The only certainty in the NFC North in recent years has been uncertainty. The division favorite seems to change from year to year and often game to game.

Heading into the 2009 season, every team features at least a couple intriguing players as well as a question mark or two. Does the addition of Brett Favre make the Vikings Super Bowl contenders? Who will new Bears' QB Jay Cutler throw to? Will the Packers improve in Aaron Rodgers' second season as a starter? Who will quarterback the Lions? It should be fascinating to watch it all play out. In the interim, here's a preview of each team in the division (in predicted order of finish).

1. Minnesota Vikings

Up until very recently, the Vikings were going to enter the 2009 season with Sage Rosenfels (69 OVR) and Tarvaris Jackson (67 OVR) at the quarterback position. However, the August 18 signing of Brett Favre (82 OVR) should enhance Minnesota's aerial attack.

With the addition of Favre, the Vikings will likely be a popular pick in Madden. The new QB should fit right in and have plenty of open receivers to throw to -- running back Adrian Peterson (97 OVR) does have something to do with that. Both Peterson and Favre will benefit from a strong O-line that features Steve Hutchinson (98 OVR) and Bryant McKinnie (90 OVR).

2. Chicago Bears

The Bears' seemingly endless search for a star quarterback may have finally ended in 2009, thanks to the arrival of former Broncos' starter Jay Cutler (87 OVR). Cutler should have some time and space to throw, thanks to an adequate offensive line that features Orlando Pace (87 OVR), and a solid running game featuring Matt Forte (89 OVR).

The question will be whether he has anyone to throw to, although WR Devin Hester (71 OVR, 99 SPD) may be a popular target among Madden players. Defensively, the Bears will once again be led by linebackers Lance Briggs (95 OVR) and Brian Urlacher (94 OVR).

3. Green Bay Packers

Just when the Packers thought they were done with the Brett Favre drama, they now face the prospect of squaring off with their former franchise QB twice during the regular season. And the worst part for Packers fans is that he will be donning Vikings' purple. Starting QB Aaron Rodgers (86 OVR) must now be wondering if he will ever fully emerge from Favre's long shadow.

Nevertheless, in Madden Rodgers will have a couple nice weapons to work with, including receivers Greg Jennings (90 OVR) and Donald Driver (85 OVR). Defensively, the team is anchored by linebacker Aaron Kampman (93 OVR), free safety Nick Collins (93 OVR) and cornerbacks Charles Woodson (93 OVR) and Al Harris (90 OVR).

4. Detroit Lions

The perpetually rebuilding Lions feature some interesting storylines heading into the 2009 season, including the battle for the starting QB job that involves rookie Matthew Stafford (79 OVR) and veteran Daunte Culpepper (72 OVR). Either one of those guys will have at least one attractive target to throw to in WR Calvin Johnson (92 OVR).

On the defensive side of the ball, Detroit will be led by a pair of linebackers, newcomer Julian Peterson (90 OVR) and incumbent Ernie Sims (88 OVR).