The NFC North produced three playoff teams last season, and this year, they are shaping up to be one of the toughest divisions in football this year. The Lions are looking to stay on top, but the Packers, Vikings, and Bears all made big moves in the offseason. The Lions are a +150 favorite to win their third straight division title. The Bears have the longest odds at +450, making the NFC North the only division in the NFL in which all four teams have odds shorter than +500 to win the division. With new quarterbacks, fresh talent, and plenty of rivalry, every game will count. Let’s take a quick look at what each team brings to the table.
Detroit Lions:
Division Odds +150
The Lions are entering the season coming off three consecutive winning campaigns. Adding to this, most of the course guys from those seasons remain on the roster, and Head Coach Dan Campbell has transformed them into a well-oiled machine. Detroit remains the rightful favorite going into the regular season, but as the odds stand right now, there is no betting value to them.
Green Bay Packers:
Division Odds +260
Compared to other teams, the Packers did little to improve their roster this offseason. While Jordan Love helped Green Bay reach the postseason last year, and Head Coach Matt LaFleur has been able to make the rest of the team very competitive, this might be the most challenging divisional race they’ve faced in years. In a weaker division like the NFC South, Green Bay would
dominate. But given the competition in the NFC North, I’m not convinced they’ll deliver.
Minnesota Vikings:
Division Odds +300
J.J. McCarthy is finally hitting the field this year after a season-ending meniscus injury he received during the preseason last year. To prepare for their rookie quarterback, the Vikings have padded their defence and added the best wide receiver duos in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, after his three-game suspension, for McCarthy to create some magic this season. Given the current odds, Minnesota stands out as a compelling upside play in a tightly packed race.
Chicago Bears:
Division Odds +450
Under the control of new Head Coach Ben Johnson, and with significant upgrades during the offseason, the Bears are expected to make a drastic improvement from last season. Chicago had more talent last season than you’d expect from a team with just five wins. With Johnson now at the helm, a turnaround from this core feels more like an expectation than a surprise.
