Chicago Bears: Five NFC North stars to watch out for

Or, to rephrase, what four players other than Aaron Rodgers could give the Chicago Bears the most trouble in the NFC North this year?

Another year, another opportunity for the Chicago Bears to compete for an NFC North title. Unfortunately, if this season goes as many predict, their six-year title-less drought will extend to seven.

To be fair, the Bears have indeed improved their roster substantially in just one year after going 3-13. While their quarterback situation looks muddy, they bolstered their defense and added playmakers on both sides of the ball this past offseason.

The Bears’ defense, for one, could perform much better this season, which will help them stay competitive. Hopefully, fewer long touchdowns will happen with Quintin Demps and, potentially, Eddie Jackson roaming the deep parts of the field. Prince Amukamara at least gives the Bears one solid corner, though they’ll need to find another to play alongside him. And the Bears’ front seven, which has played well thus far in the preseason, could be their greatest strength.

Then, offensively, Tarik Cohen could give the Bears a special playmaker that can be used in many ways, counteracting some of the monotony that could ensue from steady doses of Jordan Howard and Mike Glennon not being able to throw more than five yards downfield.

But those improvements still likely won’t help them capture the NFC North this season, with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions especially standing in their way.

Here are five players within the division, largely from those teams, that the Bears will need to watch out for this season.