Can the Lions Repeat in the Ultra Competitive NFC North?

The NFC North could be the best contested division in football as all four teams could have a

shot at finishing on top. The Lions pulled away to win their first time in thirty years. But the gap

between Detroit and the rest of the division has closed, including the Bears who made some

changes and added a potential franchise quarterback.

Detroit Lions +130

The football culture in Detroit has changed under Dan Campbel’s regime and the Lions believe

the Super Bowl is not out of the question next season. The expectations will be high after

resigning quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver, Amon Ra St. Brown, and offensive lineman,

Penei Sewell, to big money deals. And rookie-deals with Jameson Williams and tight end Sam

LaPorta make this offense very dangerous. Cornerback Cameron Sutton and safety C.J.

Gardner-Johnson are gone, defensive lineman D.J. Reader, cornerback Amik Robertson, and

edge rusher Marcus Davenport will fit in nicely. And you have to like plus odds for a reigning

division champ.

Green Bay Packers +200

The Packers look to continue its second-half momentum which saw them win six of the last

eight and then a big playoff upset over Dallas. In his first full season, Jordan Love looked like a

franchise quarterback Green Bay thought he’d become when he was taken in the first round.

He threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and quickly formed chemistry with his receiving core,

including his favorite weapons, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Josh Jacobs was signed

and long time fan favorite Aaron Jones has moved on. There are question marks on the

offensive line but the defense was upgraded with safety Xavier McKinney signing as a free

agent. The Packers should push the Lions and regaining the division is a real possibility.

Chicago Bears +300

Big changes in the windy city saw the Bears take Caleb Williams first overall and then grab

receiver Rome Odunze at number nine. Williams is expected to make a major impact and the

Bears added a veteran for their rookie bringing in former Los Angeles Charger, Keenan Allen.

The defense saw upgrades with safety Kevin Byard signing after being released by the Eagles.

There’s no question Chicago should be better next season, but it appears they are a year or two

away from challenging for the division title, even though +325 is attractive.

Minnesota Vikings +1100

It’s transition time in Minnesota as the Vikings move from quarterback Kirk Cousins and a

disappointing record of 7-10 last season. Sam Darnold takes over as the starter, although the

plan is to have J.J. McCarthy take over at some point after being drafted 10th overall in the first

round. RB Alexander Mattison and WR K.J. Osborn are gone but Justin Jefferson and Jordan

Addison are the Vikings biggest weapons in the passing game. The success of this team will be

if Darnold can consistently get the ball to his two playmakers. It’ll take some time in Minnesota,

so backing them as division champs is probably not the play.

NFC North Division Odds

Detroit Lions +130

Green Bay Packers +200

Chicago Bears +300
Minnesota Vikings +1100