Detroit Lions
After years of mediocrity and worse, the Detroit Lions are finally a real threat in the NFC and at the top of the NFC North. With an influx of young talent leading the way, they’re also looking to be here for a while. Last year’s trip to the NFC Championship game may have been the coming-out party, but with almost everyone returning again this season, there’s only one thing the Lions should have in mind – a Super Bowl.
2023’s rookie standouts Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta should be just as good or better this year. Amon-Ra St.Brown is one of the best receivers in the NFL. Jameson Williams has the opportunity to flourish and really step into his potential at WR. Jared Goff has done everything Detroit has asked of him. The offensive line is one of the best in the league. This offence truly has no holes, and it should once again lead Detroit to great things in 2024.
It’s certainly true that the Packers and Bears are on the come up in the NFC North, but for now, this is still Detroit’s division. Look for them to repeat as champs after capturing their first title in 30 years last season.
Prediction: 12-5
Green Bay Packers
There’s just something about quarterbacks in Green Bay. First it was Brett Favre. Then, it was Aaron Rodgers. Now, it’s Jordan Love’s time. The young signal caller had a great second half of the season in 2023, and during the summer, he got PAID. Of course, the sample size is still small, but in today’s market, teams are having to pay up early for their franchise QBs. In Green Bay, they’re hoping the investment pays off.
Outside of the quarterback position, the Packers are solid on both sides of the ball. They may not have a true WR1, but they do have a committee of three of four very capable pass catchers doing the job. Josh Jacobs also represents an exciting addition to the offence as a physical runner that can get in between the tackles better than Aaron Jones.
It may be tough for the Packers to take the crown from Detroit in the NFC North, but don’t be at all surprised to see this team once again in the postseason. Last year’s trip to the divisional round was a great learning experience, and I think they’ll only be better in 2024.
Prediction: 10-7
Chicago Bears
There’s tons of excitement surrounding Chicago right now, but will the product meet the expectations? GM Ryan Poles has crafted this roster with only success in mind, but now, it’s up to the players on the roster to make the difference. That starts with first overall pick Caleb Williams. As a rookie quarterback, the ups and downs are certain. However, with his natural ability and the skill that surrounds him all over this roster, the situation is about as good as it gets. D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen are two very experienced and talented first options at receiver, and Rome Odunze was a top ten pick alongside Williams for a reason. The Bears also have Cole Kmet at tight end and newcomer D’Andre Swift at running back, so there’s no shortage of options for Williams right now.
Defensively, the Bears had a quietly good season last year and will look to build on that. Montez Sweat, Tremaine Edmonds and Jaylon Johnson are all extremely capable players at each level of the defence. In the last eight games of the 2023 season, the unit really came together, allowing more than 20 points against just once in a game against the Lions.
The competition in the North is stiff, but don’t count out these new look Bears.
Prediction: 9-8
Minnesota Vikings
Another team looking to start a new era with a rookie quarterback! The Vikings come into 2024 after a disappointing campaign in 2023 saw them miss playoffs with a record of 7-10. Standout WR Justin Jefferson is back for the Vikes, while Aaron Jones joins after being acquired from NFC North rival Green Bay. Outside of those two, however, it’s tough to get too excited about the Vikings this year. Rookie J.J. McCarthy certainly provides some hope for the future, but an immediate impact is less likely. In fact, he’s currently listed as the second QB on Minnesota’s depth chart.
On defence, the Vikings were a lot better last year than the previous three seasons, but the unit may not be strong enough to make up for what could be a pretty mediocre offence in 2024. With either a rookie QB or Sam Darnold at the helm for the year, even Justin Jefferson may have some trouble scoring points for this team.
Like we’ve said before, the NFC North is no joke this year. The Vikings certainly aren’t terrible and they’ve got a future to look forward to, but I don’t think they’ll have enough this year.
Prediction: 6-11.
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