Doesn't it feel great to have football back in our lives? This truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Even better, the NFC North is looking pretty strong this year (maybe not so much with the Lions). And before the Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, the Vikings' star cornerback Xavier Rhodes wrote a piece on The Player's Tribune ranking the seven best players in the NFC North. Let's take a look at his list:

7. Golden Tate, WR, Detroit Lions

"He's so good after the catch...Tate's a little bowling ball, man. He goes downhill and guys bounce off him. It's crazy."

 

6. Everson Griffen, DE, Minnesota Vikings

"Griffin's motor never stops. Like, never...the rest of us feed off his energy."

 

5. Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears

"Oh my God...Jordan Howard is so hard to take down."

 

4. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota Vikings

"I gotta put myself on here, right? I've been playing some good football."

 

3. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings

"He's the heart and soul of our defense, and he's one of the best safeties in the game. And if I had to pick one, I'm taking Harry."

 

2. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

"Matt Stafford, the fourth-quarter kid. He's the total package, man. And he has a cannon for an arm."

 

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

"This guy has no weaknesses. He doesn't get frazzled. He's so accurate, always on the money. And the worst part? He knows it. His demeanor - his swagger - he's so confident in his game that it actually bothers you."

The whole thing is definitely worth a read. It's cool to read his thoughts on the competition along with his thoughts on why Stephon Diggs or Kirk Cousins didn't make the list.

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