Next up on the hit parade is the NFC North. Unlike the AFC North, there is positive value on each and every team in the division. For those unfamiliar with this division, it is the home of the Lions, Packers, Bears, and Vikings, historically, a fantastic division from top to bottom.
History would suggest…
As one might suspect, this division, while competitive, is typically the Packers’ division to lose. Green Bay is simply one of the most well-run organizations in the NFL and when combined with the continuity of Hall of Fame level quarterback play for the last 30 years, that consistency has continued. The Pack has won 10 division titles since 2000 and six of the last eight overall. The Vikings have won the second most titles since 2000 with six.
The Favorite
Not surprisingly, the Packers are the favorites according to bookmakers heading into the 2020 season. Aaron Rodgers returns for his 16th NFL season after a 13-3 campaign that saw him throw for 26 scores against just 4 interceptions. The Pack is still at plus money at (+130) at Bovada and (+125) at BetOnline and Sports Betting. While Green Bay has experienced some significant losses this offseason, most notably Brian Bulaga and Jimmy Graham but a lot of people are high on Jace Sternberger at tight end. Expect Green Bay to spend a high draft pick on their offensive line.
The Value Play
Being able to receive plus money on the favorite makes it the obvious play, but if you are looking for a bit more value, I think the Chicago Bears are the play here. At (+425) on Bovada and (+300) on both Betonline and Sports Betting they are the third favorite according to bookmakers, but second for me. First and foremost, I love the acquisition of Robert Quinn. Quinn alongside Khalil Mack and in front of Roquan Smith is going to be money. I don’t trust Trubisky but I think Matt Nagy is a good coach.
No thanks, I’m driving
While the Vikings have been successful recently and I do think Mike Zimmer is a good coach, I am just not a fan this season. At (+175) on Bovada and (+200) on Betonline and Sports Betting, the losses on both sides of the ball as well as on the coaching staff raise questions about this team for me. Everson Griffen and his 74.5 career sacks will not return in 2020 along with Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhoades, who signed with the Colts last week. Stefon Diggs, who has recorded back to back career seasons, was not happy with the situation and was traded to Buffalo. Last season’s offensive coordinator, Kevin Stefanski, is now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Asking me to trust Kirk Cousins without Diggs and a dinged up Adam Thielen is a tall order without Stefanski.
The Lions come in with the longest odds at (+800) on Bovada and (+1000) on BetOnline and Sports Betting and other per head sites. I like the additions they have made on the defensive side of the football and Matthew Stafford is always going to put up numbers but at the end of the day, Matt Patricia is still the head coach and that is enough for me to go another way.
My Pick
The trio of Rodgers, Jones, and Adams combined with no juice is enough for me to take the Packers and feel good about it. Rodgers seems to have enough leash with LaFleur to operate at a comfortable capacity and a 13-3 record was the result last season. I have questions about the line on both sides of the ball but I also think the Green Bay leadership will do enough to win this division again in 2020 barring any significant injuries. Get your picks in! Do so at the best pay per head bookie site you can find. Head to PayPerHead247– and make those picks!
