NFC North Rundown: Lions enter Week 1 with 7 receivers, including newcomer Trinity Benson

After an extra week of preparation, the Green Bay Packers will officially kick off their regular season schedule against New Orleans on Sunday afternoon. While the Packers excitedly begin another Super Bowl-chasing campaign, Week 1 poses plenty of questions for the rest of the NFC North.

One of the more intriguing teams to watch across the entire NFL is the Detroit Lions with a new head coach, new quarterback, and one of the league’s youngest rosters. Detroit will have numbers at wide receiver to begin the year and will have some evaluating to do at the position as early as this week. Still, a trade with Denver last week involving a small-school success story at wide receiver further complicates the situation.

Today’s musings sort out the multitude of storylines in Detroit, while also checking in on Minnesota’s new punter and the persistent quarterback battle in Chicago.

Chicago Bears

Week 1 at Los Angeles Rams

Bears like what they’ve seen from Andy Dalton, but in six days the analysis changes

There are several factors to consider in Chicago making an eventual switch to Justin Fields at some point this upcoming season. Matt Nagy has been in a similar position before with Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes.

Bears officially sign WR Breshad Perriman, waive LB Josh Woods

Perriman moved from one NFC North squad to another in very little time and should have an opportunity to earn snaps with the Bears’ offense quickly.

Bear Necessities: With Danny Trevathan on IR, it’s Alec Ogletree’s time to shine

The former Ram will get a start against his old team at linebacker with the veteran Trevathan missing at least the first three weeks.

Minnesota Vikings

Week 1 at Cincinnati

Minnesota Vikings rookie LT Christian Darrisaw to return to practice Wednesday

Finally some positive news for the Vikings’ first-round pick, who missed all of training camp. Rashod Hill will start at tackle as Darrisaw works himself into the rotation.

Vikings Sign Former Steelers Punter Jordan Berry

Minnesota apparently has its replacement for Dustin Colquitt in the experienced former Pittsburgh punter.

There won’t be a Trae Waynes revenge game

The former Viking first-rounder is now with the Bengals, but will miss the first week with a hamstring injury.

Detroit Lions

Week 1 vs. San Francisco

Lions entering season with one of league’s youngest rosters

A youth movement is going on in Detroit, as the average age of the roster is currently 24.6 years old, with only four players over the age of 30.

How Trinity Benson, KhaDarel Hodge could help Detroit Lions WR corps this fall

The Lions swung a trade for the little-known Denver receiver who was a training camp standout for the Broncos.

Brad Holmes: Easy to evaluate Jared Goff this fall, and 9 other Detroit Lions thoughts

Besides the topic of Goff, the article points out the Lions’ curious move to keep seven receivers on the active roster and the promising development of a third-year safety.