2023 NFC North Division Preview

The NFC North is a division in transition, and critics may say it does not compare well to the East or West.

However, the division features a number of headline-grabbing players like wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions, quarterback Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears, and running back Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers. The NFC North could be the most wide-open division in the league.

The Vikings wrested the division title from the Packers last season with a 13-4 regular-season record as the team responded extremely well to first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell and a much-improved offensive game plan. The offense featured a more relaxed Kirk Cousins at quarterback and Jefferson’s rise to the No. 1 receiving spot in the league.

While the Vikings were an exciting team that demonstrated the ability to play their best football when the game was on the line in the fourth quarter, the defense was atrocious. They ranked 31st in yardage allowed and 30th in points per game given up, and they were beaten handily by strong offenses

The low point came in the Wild Card round of the playoffs when they were defeated at home by the Daniel Jones-led New York Giants.

The Vikings have attempted to rectify their defensive shortcomings by hiring Brian Flores as their defensive coordinator, but are there enough good players on that side of the ball to make a difference? Danielle Hunter has been a dynamic pass rusher in the past, but he may no longer fill the bill in that regard.

The Lions closed the season by winning 8 of their last 10 games and finishing with a winning record. This is a team that has long been at or near the basement of the division, but a turnaround is finally at hand.

Head coach Dan Campbell also has a team that is more impressive on offense than it is on defense, but the Lions are far more aggressive than the Vikings. Quarterback Jared Goff appears to have found a home in the Motor City and wide-out Amon-Ra St. Brown is a star who is only getting brighter.

Hutchinson is on his way to becoming a dominant game-changer after recording 9.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 3 passes defensed, and 2 fumble recoveries in his rookie year. Many online sportsbooks have the Lions favored to win the division title for the first time since 1993.

The Chicago Bears have the longest way to go in the division after finishing dead last with a 3-14 mark. However, as difficult as that was for head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles, the Bears had a chance to make some vital moves in the offseason.

By acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Carolina Panthers, the Bears have a dynamic No. 1 receiver who will be able to get open and make plays for Fields.

The Bears drafted offensive tackle Darnell Wright with their first-round pick, and he is already penciled in as the team’s starting right tackle.

However, the biggest key is Fields’ development at quarterback. He is a brilliant runner and has the tools to become a talented passer who features arm strength and accuracy. If he can improve his poise and timing, the Bears have a chance to make a big leap.

The Packers ruled the NFC North for years due in large part to the succession of quarterbacks they had with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers for 30 years. Favre is long retired and Rogers has moved on to the New York Jets and taken his diva-like personality with him.

Jordan Love takes over under center, and while he must prove his ability, it seems like he has the whole locker room rooting for him. He has a playmaking running back in Jones to handle the ground game, and that may be Love’s best asset to start.

Also, in a division lacking big-time defensive accomplishment, the Packers are the best of the bunch. They ranked 17th in the league last year, and they are led by LBs Preston Smith (59 tackles and 8.5 sacks) and Quay Walker (team-leading 121 tackles).

While many may try to write off the Packers, they may have enough to get back to the top of this division if Love can rise to the occasion.