Can the champions of the NFC North make a run in the playoffs? The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, are considered contenders to not only win the division but also potentially make a run at Super Bowl 60 in the upcoming 2025 season.
Detroit Lions: Betting Favorites, But With Questions
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
Despite offensive coordinator Ben Johnson leaving to take over for the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions entered the 2025 season as favorites to win the NFC North. Defensive superstar Aidan Hutchinson returns from injury. Jarred Goff is a top 5 QB in the NFC and the offense is one of the best in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery all come back. The Lions had their best season in team history with a 15-2 record in the 2024 season. Rookie Tate Ratledge and veteran Graham Glasgow are expected to fill these roles for retirements on the offensive line.
Green Bay Packers: A Strong Challenger
Photo Cred: NBC News
The Green Bay Packers appear well-positioned to challenge Detroit for the NFC North crown. With nearly their entire roster returning from last season and one of the league’s few intact coaching staffs, continuity is on their side. The defense, under coordinator Jeff Hafley in his second year, is expected to be a driving force. Meanwhile, quarterback Jordan Love enters his third season with growing confidence and expectations for another step forward. Armed with the pieces for another playoff push, the Packers face a tough schedule — but many of their most formidable opponents will have to brave Lambeau Field.
Minnesota Vikings: The Wild Card Factor
Photo Cred: Facebook
Minnesota has a roster built for the playoffs — but do they have a quarterback who can take them there? Rookie J.J. McCarthy missed all of last season with an injury, leaving Sam Darnold to guide the Vikings to the postseason. Now healthy, McCarthy inherits one of the most explosive offenses in the NFC, featuring Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones. On defense, the Vikings have bolstered their front with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, giving them more muscle in the trenches. If McCarthy can limit any “rookie” mistakes, the Vikings have a chance at the wild card.
Chicago Bears: New Era, New Expectations
Photo Cred: Chicago Bear
Chicago’s 2024 season started with promise but quickly unraveled, leading to a mid-season coaching change. Now, the Bears are counting on the offensive creativity of new head coach Ben Johnson, the former Lions offensive coordinator, to spark a turnaround. They’ve bolstered the defensive line with an eye toward pressuring division quarterbacks Jordan Love and Jared Goff, while shoring up the offensive front with Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman to protect second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The talent is in place, but the path won’t be easy — Chicago faces one of the league’s toughest schedules, with multiple road trips against top-tier opponents.
