With rosters all but set and preseason but a short few weeks ahead of us, it is time to dive into the heart of the NFL and predict some records! Today we are looking at a division potentially set up for a power shift in the NFC North and seeing who will wear the division crown at the end of the year.
Detroit Lions: 11-6
The turnaround in Detroit is real, and the Lions are set up to stay with an elite coaching staff, an excellent offensive and defensive line, plus a gaggle of playmakers for Jared Goff to get the ball to. The defensive front may be the highlight of the team, and could carry the Lions to multiple wins on their own. The Motor City might finally get that playoff win it’s been so desperately searching for since… well, 1991. Yikes.
Minnesota Vikings: 9-8
In a bit of a surprise, the Vikings have all the makings of a team that takes a step back this year. While the Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson connection remains one of the best in the league, the Minnesota defense is a large liability. With departure of franchise staple Dalvin Cook, it becomes a ponderance on if the Vikings can have sustained success airing it out every single game next season.
Chicago Bears: 7-10
The maturation of this Bears roster continues to come to fruition. With more pieces surrounding one of the most exciting players in the league in Justin Fields, his NFL takeover seems almost inevitable. While Fields has some work to do as a passer, and the defense is still in a bit of a rebuild, this roster could surprise early. The connection with newly acquired receiver DJ Moore is going to be key in this offensive progression.
Green Bay Packers: 5-12
The end of the Aaron Rodgers era brings an absolute unknown into the NFC North with quarterback Jordan Love. While the Green Bay roster is stocked with plenty of talent, especially on defense, it will ultimately be up to Love performs in his first season as a starter. If Love can remain stable, and the Packers manage to create a power run game alongside their underrated defense, they could be a surprise playoff team. There is however an equal possibility that Love sinks the ship and Green Bay is left looking for another quarterback in 2024.
