Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions have won the NFC North in back-to-back seasons, and they enter 2025 as the odds-on favorites to win the North again, according to the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook. Can Detroit three-peat? Based on what we’ve learned in training camp and the preseason, it certainly seems like that’s where the smart money should be.
FanDuel Sportsbook is conducting FanDuel Futures Day on Tuesday, August 26, where you can get profit boost tokens around various futures markets throughout the day. The markets will be split up throughout the day, but they will include odds to win the Super Bowl and hypothetical Super Bowl matchups, odds to make or miss the playoffs, win totals, division winners, and player milestones. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook on Tuesday to take advantage of FanDuel Futures Day.
The NFC North is arguably the toughest division in football right now, and every team believes they have a chance to win the title this season. The Lions reign supreme as defending back-to-back champions and boast the most complete roster in the division. The Packers are always a threat for the division crown, and have the second-best odds to win it this year. The Vikings were just a game away from the No. 1 seed in the NFC last year, but a quarterback change has some doubting their chances. Finally, the Bears are the caboose on this train, and despite adding offensive genius Ben Johnson to be their leader, most believe it’ll be hard for them to challenge this season.
The Lions entered the offseason needing to replace both coordinators, rebuild the interior of their offensive line, and return a battered roster to full health. In training camp, the coordinators have done a quality job stepping into big shoes, but they’ll be judged based on their performances during the season. The Lions can’t replace All-Pro Frank Ragnow (retirement) with a single person, but they’ve re-molded their offensive line by shifting veteran Graham Glasgow to center, promoting Christian Mahogany to left guard, and sliding in second-round pick Tate Ratledge in at right guard. With veterans at both tackle spots and center, bookending two mean and athletic guards, the Lions believe they have the right combination to maintain their dominance on the offensive line. Finally, the Lions are slowly bringing back injured players from last season. And while Aidan Hutchinson looks as sharp and dominant as ever, the return of Alim McNeill (expected in October) could be the missing piece to a complete defense.
The Packers bucked the trend of most NFC North teams and got lighter and more athletic on defense. They’re working toward being a more modern defense, but might end up crippling their chances at stopping the run—a critical trait in the North. Injuries and questions surrounding depth have been the story of their preseason. Quarterback...
