Photo Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

The Lions will play the first of their two annual games with the Chicago Bears in week seven. The first meeting will be at Soldier Field while the Bears make their return trip for a season finale that could have major playoff implications.

Our Detroit Lions schedule preview continues with a Q&A with Mike Burzawa, editor of Bear Goggles On. My thanks to Mike for taking the time to answer my questions.

1. What is your initial reaction to the Bears’ 2012 draft class?

Mike Burzawa: I have to admit, the Shea McClellin selection had me scratching my head in the first round. While McClellin fits a position of need, he was projected to be more of a 3-4 outside rusher than a 4-3 DE that the Bears need opposite Julius Peppers. By all accounts, McClellin has a good motor and will wreak havoc in pass rushing situations.

I love the Alshon Jeffery selection especially since they took a lot of pressure off him by adding Brandon Marshall this offseason. If Jeffery had been s their main wide receiver addition, it might have been too much for him to handle. As a complimentary piece, he’ll be able to work his way into the Bears offense and should be a valuable asset in the red zone.

The other draft picks are fine, with safety Brandon Hardin being the most likely to contribute right away to bolster the secondary. I was surprised the Bears did not address their offensive line through the draft, so if that group struggles, there will be a lot of second-guessing of the Bears front office.

2. The NFC North is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s toughest division (no thanks to the Vikings), what do the Bears need to do to compete?

MB: On paper, this is about as good a Bears team as I can remember, but all it takes is a fluke injury to derail a promising season. Most importantly, the Bears need to stay healthy. They addressed some depth concerns at key positions by signing Jason Campbell to back up Jay Cutler and added Michael Bush as insurance for Matt Forte and however his situation pans out.

Besides health, the offensive line needs to come together and give Mike Tice’s new offense a chance to jell. With the new weapons they’ve added for Jay Cutler, this Bears offense could make some noise this season.

Green Bay Packers – 12 Wins
The Packers have the highest win total along with the Patriots in the league at 12.  Although they won 15 games last year, it is going to be very tough for them to repeat their regular season last year.  Looking at their schedule, the Packers should be favored in all of their games next year.  They have the two trips to Detroit and Chicago, an away game against the Giants, and open up the season hosting the 49ers.  Their defense was boosted through the draft, but I’m still not sold that a bunch of rookies will make as big of a difference as some are expecting.  In the end, I think 12 wins sounds right.  PUSH

Detroit Lions – 9.5 Wins

Jan 7, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) warms-up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints prior to the start of the 2011 NFC Wild Card Playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Finishing with 10 wins last year, I think the win total for the Detroit Lions is set at the right number.  We know of all the troubles certain Lions players have been getting themselves into this offseason and it will be interesting to see how much of an effect that will have on the team.  The best combination in all of football, Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, will enter the 2012 season after setting records in their first full season together.  There aren’t any glaring weak spots besides the secondary and in a division that can throw the ball, it will be so important that the unit improves.  Tough games this year include home games against the Bears, Packers, Texans, and Falcons with road games against the 9ers, Eagles, Bears, and Packers.  Right now, I see 10 wins for this club.  OVER

Chicago Bears – 8.5 Wins
Many are predicting the Chicago Bears to be a breakout team in 2012 especially after reuniting Jay Cutler with Brandon Marshall.  I assume the majority of people are going to take the Bears winning atleast 9 games without thinking much.  After all, they did win 8 games even without Jay Cutler down the stretch.  However, I’m not buying the Bears quite yet for two main reasons.  The defense is really starting to get old and the offensive line is still really bad.  They have the combined four games against the Lions and Packers, a pair of other tough games (Cowboys and 49ers), and home games against the Panthers and Texans.  Sorry Bears fans, but I just can’t see the team being that much better.  A total of 8 wins sounds right. UNDER

Minnesota Vikings – 6 Wins
This is a total that if I were a betting man, I would play in a heartbeat.  The Vikings won only three games last year and who knows how well their star, Adrian Peterson, is going to perform this year.  On their schedule, I see 8 almost automatic losses, leaving them needing to win 6 of the other 8 games.  If they win those 6 games, I will be absolutely shocked.  UNDER