A disappointing baseball season for fans along the I-94 corridor gives way to a brand new NFL season starting tonight.

Not since the early 1990s has the division featuring the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions been the talk of the NFL. Three of the four teams (sorry Detroit) are legitimate contenders not only for the NFC North title, but the NFC Championship as well.

Welcome back, black-and-blue division. Or should we say “Air North.”

Winning a title without a quality quarterback is the exception that proves the rule. The Packers (Aaron Rodgers), Bears (Jay Cutler) and Vikings (Brett Favre) all expect to have a better offense than a season ago because of improved quarterback play.

Here’s one man’s take on the upcoming NFL season:

NFC

In the North, I expect an improved defense to lead Green Bay (12-4) back to the top of the heap. Chicago (9-7) will earn a wild-card spot, while Minnesota (8-8) falls just short. Detroit (3-13) is Detroit.

In the East, I like Philadelphia (11-5) as the only team to make it to the playoffs. N.Y. Giants (8-8), Washington (8-8) and Dallas (7-9) all put up decent seasons, but fall short.

In the South, New Orleans (12-4) will find a way to get just enough stops. Atlanta (10-6) makes a return trip to the playoffs, while Carolina (6-10) and Tampa Bay (5-11) struggle.

In the West, Seattle (9-7) wins a horrid division. Arizona (8-8) comes back to earth, with San Francisco (6-10) and St. Louis (4-12) bringing up the rear.

AFC

In the East, Miami (11-5) repeats as champ with New England (10-6) getting back to the postseason. Buffalo (6-10) and the N.Y. Jets (5-11) will draft high again.

In the North, Pittsburgh (13-3) repeats. Baltimore (8-8), Cincinnati (7-9) and Cleveland (4-12) struggle.

In the South, Indianapolis (12-4) regains the division crown with Houston (10-6) making a wild-card run. Tennessee (9-7) falls off as does Jacksonville (5-11).

The West is abysmal, San Diego (13-3) benefits from bad Denver (7-9), Kansas City (6-10) and Oakland (4-12) squads.

Playoffs

*NFC: Chicago loses at Philadelphia, Atlanta wins at Seattle, Philadelphia loses at New Orleans and Atlanta loses at Green Bay. Championship: New Orleans wins at Green Bay.

*AFC: Houston wins at Miami, New England loses at Indianapolis, Houston wins at Pittsburgh, Indianapolis loses at San Diego. Championship: Houston loses at San Diego.

*Super Bowl XLIV: San Diego over New Orleans.

Fantasy flash

For those who play fantasy football, here’s a brief look at this week’s players to watch.

*Must start: New Orleans wide receivers. Marques Colston, Lance Moore and even Devery Henderson (in deeper leagues) should put up stellar numbers this week vs. Detroit.

*Bust: Matt Forte. I have a feeling Cutler is going to have to throw the ball a lot Sunday night vs. the Packers, limiting the Bears running back’s touches.

*Sleeper: Fred Jackson. The Buffalo running back, starting for the suspended Marshawn Lynch, takes on a revamped New England defense.

Book it

Coach Jeff Fisher’s Tennessee Titans knocked off the Green Bay Packers in last week’s preseason finale to keep my record above .500 at 22-20. This week, give me three road teams in one opening NFL week parlay prediction. Book the Eagles (at Panthers), Niners (at Cardinals) and Redskins (at Giants).

Mike Larsen can be reached at mlarsen@kenoshanews.com