Projecting NFC North Standings
Lions: 12-5
Following the shocking 45–31 divisional loss to the Jayden Daniels–led Commanders, the Lions are ready to bounce back and finally make a Super Bowl push. With the departure of coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, Detroit faces the challenge of maintaining its momentum while trying to conquer the NFC with a possibly closing window.
The roster still looks primed for another successful season, but the schedule tells a different story. Owning the second-hardest strength of schedule and facing 11 playoff teams from last year, the Lions will need to bring their best every single week. Still, with Dan Campbell’s leadership and a talented core, I believe this team has what it takes to overcome the grind and remain one of the NFC’s true contenders.
Vikings: 9-8
With the loss of Sam Darnold to the Seahawks, quarterback play in Minnesota remains highly uncertain. JJ McCarthy has shown flashes in preseason, but he hasn’t played a meaningful game in over two years. The hype around him is strong, yet nothing so far suggests the Vikings are ready to replicate their 14–3 season from a year ago.
McCarthy will have an easier transition than most rookie quarterbacks, playing behind the league’s 7th-ranked offensive line (per PFF) and throwing to elite weapons in Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison (once he returns in Week 4). Even so, with the 6th hardest schedule, the floor and ceiling for this roster both land somewhere in the middle. With that in mind, I’m giving them the most middle-of-the-road record possible.
Packers: 9-8
The Packers always seem to hover just above average, and as much as I’d like to root for the cheeseheads, I’m not sold on the makeup of this team, starting with Jordan Love. Touted as the next in line to Green Bay’s 21st-century quarterback dynasty, he hasn’t lived up to the hype. He’s now paid like a top-five quarterback, but his stats and record each year tell a different story.
The roster also feels shaky in key spots. They lost Jaire Alexander for no value, the offensive line is middle of the pack, and a tough strength of schedule looms. Beyond the great atmosphere at Lambeau, their lack of true wide receiver talent and inability to consistently win big games keep me from projecting much higher. I’m putting them at 9 wins, solid, but nothing special.
Bears: 8-10
Oh, Da Bears. I know everyone says not to overreact to training camp, but it’s hard to watch Caleb Williams so far and believe a massive leap is coming. His quick, mobile, in-the-pocket style can win you a Heisman, but I’ve always felt it doesn’t translate well to the NFL, where defenders are bigger, faster, and stronger.
There are bright spots, though. I’m a believer in Ben Johnson; the offensive line has improved, and the wide receiver room is progressing nicely. Still, with the third-hardest strength of schedule and a roster that continues to lack confidence and identity, it’s tough to project Chicago finishing with a winning record this season.
