When it comes to the NFC North, not a lot has changed until the recent departures of Matthew Stafford and now Aaron Rodgers.

After the Netflix documentary, ‘Quarterback’, Kirk Cousins has gained popularity and respect amongst many NFL fans. However, Vegas still does not believe. The odds (according to Bovada) to make the playoffs in this division are as follows: Detroit Lions (-185), Minnesota Vikings (+100), Chicago Bears (+160), and lastly the Green Bay Packers (+165). I think these are generous odds for the underdogs and insulting/inspiring for the Vikings. Let’s dive in.

The Minnesota Vikings still have a lot to prove despite winning 13 games last season. Constantly reminded by the fact this feat was done by a minus-3 point differential has to be motivation for these guys, especially Kirk Cousins, who is due to become a free agent after the 2023 season.

With debatably the best WR in the game in Justin Jefferson – it’s now or never for Cousins, especially with Aaron Rodgers out of the way. With all 5 starting offensive linemen returning, Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler (2022 5th round pick) are ready to take over for Dalvin Cook in the running game.

Anything short of a division title will be a massive failure for this organization. Fortunately there were investments made on the defensive side of the ball as well. After having one of the worst defenses statistically in 2022, the Vikings decision to hire Brian Flores was a great move.

The Detroit Lions, still in search of their first Super Bowl, have turned themselves from the laughing stock of the NFL into a serious contender for the NFC North. Rob Gronkowski let the world know his thoughts of the idea of playing for the Lions via Fox Gronk Says No to Lions – a display of how NFL players view the organization.

Their trade return value for giving up Matthew Stafford in 2021 is beginning to yield significant results. With Jared Goff putting up equivalent stats, the Lions are without a doubt poised to win this division. Although they lost Jamaal Williams, David Montgomery is a great RB with ability in the passing game as well.

They also drafted rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to complete a diverse and productive backfield. Dan Campbell has done a great job of leading this team to meet its potential. The star power in Detroit is seriously underrated as well. Now, with arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, it’s hard to see why the Lions won’t have success moving the ball in the passing game with Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the newly acquired Marvin Jones Jr. behind veteran linemen Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell. Expect this team to be serious competitors. The defense was an issue last year but they get their leader back in Tracy Walker (SS) who tore his Achilles last year.

The Lions completely revamped their secondary by bringing in free agents CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Cam Sutton and CB/S CJ Gardner-Johnson.

The Green Bay Packers seem to be unconcerned with losing a Hall of Fame quarterback, and feel Jordan Love is ready to take on Lambeau. The Packers are ready for the next phase of NFC North dominance and have shown complete confidence it can be done through Jordan Love.

After a sour ending to a sweet career in Green Bay, as we all know, Aaron Rodgers is no longer in Green Bay. Love’s effect is undeniably the greatest factor in their success, so let’s dive into the other reasons. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon’s success will be pivotal in opening up the passing game.

Rodgers vocalized his frustration in the inexperienced receiving core showing there is a lot of young talent that hasn’t reached potential. Rookie WR Jayden Reed has flourished in spring camp. Packers receivers coach, Jason Vrable has said Reed reminds him of Randall Cobb – high praise for a rookie WR.

Romeo Doubs is certain to be a threat in the receiving game as well, however, hasn’t developed the same chemistry. For the Packers to yield success, their defense will need to play incredibly well. Fortunately, guys like Devonte Wyatt (DE), Quay Walker (LB), De’Vondre Campbell (LB), Kenny Clark (DT), Jaire Alexander (CB), Preston Smith (OLB), Darnell Savage (S), Rashan Gary (LB), and Eric Stokes (CB) if he gets healthy in time, make up one of the best defenses in the league.

With a head coach like Matt LaFleur and a team like the Green Bay Packers, an immediate bounce back isn’t hard to imagine. The Packers have their work cut out for them offensively, however if their defense can keep them in close ball games – a playoff push is possible.

Lastly, for the Chicago Bears, a better year than last year is their hope. There is a lack of talent on the defensive side, however they have focused on recruiting offensive talent because the organization feels Justin FieIds was worth the investment and needs a chance.

The odds mentioned at the beginning of this article were to show the separation between the top two and bottom two teams in this division.

The Vikings and the Lions each seem to have things figured out, whereas the Packers and Bears are both in for seasons that will likely be indicators of the next couple years to come. The King of NFC North is a battle between Cousins and Goff. Let us know on Twitter @WeLikeSportzPC what you think.

– Brian Ebinger

*Photo courtesy of Sporting News