NFL Divisional Previews: NFC North

 


We're rapidly approaching the 2023 NFL Season, which means it's time for some previews. I'm going to be looking at each division, one-by-one, starting with the reigning champions in the NFC North. Let's dive in.

Minnesota Vikings:
2022 Record: 13-4, Lost in the Divisional Round
2023 Outlook: The Vikings had a strong 2022 if you consider just their record. They won 13 games and finished atop their division. The problem was the team couldn't compete with good teams. They finished 13-4 and lost easily in the Wild Card Round to a nine-win Giants team, as was largely predicted. Now, the team has moved on from Dalvin Cook and the question is whether this team can improve or will be challenged again. The defense was a problem in 2022, has it improved? That's another of the big questions that must be considered.
2023 Prediction: I think the Vikings will be a winning team, likely in playoff contention. But I don't see them as a title contender.

Detroit Lions:
2022 Record: 9-8
2023 Outlook: The Lions were the hottest team down the stretch last year. They beat the Packers in Green Bay in the final game to finish over .500. The team seems poised to take another step forward this season. I like the young roster the Lions have built and the team's potential in the NFC. This is a big season for Dan Campbell and this group to see if they can finish the turnaround.
2023 Prediction: I think the Lions are the best team in the NFC North and can win the division.

Green Bay Packers:
2022 Record: 8-9
2023 Outlook: The Packers struggled in 2022, finishing the season below .500 and out of the playoffs. It also marked the end for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. A number of other veterans followed leaving the Packers with young skill position players as they turn to Jordan Love. The backs, Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, are still there, which helps. The team also still has a strong defense. All that should be good enough to keep them in games, but can Love thrive as a first-time starter with a group of receivers that is made entirely of first and second-year players? That's the big question.
2023 Prediction: I think there will be growing pains for the Packers and another season out of the playoffs.

Chicago Bears:
2022 Record: 3-14
2023 Outlook: The Bears are a young team that struggled in 2022. The team may have found its long-term answer at quarterback in Justin Fields, but they still finished with the No. 1 overall pick. The Bears traded back and worked to acquire assets, including receiver D.J. Moore. All that is a promising sign. Can they keep it up? That's the larger question. I think this is a team ascending, but they aren't there yet.
2023 Prediction: The Bears make strides but fall short of the playoffs.

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