought once about abandoning the run game. This team is quintessential next-man-up.

No team has allowed fewer points this year than Minnesota. They simply make it difficult for teams to score, only giving up 12 passing touchdowns to teams this year.

One overlooked aspect of the Vikings this year is Keenum’s ability to avoid pressure. Minnesota’s offensive line was one of the worst in the league last year and have improved drastically. Partially this is due to Keenum’s ability to move laterally in the pocket. A lot of veteran quarterback avoid pressure and open up passing lanes by stepping up in the pocket; Keenum seems to thrive on side-to-side movement. The combination of his awareness in the pocket and the improved line has seen the Vikings only give up 25 sacks through 16 weeks, 7th fewest in the league (they were 27th last year).

Next game: vs Bears

Coming off a win against Cleveland, the Bears are about to hit a wall. The strength of the Bears offense comes from their run game, look for the Vikings to shut down the rush and beat up on the rookie quarterback.

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Lions (Last week: Loss, 17-26 vs Bengals)

Detroit faltered on Sunday against the stagnant Cincinnati and watched their playoff hopes go out the window. It’s a disappointing ending for fans of a team with a lot of potential, but now it’s time to look ahead.

The first place the Lions will want to look for a running back early in next years draft. It fell out of style for a while to draft a running back early, but premier backs are making a resurgence in the last few years (i.e. Todd Gurley) and you have to draft accordingly if you hope to snag one. Theo Riddick has proven he is a capable third down back who can catch effectively out of the backfield. Unfortunately, Abdullah has proven he can’t carry the load as an early down back and the Lions will have to invest in the position if they want to add the missing piece to their offense.

Another early draft need for the Lions will be Center. The rest of their offensive line should look pretty solid going into next season but they will be losing underperforming C Travis Swanson to free agency.

Next game: vs Packers

The Packers have found their defensive success this year stopping the run. Expect Stafford to throw 40+ times in this game against a porous Green Bay secondary.

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Packers (Last week: Loss, 0-16 vs Vikings)

The loss of Aaron Rodgers this season has exposed some glaring holes in both the offense and defense for the Packers. While last offseason did see more free-agent signings than is typical in the Ted Thompson era, expect the Packers to look to the draft to patch their holes, as usual.

The Packers are set on the outside of their offensive line. However, Lane Taylor is the only key player they will have on the inside after this year. They may move Spriggs (who has been hot and cold this season) to the inside, but still expect them to look for lineman in the first few rounds.

Another key position the Packers will be looking to draft is outside linebacker. Clay Matthews has had issues staying on the field for years now. And when he has been on the field he hasn’t had the same impact as he had in years past. By releasing Matthews the Packers would immediately clear up $11.4 million in cap space; so Matthews as a Packer in 2018 is no guarantee. If Clay leaves or stays, expect the Packers to make outside linebacker on of their focuses in the draft.

Next Game: @ Lions

The key to this game for the Packers will be getting pressure on Stafford. While the Packers sack total has improved in the last few weeks they have still struggled to get consistent pressure.

Another key will be tackling. The Packers have struggled to wrap up often this year and the Lions are most dangerous when they’re allowed space.

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Bears (Last week: Win, 20-3 vs Browns)

No position should be a bigger focus for the Bears in the next draft than wide receiver. The loss of Alshon Jeffery has cost them more than they expected. Kevin White hasn’t stayed on the field for a season and Cameron Meredith will be a free agent. Even if both receivers manage to make a turn around for the Bears in 2018, they still need a definite #1 receiver.

The other big area the Bears will be looking to shore up is pass rusher. They have veteran experience with Willie Young and Lamarr Houston, but their age won’t allow them to carry the load; Chicago will look to add explosiveness in the first few rounds.

Next game: @ Vikings

Key to this game for Chicago? Close your eyes, hope they don’t hit too hard.