The NFC North will look different this year as Aaron Rodgers, the king of the division, has moved on to play elsewhere.
Rodgers’ 17-year reign over the NFC North comes to an end with his move to New York. As a result, the Lions enter the year as the division favorites and will attempt to win their first NFC North Championship since 1993.
The Vikings will look to repeat as champions after a strong 13-4 campaign in 2022. And Chicago will try to build around young talent and quarterback Justin Fields.
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Detroit Lions
- +130 to win NFC North
- Implied Wins: 9.5 (-120)
- Key Additions: CJ Gardner Johnson (S), Emmanuel Mosley (CB), David Montgomery (RB), Cameron Sutton (CB), Graham Glasgow (G)
- Key Departures: DJ Chark (WR), Jamaal Williams (RB), Mike Hughes (CB), Michael Brockers (DT), Jarrad Davis (LB)
For the first time in a long time, the Detroit Lions are the favorites to win the NFC North.
This Lions team became America's sweetheart a season ago, and on the final week of the season, they had a slim chance to sneak into the playoffs.
The Lions did not get the help that they needed to get in, but they did beat the Packers in the final game of the season, which eliminated Green Bay.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff hands the ball to running back Jahmyr Gibbs during minicamp at in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Detroit had one of the best offenses last year, led by former number-one overall pick Jared Goff. Goff will get the opportunity to work with some of the best weapons in football this season.
Pick: Detroit Lions to make playoffs - YES (-165)
While I will be rooting for the Lions to win the NFC North, this is the safest play.
The Lions have the most talented team in the North, and their offense can compete with anybody in football. Detroit overall has the 11th-easiest schedule entering the year. It is also worth noting that some of their more difficult games come at home, where they played much better in ‘22.
Minnesota Vikings
- +250 to win NFC North
- Implied Wins: 8.5 (-130)
- Key Additions: Dean Lowry (DE), Marcus Davenport (LB), Byron Murphy (CB), Josh Oliver (TE)
- Key Departures: Irv Smith (TE), Adam Thielen (WR), Eric Kendricks (LB), Patrick Peterson (CB), Dalvin Tomlinson (DT)
Minnesota will attempt to repeat last season after turning in a 13-4 record. The Viking's regular season did not translate to the playoffs, as they were knocked out early by Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.
This was a team that many believed was overrated and had a lot of luck go their way during the season. And after what we saw in the playoffs, the doubters had a valid point. But Kirk Cousins and the rest of the team will look to silence the critics this season and find their way back to the playoffs.
Pick: Minnesota Vikings to make playoffs - NO (-120)
This Vikings team had a negative point differential a season ago and won thirteen games.
I would be shocked if that luck carries over into this season. Minnesota lost one of their best-skill position players in the offseason, Dalvin Cook, and that is a significant blow for this offense.
The real issue is this Viking's defense. Minnesota had one of the worst defenses, and they are not slated to be much better this season. They ranked 30th in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 25.1. Only the Bears and the Cardinals allowed more.
Chicago Bears
- +425 to win NFC North
- Implied Wins: 7.5 (-130)
- Key Additions: DJ Moore (WR), Robert Tonyan (TE), Demarcus Walker (DE),
- Tremaine Edmunds (LB), TJ Edwards (LB), Andrew Billings (DT), D'Onta Foreman (RB), Nate Davis (G), PJ Walker (QB), Darnell Wright (OT)
- Key Departures: Riley Reiff (OT), Nicholas Morrow (LB), David Montgomery (RB)
Chicago enters the season looking to rebound from a tough campaign in 2022. The Bears finished with the worst record in the league. But they stacked up picks, moved down in the draft, and added assets for their future. The team felt good about their draft as they added offensive tackle Darnell Wright, who will be tasked with protecting quarterback Justin Fields.
Fields proved himself as the starting quarterback, and the team feels as if he is the future. So Chicago went out and added some weapons for him in the off-season, including DJ Moore.
Mar 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears players (from left) Chase Claypool, Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney and DJ Moore take selfies in the stands during the second half of the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Sacramento Kings at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Chicago Bears Over 7.5 wins
I love everything the Bears did in the off-season and feel they will be the second-best team in the NFC North this season. I expect Justin Fields’ game to evolve this season and become a franchise quarterback with a true number one to throw the ball to in DJ Moore, elevating his game and the entire offense.
The real question mark will be their defense. The Bears did add talent on the defensive side of the ball in the off-season, which will drastically help this team.
Green Bay Packers
- +475 to win NFC North
- Implied Wins: 7.5 (-110)
- Key Additions: Tarvarius Moore (S)
- Key Departures: Aaron Rodgers (QB), Allen Lazard (WR), Randal Cobb (WR), Jarran Reed (DE), Dean Lowry (DE), Robert Tonyan (TE)
For the first time in a long time, we will see a Green Bay Packers team that is not led by Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers had a heck of a run in a Green Bay uniform, but the two sides decided it was time to move on in the off-season. This will give an opportunity to former first-round pick Jordan Love to put his talent on display.
Pick Green Bay Packers Under 7.5 wins -120
The Packers are slated to be the worst team in the North this season.
Jordan Love has been in the league for a few years, but we will see him struggle early on and take some time to develop as a full-time starter.
The Packers have issues on their defensive line as they lost two starters from a season ago and did nothing to replace them in the off-season.
Green Bay lost two valuable offensive weapons in Allen Lazard and Randal Cobb. Overall, the Packers had a poor off-season and will have their worst season in a decade.
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