Share 
The NFC North has the potential to be the most competitive division in all of the NFL. Home to the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers, I believe all four teams will end the season with winning records.
The Bears showcased what they’re capable of last season under new head coach Ben Johnson; the Lions are set to bounce back after a down season; the Vikings have a new quarterback I’m high on; and the Packers will have a full season of (hopefully) healthy Micah Parsons.
Below, we’ll provide a complete overview of the division and give my picks for the winner, possible MVP candidates, and which teams will make the playoffs.
2026 NFC North Odds
The Bears had the most success against this division last season, losing to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the Divisional Round. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for nearly 4,000 yards and made some incredible plays, but in his two playoff games he threw a combined five interceptions. The team traded away wide receiver D.J. Moore, but it already has an embarrassment of riches on offense.
They still have tight end Colston Loveland, receivers Luther Burden III and Romeo Odunze, and a two-headed backfield with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. To top it off, they have one of the most prolific offensive minds in the sport in Johnson, their head coach. The Bears added to the back end of their defense, signing cornerback Coby Bryant to a $40 million deal and also drafting safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 overall. That said, they did lose a couple of notable names in free agency, such as linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker.
The Lions had issues getting after the passer outside of Aidan Hutchinson, and their offensive line needed more help after Dan Skipper retired. In the 2026 NFL Draft, they drafted Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller at No. 17 overall. They finished last season 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time since also going 9-8 in 2022. With Miller joining the team, he’ll play right tackle while Penei Sewell moves to left tackle.
They also have Tate Ratledge from last year’s draft class at right guard. Another important draft pick was Derrick Moore, an edge rusher out of Michigan. He’ll assist Hutchinson. In free agency, their big signing was center Cade Mays. They lost a few key role players, including linebacker Alex Anzalone, cornerback Amik Robertson, and defensive lineman D.J. Reader. However, the one player I’m most concerned with is tight end Sam LaPorta, who’s been dealing with a back injury. He was a massive part of the offense, drawing a near 20% target share when healthy last season.
Moving over to the Packers, they went 9-7-1 and squeaked into the postseason. They lost to the Bears in the Wild Card round, 31-27, after the Bears rallied and scored 25 points in the fourth quarter. They lost defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who’s now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, and, along with him, their backup quarterback, Malik Willis, who also signed there.
Other notable players they lost include wide receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker, center Elgton Jenkins, and edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare. They didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading for Parsons, but with their first pick, at No. 52 overall, they took a big cornerback in Brandon Cisse, a move I loved. They needed more cornerback talent.
Finally, the Vikings. They’ve been on a bit of quarterback redemption carousel. Next up, it’s former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. He’s competing with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. He brings great rushing ability and accuracy, completing 67.1% of his passes over his career. In free agency, they made two nice signings: cornerback James Pierre and wide receiver Jauan Jennings. They did lose two key defensive linemen, though, in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. That said, they did their best to make up for that with their first-round draft pick of Caleb Banks. He’s loaded with potential, but was often injured in college, so it remains to be seen what he brings to the table this season.
After examining all of the teams, I’m going with the Lions to win the NFC North. Their offensive line has been strengthened; they’ll have a bit more pass rush help; and I trust this offense with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, LaPorta if he’s healthy, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and quarterback Jared Goff. Not only that, but according to Sharp Football Analysis, the Lions have the easiest schedule this season.
Best Bet: Detroit Lions
2026 NFC North MVP Contenders, Odds
- Caleb Williams (QB, Bears)
- Jordan Love (QB, Packers)
- Jared Goff (QB, Lions)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Lions)
I don’t believe the NFL MVP is coming from the NFC North, but I’ll highlight three of the four starting quarterbacks and Gibbs.
Williams had great moments last season, but the stats simply don’t scream MVP. He completed fewer than 60% of his passes and had fewer than 4,000 passing yards.
Love is a quarterback who will always be solid, completing about 65% of his passes. Still, I simply don’t believe the statistical upside is there, especially with the loss of Doubs and with wide receiver Christian Watson always in and out of the lineup due to injury.
Finally, Goff doesn’t have rushing upside, so he needs to have a Matthew Stafford-type statistical season, which is certainly possible. He’s thrown for 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns or more each of the last three seasons. So, if LaPorta is back and healthy, this is one I’d keep an eye on. That said, Gibbs could take over this offense. There’s no more David Montgomery to compete with, and he’s scored at least 10 rushing touchdowns every season of his career.
All this being said, of this group, I’d be most inclined to wager on Goff. He has a proven track record of posting strong numbers.
Best Bet: Jared Goff
Which 2026 NFC North Team Will Reach the Playoffs?
Final Standings Prediction
- Detroit Lions (13-4)
- Minnesota Vikings (10-7)
- Chicago Bears (10-7)
- Green Bay Packers (9-8)
The Lions have an incredibly easy schedule, and if they went undefeated over the first 10 weeks, it wouldn’t surprise me even with games against the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills in there. As for the Bears, their offense shouldn’t be held back too much with Moore departing, and I liked the additions to the secondary.
Perhaps I’m a bit too optimistic on the Vikings, but I believe Murray fits in perfectly with Kevin O’Connell. His rushing ability and accuracy will pay huge dividends for this offense.
As for the Packers, their defense will be great with Parsons healthy. That said, they lost Hafley, and I have questions about this offense, especially if running back Josh Jacobs gets suspended or misses time.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t rule out three teams from this division making the playoffs. Of course, they need to compete with the NFC West and the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
I’m all in on the Murray and O’Connell pairing.
Photo Credit: REUTERS
