The Green Bay Packers are coming off of yet another NFC North title last season. However other teams in the division made some notable moves so let’s dive into how the division may shake out this year and what it may mean for the Packers.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions were awful last season. The finished the year with a 3-13-1 record and had a -142 net point differential. That being said they were 2-3 in their last 5 games and coach Dan Campbell had Detroit playing really hard all season. Detroit will undoubtedly improve on their 3-13-1 record. They have solid pieces on their roster such as running back De’Andre Swift, wide receiver Amon St. Brown, second overall pick defensive end Aidan Hutchinson as well as offensive lineman Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and Frank Ragnow. Look for Detroit to win more games in the 2022-2023 season.
Chicago Bears
Chicago finally fired head coach Matt Nagy after a terrible 2021-2022 season. They averaged an abysmal 18.3 points per game with rookie quarterback Justin Fields running the show. On defense the Bears were slightly below average as they gave up 23.9 points per game. With Khalil Mack gone it’s hard to envision the Bears improving on defense this year. The offense may take some strides as Fields enters year two however it won’t be enough to overcome a roster lacking talent. Look for the Bears to have a similar record to last season.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings also fired their head coach, Mike Zimmer, after the conclusion of last season. They finished the season 8-9 with a -1 net point differential. Simply put they were overwhelmingly average. General manager Rick Spielman was also fired after last season. New coach Kevin O’Connell has worked with Sean McVay which could bode well for the Vikings offense. On Offense they have solid pieces such as running back Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, and superstar Justin Jefferson. They also added Za’Darius Smith, whom Packer fans know well, to their defense. Minnesota should be better than their 8-9 record from last year. Will it be enough to dethrone the Packers? Keep reading to find out.
Related: How 16 Former Packers Fared After Signing with Minnesota
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is back. Despite recent playoff struggles Rodgers automatically makes the Packers the favorite to win this division. Losing Davante Adams hurts but Rodgers has proven he is elite no matter who he is throwing to. Cornerback Jaire Alexander is back to anchor the defense. David Bakhtiari is working back from an injury as well. Green Bay should be a top seed in the NFC once again with the bad man under center.
Predictions
- Green Bay Packers. As said above, Rodgers is elite enough to carry the Packers to an NFC North crown. He will do it once again this year.
- Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings will be good this year and could give Green Bay a run for the title this year. Ultimately they will more than likely finish second and get a wild card spot.
- Detroit Lions. The Lions play hard every game and never give up. Their mentality led by coach Campbell will help them improve on their poor record last year.
- Chicago Bears. The Bears are just lacking talent plain and simple. Under first year head coach Matt Eberflus they are set up for failure. Justin Fields will improve off his first year but that will more than likely be the only bright spot for this team.
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