The Green Bay Packers face an uphill battle this season with new expectations and circumstances. They no longer have QB Aaron Rodgers, who is known for torturing the NFC North for a long time. This season has a different feel to it, as each team in the division definitely looks different from past years. According to FanDuel sports book, the Detroit Lions have the best odds to win the division at +145 odds. All odds for each team are relatively close, meaning this season can be anyone’s division.
The Minnesota Vikings won the division with ease last season but lost some key players in the offseason lowering their chances. The Detroit Lions are a team that continues to improve and look to seriously compete next season. The Chicago Bears have one of the more improved rosters from the offseason and could be a team to watch for. Where does this leave the Green Bay Packers? They definitely have a new-look offense that’s extremely young but talented. It’s definitely a high-ceiling but low-floor look for this year’s squad.
Can Packers Realistically Win Division?
Packers WR Christian Watson (9) – Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
This question is something that a lot of fans may be wondering heading into next season. While everyone has their own opinion, the Packers definitely have a real shot of winning the NFC North. The reason why they have a shot goes beyond the fact that every team in the division is more “balanced” this season. The reason is due to their new-look offense and young talent who could easily surprise everyone. Teammates have talked up Jordan Love all offseason and how much of a leader he’s been. That can go a long way to determining the team’s fate.
They have rising second-year WRs Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to go along with 2nd round-pick WR Jayden Reed. They have one of the best running back duos in the league in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, and a solid offensive line as they usually do. They also have second and third-round picks Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft at tight end. This offense fully screams potential, and if the Green Bay Packers can maximize their potential, it’ll be very scary.
The Green Bay Packers finished third in the division last season after a slow start to the season. That can change next season if Matt LaFleur can help the young players gain some confidence and preseason and build off of it.
Where Does the Rest of the NFC North Stack Up?
Packers RB Aaron Jones (33) – Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The rest of the NFC North stacks up well against the Green Bay Packers, some even better. The Packers vs. Bears rivalry enters a new era as it looks to be Love vs. Fields. The Justin Fields hype train continued this offseason, especially after helping him find a WR1 in DJ Moore. They also signed former Packer Robert Tonyan, along with a few more key pieces on both sides of the ball, which could make for some interesting battles between the longtime rivals.
The biggest threat this season to the NFC North crown appears to be the Detroit Lions. They finished second in the division last season while knocking out the Green Bay Packers from playoff contention. They went 2-0 against Green Bay last season, as their young and talented squad looked very good. If Dan Campbell can keep this team going, other teams should be on the lookout.
The reigning NFC North champs could be labeled as a question mark this upcoming season. The Minnesota Vikings are headlined by WR Justin Jefferson and had a little rivalry last season with Jaire Alexander, which should be fun to watch next season. The problem is the key departures such as Eric Kendricks, Patrick Peterson, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Cam Dantzler, and Calvin Tomlinson. Those were all key starters, some question if the Vikings can repeat this season.
Packers Divisional Games Projection
Packers RB AJ Dillon (28) – Quinn Harris/Getty Images
Record Prediction vs. NFC North: 3-3
Kind of a boring projection, but I have the Packers going .500 against the NFC North this season. I have them going 1-1 against each team respectively. Although I believe they could go 2-0 against the Bears, their rising team could shock some people, including the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers and Vikings always seem to split their matchups, and that’s exactly what I predict will happen next season as well. I also fully believe in Green Bay taking a game against Detroit next season after going 0-2 last season and getting sent home by them as well. It should be a fun and interesting season in the North and will be a division to keep an eye on.
