NFC North Preview


 We’ve made it to August, which means the NFL Season is just around the corner! Over the course of the month, I’ll be previewing each of the division races, looking at the teams in order of finish from 2025. Below, we continue with the NFC North. Let’s dive in!

Chicago Bears (11-6)
About: The Bears rose above the fray in a division where all four teams were above .500. The first year under Ben Johnson was a success but the Bears have hopes of going further in 2026. The team clarified its offense by moving on from D.J. Moore, which means it's all about Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and tight end Colston Loveland. Caleb Williams was brilliant at times, but needs to work on his accuracy. Still, the Bears will be fun to watch and fun to roster in fantasy.
Prediction: The Bears will compete for an NFC North Title and return to the playoffs.

Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
About: The Packers entered last year as a Super Bowl favorite and it never quite turned out that way. The team struggled with injuries and with consistency. This off-season Romeo Doubs and Dontavyion Wicks left the receiver group, putting more pressure on oft-injured players Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. It also calls for Matthew Golden to step up. Tucker Kraft will be back, but he's recovering from injury. And Brandon Jacobs is dealing with off-field distractions. But it's not just offense, as Micah Parsons doesn't figure to be ready to start the season. All-in-all, I'm weary of the Packers and their chances in 2026.
Prediction: The Packers could well end up fourth in this division.

Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
About: The Vikings turned things over to J.J. McCarthy last season and it didn't look great. After winning 14 games in 2024, the team slipped to nine wins last year and missed the playoffs. Now veteran Kyler Murray joins the mix in the quarterback room. Kevin O'Connell hopes either Murray or McCarthy takes a leap forward in 2026 so the team can get back on track. The weapons are there but quarterback is a question.
Prediction: The Vikings are in the mix for the playoffs all season.

Detroit Lions (9-8)
About: The Lions had the best record in the NFC in 2024. Last year, injuries and close losses knocked them back to nine wins. They finished above .500, but in last place in the division. I like the Lions' roster, even with David Montgomery gone and Isiah Pacheco in. I think the Lions could be one of the teams that goes from worst to first. They were better than their finish a year ago and should be in it with the Bears.
Prediction: I think the Lions win the NFC North and return to the playoffs.

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