One year after becoming the NFL’s toughest division, the NFC North has fallen flat — and next season’s power balance may flip in a way nobody expects.
The NFC North has officially been eliminated from playoff contention after the Chicago Bears fell to the Los Angeles Rams, 20-17, in overtime. It’s a stunning turn for a division that looked like the NFL’s gold standard just a season ago.
Last year, all four NFC North teams finished with winning records — the only division in the league to accomplish that feat. The North also finished with the second-most total wins of any division, cementing its reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest. Even more impressive, each team has reached the playoffs at least once over the past two seasons.
Now, with the season over, it’s time for a way-too-early look ahead. Here are my NFC North predictions for next season, ranked from worst to first.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Vikings fans are enduring a rough watch as Sam Darnold leads his new team to the NFC Championship Game, all while Minnesota committed to giving second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy his shot. McCarthy appeared in 10 games, finishing 6-4 while completing 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 passing touchdowns, four rushing scores, and 12 interceptions.
Overall, McCarthy’s season was a disappointment. He threw two or more interceptions in four different games and completed just 57.6% of his passes, showing he still has a long way to go. While he remains young and cost-controlled on a rookie contract, murmurs have already surfaced about Minnesota potentially exploring other quarterback options.
That puts general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in a difficult spot. With stars like Justin Jefferson firmly in their prime, the roster appears ready to win now. After starting 4-8, the Vikings did finish strong with five straight wins and posted a respectable 4-2 divisional record, but consistency remains an issue. Until McCarthy proves he can take the next step, Minnesota lands at the bottom of my rankings.
3. Green Bay Packers
The Packers narrowly made the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record, only to blow a 21-3 halftime lead against the Bears in the wild-card round. Despite the postseason appearance, the season felt underwhelming for a franchise accustomed to much more.
Green Bay started hot after trading for Micah Parsons before Week 1, looking like one of the league’s most dangerous teams. That momentum vanished quickly. Tight end Tucker Kraft, the team’s top pass catcher, tore his ACL after eight games, ending his season. Parsons followed with the same injury in Week 15, leaving the Packers without their best offensive and defensive weapons heading into the playoffs.
After starting 9-3-1, Green Bay lost five straight games to close the year. Head coach Matt LaFleur appeared to be on the hot seat but instead received a contract extension. Still, the numbers paint a concerning picture: no wide receiver gained 750 yards, no running back reached 1,000 rushing yards, and quarterback Jordan Love failed to eclipse 3,400 passing yards.
For one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, this version of the Packers felt unusually unthreatening — and that’s why they sit third.
2. Chicago Bears
After winning the NFC North and a playoff game, the Bears finally look like a legitimate contender again. First-year head coach Ben Johnson led Chicago to an 11-6 record, a playoff victory, and the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland emerged late, totaling 378 yards and two touchdowns over his final four games. Quarterback Caleb Williams nearly became the first Bears passer to reach 4,000 yards, finishing just short at 3,942.
Despite winning the division, Chicago went only 2-4 against NFC North opponents. The Bears also benefited from a last-place schedule, facing just nine teams with winning records and going 4-5 in those games. Chicago currently ranks 21st in available cap space.
The Bears went 0-2 against Detroit and will rely heavily on young receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden next season, with D.J. Moore potentially becoming the odd man out. Loveland led the team in receiving yards, signaling a shift in offensive identity. Chicago is close — but not quite there yet.
1. Detroit Lions
Yes, the Lions finished last in the division, went 2-4 in NFC North play, and hired a new offensive coordinator. And yes, I still believe Detroit is the team to beat.
The Lions faced the NFL’s toughest schedule and still managed a 9-8 record, marking their fourth straight winning season. Injuries played a major role, with Brian Branch tearing his Achilles in Week 15 and lingering uncertainty surrounding Kerby Joseph.
Detroit has work to do up front, with only three clear offensive line starters moving forward: Tate Ratledge, Penei Sewell, and Christian Mahogany. The hiring of Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator brings a fresh direction, and the Lions will benefit from a significantly easier schedule after finishing last.
That combination is why I’m bullish. With better health and a softer slate, I see Detroit rebounding in a big way. My prediction: a 13-4 record and an NFC North title.