Chicago Bears
Love- A Chance to See Devin Hester Do More Magic
Assuming they can reach a deal with Matt Forte, the Bears have some real bright spots shining through in a tough division these days. Jay Cutler finally validated [some of] his smug demeanor with solid QB play, and a well-stocked defensive front always keeps things interesting. Still, the hardest working man in Chicago has to be special teams virtuoso Devin Hester, who continues to shatter return scoring records near daily. 2012 should be no different.
Hate - Jay Cutler. Duh.
Although Jay Cutler has arguably surpassed most critics' expectations since he came to Chicago in 2009, he's still not exactly the cuddliest of fan favorites. Untimely injuries, an ever-cynical scowl, and his seething hatred for all of humanity make Cutler pretty darn tough to cheer for in good times and in bad.
Detroit Lions
Love - Ne'er-Do-Wells Could Finally Break Through Big Time
Long-sufferin', thy name is the Detroit Lions. Not only has this team never been to a Super Bowl, the Lions haven't won a playoff game in over 20 years. The last playoff win before that? 1957. And let's not even talk about that 0 - 16 season that put the Lions on the wrong side of the record books just 4 years ago. All the more reason to cheer for a revitalized young team that finally looks like it can give the fans something to smile about for years to come. If karma exists in the NFL, Calvin Johnson & co. are about to pay dividends in Detroit.
Hate - Knights in Schwartz's Service
For all the promise the Lions have shown as of late, they are also fast becoming the athletic counterpart to Detroit's other satanic nobility. Intra-team altercations, multiple drug possession arrests and DUIs during this offseason (and some really dumb ejections/suspensions on the field in 2011) have cast a shadow on the Lions' burgeoning success. Methinks bad apples won't fall far from the tree if feisty head coach Jim Schwartz can't instill a new brand of discipline ASAP in this team, which suddenly has a lot to lose in 2012.
Green Bay Packers
Love - Seeing If Aaron Rodgers Can Do It Again
We knew this guy was good, but Aaron Rodgers' numbers and passer rating were downright inconceivable last season. There can be no doubt that, barring unforeseen injuries or off-the-field quibbles, No. 12 will continue to play at an elite level for a long time. The only question now is, just how elite? Was 2011 the kind of freakish year for Rodgers that even Brady and Manning have only been able to touch once in a blue moon or will he make it look obscenely simple again... hopefully with better playoff results?
Hate - Imbalances Abound
While the Packers' passing game is virtually untouchable, there are still some big uncertainties in the defense and running game that could threaten Title Town's prospects if they go unaddressed this offseason. As much fun as Aaron Rodgers is to watch, it just takes one sub par game from him or his receiving corps (re: losses to the Chiefs and Giants last season) to expose the team's bigger vulnerabilities. The Packers will need more balance in the other phases of the game this year to avoid another painful premature exit in the postseason.
Minnesota Vikings
Love - Jared Allen Getting Another Shot at a Sack Record
With AP on the mend and Christian Ponder still getting his footing, there's no embarrassment of riches to look forward to with the Vikings this season. Nevertheless, Jared Allen came within one of beating Michael Strahan's impressive single-season sack record last year. With games against Jacksonville, Indy, Arizona, St. Louis, Tennessee, Washington and Chicago this year, the mulleted stallion will have another chance to terrorize inexperienced and oft-injured QBs on a regular basis.
Hate - Likely Cannibalization in the NFC North
Sadly, Jared Allen may be the only bright spot for a Vikings squad that is deep in rebuilding mode these days. The rest of the NFC North has rich people's problems in that they may be competitive enough to beat all but the division winner out of the playoffs. The Vikings will simply be cannibalized.
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