The uncertainty of this division currently lies squarely on theshoulders of one Brett Favre, who for the umpteenth year in a row has decided to leave the fate of his football career to the very last minute, leaving the Minnesota Vikings and the NFC North Division in a state of flux.

The Vikings were a fantastic team in 2009, coming one Brett Favre overtime interception from heading to the Super Bowl. Their pass rush and run defense has been unparalleled in the NFL for multiple seasons, and the talents of Adrian Petersen and Brett Favre kept this team a contender all year.

Green Bay Packers has been building a team to compete in the post-Favre era for three seasons, and the Packers are slowly emerging as a contender behind a great pass defense and solid play from Aaron Rodgers.

Chicago was supposed to take over the North last year when they acquired disgruntled QB Jay Cutler from Denver, but Cutler did not adjust well to life in Chicago, having one of his worst seasons ever.

Detroit continues to be Detroit Lions, but in a few short years after the firing of GM Matt Millen, the Lions have no draft picks left from the Millen era, as they’ve cleaned house in terms of personnel, so maybe they can turn around their decades of futility.

So is there a changing of the guard in the North? Lets have a look:

Minnesota Vikings +130

Their whole season is relying of Favre. The Ol’ Gunslinger could have easily been the MVP last season. And though he’s a year older, the defense and running game will be one year better. If there’s no Favre in 2010, they’ll be relying on Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels. Not good.

Green Bay Packers +125

Many thought that 2009 was going to be the breakout year for the Green Bay Packers, and it turned out to be, despite a litany of injuries that kept them from getting over the hump until late in the season. An overtime loss to the Cardinals sent them home early in the 2009 post season, but if they can stay healthy for most of 2010, that experience will get them over the hump in 2010.

Chicago Bears +350

Word around the organization is that Jay Cutler is ready to come out swinging for 2010. With Mike Martz taking the helm at coordinator, the interception-happy Cutler will be throwing the ball all day long, so let’s just hope it lands in the Chicago Bears’ players hands. With the signing of Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher returning, this defense could be amazing by the time November rolls around.

Detroit Lions +2000

Detroit has been rebuilding its franchise for more than a decade, and still hasn’t gotten it right. They seem to be heading in the right direction with Matthew Stafford at quarterback, but they need to keep pressure off the kid for him to have any success. At least #2 overall draft pick Ndamukong Suh could step in and make an impact immediately.

2010 NFC North Standings Prediction:

Green Bay Packers(+125) 12 - 4

Minnesota Vikings(+130) 11 - 5

Chicago Bears(+350) 10 - 6

Detroit Lions (+2000) 3 - 13