Turnover, if not outright turmoil, struck the division in the off-season to shade the Black and Blue Division with some gray.

The biggest change — and perhaps the biggest story of the off-season — was the Vikings’ addition of the (again) un-retired Brett Favre.
But the Bears grabbed the spotlight early by trading for former Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and have emerged as a somewhat dark horse contender in the NFC as a result.
And then there are the Packers, who largely stood pat after a disappointing 6-10 season but have one of the league’s most explosive offenses directed by an emerging superstar in Aaron Rodgers.
The Lions? Well, they can’t get any worse and are rebuilding under new coach Jim Schwartz, who has chosen rookie Matthew Stafford as the team’s starting quarterback.
Defending division champion Minnesota, with Adrian Peterson, a stout defense — potential four-game suspensions for defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams notwithstanding — and now Favre, is the favorite, but it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Green Bay or Chicago wound up on top.
Next-level players
Kevin Smith, RB, Lions: Last year in his rookie season, the former Central Florida star got within a couple of first downs of 1,000 rushing yards, ran for eight TDs and also had 39 receptions for 286 yards. Expect more production as Smith starts the season as the featured back.
Greg Olsen, TE, Bears: The third-year pro became Chicago’s most reliable receiver last season with 54 catches for 574 yards and five TDs. Given his size, athleticism and that he now has Jay Cutler throwing to him, Olsen very well could join the ranks of the league’s elite tight ends.
E.J. Henderson, LB, Vikings: The massive Williamses (not related) occupy the middle — and their opponents’ attention — and that should free up Henderson to return to his 100-plus tackle form of 2006 and 2007 after he missed all but four games last season with a toe injury.
Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers: The former Texas player reportedly was slowed in his rookie season by immaturity and was stuck at third on the depth chart. But according to media reports out of Green Bay and Milwaukee, he had a great off-season and could become a nice target for Aaron Rodgers.
Elite player
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: It’s hard to argue against Peterson. He had 3,101 rushing yards and 22 TDs in his first two seasons and is high on the list of the NFL’s best players.
Elite game
Vikings at Packers, Nov. 1: A midseason battle between bitter rivals is great theater, and it should be quite a spectacle as Brett Favre returns to Lambeau Field wearing purple.