The new NFL season is just months away, and the NFC North could provide plenty of drama after a thrilling battle in 2019.
The Green Bay Packers got their hands on the title in 2019 as they finished with a 13-3 record. Minnesota were not too far behind them with a 10-6 campaign, while Chicago endured a mediocre 8-8 to miss out on the playoffs.
Detriot will feel they cannot do much worse after finishing the 2019 NFL season 3-12-1.
In less than three months, the NFL will be back on our screens, and we take a look at each team’s chances.
Chicago Bears
Matt Nagy’s team started well last season, but a four-game losing streak really hampered their chances of topping the division.
The Bears showed they have the potential to put small runs together, but they still need to work on their consistency.
In order to sign linebacker Khalil Mack, the Bears traded their first and third-round picks in the 2020 draft.
They improved their tight-end options by snapping up Cole Kmet out of Notre Dame, while wide receiver Darnell Mooney will give them another threat downfield.
Overall, their team looks more rounded, but they are still third favourites at 17/4 to win the NFC North.
Detroit Lions
Matt Patricia’s troops (7/1 to win the NFC North) lost 12 of their last 13 games to slump their way to the bottom of the division. Only two of their players were selected in the Pro Bowl, and quarterback Matthew Stafford broke his backbone in week nine.
With Stafford now on the mend, the Lions are out for revenge in 2020.
Cornerback Jeff Okudah was selected with the third pick of the first round in the draft, while they also signed two running-backs and two guards.
Patricia will have learned a lot about his team in 2019, but they still look like they need a whole lot more to compete.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay enjoyed a solid first season under head coach Matt LaFleur, and he guided his team to the NFC Championship game.
They fell to a 20-37 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, but they have the quality to compete once again in the upcoming campaign.
The Packers grabbed the headlines when they drafted QB Jordan Love in the first round this year, but what effect this will have on the team with Aaron Rodgers still the supposed top dog remains to be seen.
Tight end Josiah Deguara will also wear the famous green and yellow next season and punters can get the Packers to win the Super Bowl at odds of 27/1.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings entertained their fans last season, but they still ended up disappointed after the divisional playoffs tie with the 49ers.
Mike Zimmer’s men had the added bonus of two first-round picks, with wide receiver Justin Jefferson joining alongside cornerback Jeff Gladney.
Minnesota also had three fourth-round picks, with D.J. Wonnum, James Lynch and Troy Dye brought in to bolster the defensive line-up.
Minnesota must be respected in the battle for the NFC North after strengthening their roster in several areas, and they are marginal 8/5 favourites to see of the competition.