Windy City Gridiron
The best division in football last year appears primed for another competitive season. Will we have a new champ?
Let’s think back, maybe 7 months. The Chicago Bears had just beaten the London Jags, and the NFC North was dominant.
Through the first 6 weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Vikings, Lions, Bears, and Packers had a combined record of 17-5, a remarkable start that propelled the division to the best cumulative win-percentage by a division since the merger.
And then the Bears went to D.C., and we all know what happened next.
Still, despite the underwhelming record by the Bears, there is endless optimism regarding their outlook. Survey the division and you’ll find much of the same - it’s hard to make the case that any one team is decidedly bad.
With the bulk of the offseason in the rearview mirror, it feels like an appropriate time to take stock.
Before I answer, I would like to highlight a few reasons why each team could be set up to win the division crown.
Minnesota Vikings - Look, the Vikings surprised everyone last year. Seemingly in a transition season, Sam Darnold took over for Kirk Cousins, and the team didn’t miss a step. Which begs the question if Kevin O’Connell is the best QB coach in the league. I don’t need to remind Bears fans of who may agree with that sentiment…
Regardless, KOC and Justin Jefferson are an incredible duo to have in your corner as a quarterback. Sprinkle in Jordan Addison (a little later this year) and TJ Hockensen, and 2nd year pro JJ McCarthy may be able to reach his potential. Add in a feisty Brian Flores defense that has been bolstered along the trenches, and there is no reason to think the Vikings can’t sit atop the throne in 2025.
Green Bay Packers - I try to be an objective fan. I really do. However, a sharp pain in my gut emerges anytime I try to compliment the Packers.
I’ll do my best, so you lurking Acme Packing Co. readers don’t get so whiney in the comments. The Packers could be very good again this year, as they have been for the bulk of my adult life. Much like the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers have a handful of steadfast vets that will provide a floor for their team. As long as Josh Jacobs is still in their offensive backfield, Xavier McKinney is in their defensive backfield, an ever consistent OL, and Matt LaFleur is on the sidelines, it’s hard to imagine this team being any worse than team average.
While those vets may provide a steady hand, it’s the youth movement that could catapult the Packers to the top once again. Deemed the youngest team in the league last year, there is young talent up and down the roster. All it takes is one of Jayden Reed, Lukas van Ness, Edgerrin Cooper, Jordan Morgan,...
