The NFC North is set up for another year of being one of the NFL’s premier divisions. The Lions went from the top of the north to last place, the Vikings put their chips in the JJ McCarthy basket.
Meanwhile, the Packers and Bears rivalry is as competitive as ever. The teams met three times in the final weeks of the season, with the Bears taking the notable win in the playoffs.
The Packers must focus on winning the NFC North this year. Getting back at the top of the division needs to be one of the main priorities.
As always, there are plenty of changes each season. From departures to new faces, here is where each team stands heading into week one.
Detroit Lions: Igniting the Fire
2025 Record: 9-8
Key Departures: Taylor Decker, Alex Anzalone, Kalif Raymond
Key Additions/Players Staying: Isiah Pacheco, Cade Mays, Juice Scruggs, Jack Campbell
Notable Draft Picks: Blake Miller, Derrick Moore
Coming off the heels of one of the best seasons in franchise history, the Lions had a shaky year. Losing both of their premier coordinators to head coaching jobs, the team struggled to find an identity.
To add insult to injury, one of the first moves of the off season was Taylor Decker requesting his release. Decker had been the glue of the Lions offensive line.
The Lions focus continues to be on bolstering their offensive line. Detroit has been known for their aggressive offensive line which has allowed Jared Goff to thrive.
In some divisions, 9-8 wins you the division and lands you in the playoffs. However, in the NFC North, 9-8 loses the division and misses the playoffs.
The Lions had a 15-2 season in 2024. The goal for the team will be to get back to the playoffs and reignite their fire that sets them apart.
Minnesota Vikings: All Eyes on Kyler Murray
2025 Record: 9-8
Key Departures: Jonathan Greenard, Javon Hargrave
Key Additions/Players Staying: Kyler Murray, Aaron Jones, Eric Wilson, Jauan Jennings
Notable Draft Picks: Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange
The JJ McCarthy experiment in Minnesota became a disaster quickly. McCarthy’s most memorable highlight came in week one with a victory against the Bears.
However, that moment was fleeting. From that point on, the Vikings couldn’t keep McCarthy on the field. This season he barely scratched the initial 53 man roster. I would not expect him to be on the roster by the end of the year.
Kevin O’Connell has gotten a ton of credit for being an offensive guru, but the defense has carried this team for several seasons. This is not to say O’Connell isn’t a good coach, but the offensive side of the ball has gotten a lot of hype for underwhelming finishes.
Brian Flores will continue to produce a top defensive unit. The addition of Kyler Murray is exciting. He has a ton of potential to thrive, pair him with Justin Jefferson and the Vikings could be right back to competing for the division.
Green Bay Packers: The Jordan Love Show
2025 Record: 9-7-1
Key Departures: DC Jeff Hafley, Malik Willis, Rashan Gary, Elgton Jenkins, Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker
Key Additions/Players Staying: DC Jonathan Gannon, Josh Jacobs (EXEMPT LIST), Skyy Moore, Devonte Wyatt, Sean Rhyan, Zaire Franklin
Notable Draft Picks: Brandon Cisse, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Jager Burton, Trey Smack
For a quarterback that continuously ranks among the top five of every list, Jordan Love keeps a very quiet demeanor. He seems to never get the recognition he deserves.
However, this season can change that. Mostly due to unfortunate circumstances, but Love is ready for the challenge of carrying the team. He will have to step up with an uncertain running back room, and Micah Parsons missing the first half of the season.
The Packers must focus on getting back atop the NFC North. Matt LaFleur is not on the hot seat yet, but how he handles the team in the first weeks will determine this rather quickly.
Jonathan Gannon brings experience and a fresh perspective to the defense. Jeff Hafley got a lot of attention for his energy, but it seems the players are taking to Gannon’s energy even more.
The Packers are no longer the youngest team in the league. In fact, Brian Gutekunst added some veterans in free agency to help. Most notably, Zaire Franklin and Javon Hargrave.
It is so important to start the year on a strong note. This team must set the tone and show that they can win without Parsons, and that Jordan Love is exactly the leader they need to move forward.
Chicago Bears: Looking to Stay at the Top of the North
2025 Record: 11-6
Key Departures: DJ Moore, Jaquan Brisker, Gervon Dexter SR, Kevin Byard
Key Additions/Players Staying: Garrett Bradbury, Devin Bush, Coby Bryant
Notable Draft Picks: Dillon Thieneman, Logan Jones, Malik Muhammad
The first year under Ben Johnson was a massive success. Johnson lead the Bears back to a division title. Of course, this came with many questions.
The Bears won a lot of close games, it is fair to wonder if it is sustainable long term. However, they ended up winning and that is all this team needed to gain confidence.
Caleb Williams was much better in year two. If he continues to improve, it will be a problem for the rest of the division. Cleaning up some mechanics will be a focus, and once he puts it all together they will be set.
The defensive outlook is a lot more murky. The offensive side will have to carry the burden to remain competitive in the close games.
The city of Chicago has immense excitement and belief that this team will continue to spark under Ben Johnson. Seeing hope come into fruition to become the best in the North will certainly keep everyone locked in.
Overall, the outlook of the North remains stronger than ever. The past two seasons have kept us on the edge of our seats.
There is a strong chance the division will have three different winners in the past three seasons. It is any teams division to take, but the Packers have the most pressure to make it top priority.
