The best division in football last year appears primed for another competitive season. Will we have a new champ?
Let’s think back, maybe 7 months. The Chicago Bears had just beaten the London Jags, and the NFC North was dominant.
Through the first 6 weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Vikings, Lions, Bears, and Packers had a combined record of 17-5, a remarkable start that propelled the division to the best cumulative win-percentage by a division since the merger.
And then the Bears went to D.C., and we all know what happened next.
Still, despite the underwhelming record by the Bears, there is endless optimism regarding their outlook. Survey the division and you’ll find much of the same – it’s hard to make the case that any one team is decidedly bad.
With the bulk of the offseason in the rearview mirror, it feels like an appropriate time to take stock.
Which team do you think will win the NFC North?
Before I answer, I would like to highlight a few reasons why each team could be set up to win the division crown.
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Minnesota Vikings – Look, the Vikings surprised everyone last year. Seemingly in a transition season, Sam Darnold took over for Kirk Cousins, and the team didn’t miss a step. Which begs the question if Kevin O’Connell is the best QB coach in the league. I don’t need to remind Bears fans of who may agree with that sentiment…
Regardless, KOC and Justin Jefferson are an incredible duo to have in your corner as a quarterback. Sprinkle in Jordan Addison (a little later this year) and TJ Hockensen, and 2nd year pro JJ McCarthy may be able to reach his potential. Add in a feisty Brian Flores defense that has been bolstered along the trenches, and there is no reason to think the Vikings can’t sit atop the throne in 2025.
Green Bay Packers – I try to be an objective fan. I really do. However, a sharp pain in my gut emerges anytime I try to compliment the Packers.
I’ll do my best, so you lurking Acme Packing Co. readers don’t get so whiney in the comments. The Packers could be very good again this year, as they have been for the bulk of my adult life. Much like the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers have a handful of steadfast vets that will provide a floor for their team. As long as Josh Jacobs is still in their offensive backfield, Xavier McKinney is in their defensive backfield, an ever consistent OL, and Matt LaFleur is on the sidelines, it’s hard to imagine this team being any worse than team average.
While those vets may provide a steady hand, it’s the youth movement that could catapult the Packers to the top once again. Deemed the youngest team in the league last year, there is young talent up and down the roster. All it takes is one of Jayden Reed, Lukas van Ness, Edgerrin Cooper, Jordan Morgan, or Javon Bullard to take a legitimate step for the Packers to go from middle of the pack to top of the heap.
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Chicago Bears – This is a Bears blog, so please flip through the incredible coverage our team has done to get a more in-depth outlook of the Bears 2025 season. But in short, the Bears could be a very good football team in 2025. Replacing their biggest weakness in Matt Eberflus with a widely respected rookie coach in Ben Johnson should be enough on its own to take the Bears from bad to league average.
All the while, Ryan Poles has assembled a team that has more depth and talent than Chicago has seen in years. Led by 2nd year Quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears have a variety of talented pass catchers and much improved OL from a season ago.
Their already strong defense has also seen improvements along the margins. Additions like Grady Jarrett, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Shamar Turner will give their DL more juice. Similar to the Packers, there is a youth movement happening in Chicago. Players like Rome Odunze, Gervon Dexter, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson could make real strides. While the history of worst-to-first turnarounds is typically done in bad divisions, the Bears are unique enough to do it in the best division in football.
Detroit Lions – The 2x NFC North reigning champs – the Lions are poised to be the favorites once again. While they have not made the same type of offseason splash that the Bears and Vikings did, their roster looks essentially the same as the last two years. Jared Goff, Gibbs, Montgomery, St. Brown, Laporta, and Sewell is a heck of an offensive core to boast.
On defense, Hutchinson, McNeil, Joseph, and Branch lead a young and ascending unit.
Meanwhile, Dan Campbell will look to stabilize the team with his coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn leaving for head coaching positions. As evidenced in the playoffs, the Lions biggest obstacle is themselves. If they can stay focused, they should remain on top of the division.
My Pick – For my money, I’m still thinking the Lions pull out as the winner this season. They’re as talented as any team in the NFL. Dan Campbell will figure out how to rally the troops after a disappointing loss in the postseason, and after two successful seasons, the Lions are battle-tested. With all of that said, I believe the Bears will shock everyone and come in 2nd behind Ben Johnson’s tutelage. Caleb Williams is too good, and the Bears have every piece to make a legitimate run at the playoffs.
Regardless, the NFC North should remain the cream of the crop in the NFL this season. Buckle up, and Bear Down.
Now it’s your turn – which team do you think wins the NFC North in 2025? Sound off in the comments!