Originally posted on 8/25/25
The NFC North could be the best and most wide-open division from top to bottom. Green Bay won 11 games last season, but that was only good for a third-place finish. The Lions have to deal with a new coaching staff and the Vikings dumped a veteran QB for a first-year kid from Michigan. The Bears may be the most improved of the bunch, making this division must-watch TV this season.
NFC North Standings [2024]
| NFC | NORTH | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lions | 15 | 2 | 0 |
 | Vikings | 14 | 3 | 0 |
 | Packers | 11 | 6 | 0 |
 | Bears | 5 | 12 | 0 |
DETROIT LIONS (+135)
The Lions are still looking to get over the hump and at least get to their first Super Bowl ever. The time is now and their best chance might have been last season. Unfortunately, the defense was decimated with injuries in the second half of the season and it showed. Head coach Dan Campbell is still calling the shots, but he lost eight assistants over the offseason. Detroit is still the favorites, but it won’t be easy in this division.
Odds to Win NFC North (as of 8/25/25):
Detroit Lions +135
Green Bay Packers +250
Minnesota Vikings +325
Chicago Bears +525
GREEN BAY PACKERS (+250)
The Packers are the second choice over the Vikings mainly because Minnesota is going with a less experienced quarterback. Jordan Love is back leading the offense but he lacks weapons at wide receiver. He doesn’t have a true No. 1, but maybe first round draft pick Matthew Golden can be that guy. Green Bay finished 1-5 in the division last season and that needs to improve.
Week 1 NFL Lines, Free Picks and Futures
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (+325)
There’s a ton of pressure on J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in 2024, but missed last season with a knee injury. He inherits a 14-3 team with plenty of weapons on offense. He went 27-1 at Michigan and won a national championship. Minnesota will have their hands full schedule-wise and make trips to Dublin and London this season.
Season Win Totals (as of 8/25/25):
Detroit Lions 10.5 u150
Green Bay Packers 9.5 o130
Minnesota Vikings 8.5 o165
Chicago Bears 8.5 u165
CHICAGO BEARS (+525)
The Bears are definitely a team to look out for under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, who was Detroit’s offensive coordinator. He has a very creative mind and I expect Caleb Williams to flourish under his command. Chicago made much-needed upgrades on the offensive line after Williams was sacked 68 times last season.
Jay’s Season Win Total Best Bet: The Bears are the pick to be the surprise of the division, but I don’t see it yet. They have a stretch where they play five of seven games on the road and that includes trips to Baltimore and Cincinnati. I wouldn’t be surprised if they started 2-6 and that will destroy this team’s confidence.
Bears UNDER 8.5 -165
Jay’s Pick to Win Division: This is a tough one, but I have take the Lions once again. Their toughest non-division games are on the road, but this team has proven over the last two seasons that they can win away from home (8-0). They still have the best roster of all teams in the NFC North.
Lions +135
To see more odds and props for the NFC North, click here.
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