Old Teams, New Generation – 2025 NFC North Preview

When you talk about the most recognizable divisions in football, the NFC North is often one of the most talked about. Historically, teams like the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears are two of the most well-known teams in the NFL. Meanwhile the Detroit Lions, prior to their revitalization under Dan Campbell, were known for having arguably the greatest running back of all-time and the Minnesota Vikings were known for having one of the top wide receivers of all-time.

It’s shame that the last time they had representation in the Super Bowl was 2010. Despite some talented teams, they just haven’t been able to break the glass ceiling. Can that change this year?

 

Chicago Bears

Record in 2024-25: 5-12

Key Player: Caleb Williams – Quarterback

Player To Watch: Colston Loveland – Tight End

Year one of the Ben Johnson era in Chicago is being extremely hyped because of the success in Detroit. So far, word out of camp has been that Johnson is teaching more in depth and diving into details. That’s something that previous Chicago coaches haven’t touched on as much, and it shows at times.

With this being the second year of Caleb Williams as the signal caller, this team needs to take a jump sooner rather than later. As we’ve seen in the past, the shelf life of Chicago quarterbacks has been three to four years. If he can’t show that he’s “the guy” soon, don’t be shocked if they move off of him. This is a crucial year for Mr. Williams Prediction: 5-12

 

Detroit Lions

Record in 2024-25: 15-2

Key Player: New Coaches

Player To Watch: Terrion Arnold – Cornerback

There’s no doubt about it: this is not the Detroit Lions your dad grew up with. This team is good, they’re mean, and they play aggressively. Still, there always seems to be a looming question that either goes unanswered or gets answered but raises another question.

The initial question this year has to do with the coaching staff. After losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to Chicago and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets, can this team realign and reproduce the last two years’ successes? With both coaches having limited experience in these roles, we’ll see. Prediction: 13-4

 

Green Bay Packers

Record in 2024-25: 11-6

Key Player: Matthew Golden – Wide Receiver

Player To Watch: Nate Hobbs – Cornerback

Is this the year that Jordan Love takes the next step in his development? If Green Bay wants to get past the divisional round, he’ll have to. The front office finally invested in a first-round wide receiver (Matthew Golden), key playmakers like Josh Jacobs, Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed are returning, and his line is still good: there’s less excuse for him to elevate his game.

The defense, especially the pass defense, will also need to step up. This is going to be a passing division. If they can’t stop the aerial attacks of their rivals, they’re done for when other divisions are introduced.
Prediction: 10-7

 

Minnesota Vikings

Record in 2024-25: 14-3

Key Player: JJ McCarthy – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Javon Hargrave – Defensive Lineman

Sam Darnold was a fairy tale for Minnesota last year. Another player who escaped the concrete jungle of MetLife Stadium turned in a great season for the Vikings. He’s gone now and JJ McCarthy, the guy who was supposed to start, holds the reins.

Minnesota could live and die by the defense, but with McCarthy missing development opportunities and a season, he’s going to dictate what happens this year. There’s going to be eyes and a lot of pressure on him following last season’s success but if he can conquer it, he’ll become a folk hero. Prediction: 7-10