The balance of power in the NFC North has shifted more often than most other divisions in the past decade, with all four teams finishing on top at least twice in the last nine seasons.
The Chicago Bears claimed only their second crown since 2010 last year, but both they and the Green Bay Packers backed into the playoffs on losing streaks while the Minnesota Vikings missed out despite a late surge.
Vikings fans felt they were just a quarterback away from a championship-calibre team in 2025, so a lot will rest on the shoulders of offseason recruit Kyler Murray if they are to kick on.
Much will be expected of Chicago passer Caleb Williams too while both the Bears and the Detroit Lions will hope to avoid the injury curse that haunted them last year.
The Packers believe their Super Bowl window is open too as they have their franchise quarterback and defensive stud at the peak of their powers.
NFC North Division Winner betting picks and predictions
Green Bay Packers to win the NFC North (+230)
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur enters the 2026 season on the hot seat after failing to build on the early successes of his tenure.
Over the course of the past three years, he has overseen Jordan Love’s emergence from Aaron Rodgers’ long shadow.
Love’s raw numbers have flatlined, but the advanced metrics tell a different story - one of a mature decision-maker who has mastered the Packers’ offensive system and the art of quarterbacking.
He cut his interception numbers in half last season and his greater impact as a rusher comes from making better choices over when to scramble and when to throw the ball away.
The Packers have revamped their receiving corps, but Love still has his deep threat in Christian Watson and comfort blanket in tight end Tucker Kraft.
The run game also looks to be in good hands with Josh Jacobs as lead rusher and MarShawn Lloyd as the change-of-pace back.
On defense, Green Bay will hope to remain competitive while Micah Parsons recovers from the ACL injury that ended his 12.5-sack debut campaign in Wisconsin.
A young cornerback group will need to get up to speed quickly, but the safeties look solid and there is enough depth on the defensive line to worry most of their opponents even before Parsons’ projected October return.
Detroit are expected to be their greatest rivals for the division again, but Green Bay beat them twice last year and they have lost some locker-room leaders since last year.
Minnesota may spring a surprise or two in their rebuilding phase while Chicago are rising but still incomplete.
The Packers look to be about the most complete team in the division — and they should control the NFC North from September through January.
Regular Season Wins – Minnesota Vikings Over 8.5 Wins (-110)
The Vikings went 9-8 last year, finishing like thoroughbreds with five wins on the bounce.
Their late-season success was built on a defense that ranked third in the league for yards per play allowed and fourth in points per drive allowed.
Brian Flores’ unit was among the top five for sacks and finished with the highest pressure rate in the league.
The big question facing the team this year is at quarterback after JJ McCarthy’s uneven first year as starter.
Murray’s arrival should give him time to sort out some mechanical flaws and come back stronger while the ex-Arizona Cardinals star gets a chance to build chemistry with former Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson.
Kevin O’Connell knows how to rejuvenate a jaded passer after turning Sam Darnold’s career around, and it would be no surprise to see Murray make a similar jump.
There is major upside in Minnesota if it all comes together, albeit their schedule gets tough around Thanksgiving and down the final stretch.
Most Regular Season Passing Yards - Jared Goff (+650)
Runner-up to Tua Tagovailoa in 2023, Joe Burrow in 2024 and Matthew Stafford in 2025, Jared Goff can finally land his first NFL regular season passing title in 2026.
The Lions have hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, marking Goff’s fourth OC in six years, but the change was necessary. By mid‑season last year it was clear John Morton’s scheme wasn’t meshing with Detroit’s personnel, prompting Dan Campbell to take over play‑calling before Week 9. The shift immediately steadied the offense and helped Goff finish the year far stronger than he started.
He also had to navigate one of the most unstable offensive lines he has played behind since arriving in Detroit. Injuries and inconsistent protection forced him to speed up his process and operate under far more pressure than in previous seasons. Even so, he delivered another high‑level campaign.
The Lions still surround him with one of the league’s most complete supporting casts. Amon‑Ra St. Brown remains an elite route runner, Jameson Williams adds vertical explosiveness, Sam LaPorta has already become one of the NFL’s premier young tight ends, and Jahmyr Gibbs is a matchup nightmare from anywhere on the field.
His durability — one of Goff’s most underrated strengths — also gives him a great shot at topping the passing charts. Since arriving in Detroit in 2021, he has not missed a single start.
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NFC North Division Winner odds
Detroit Lions | +165 |
Green Bay Packers | +230 |
Chicago Bears | +320 |
Minnesota Vikings | +500 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
