A capsule look at the NFC North heading into the 2024 season, with teams listed in predicted order of finish.
Detroit Lions
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 12-1, Over/under wins: 10.5
Strengths: The skill positions are strong, with the potential to get even better thanks to young guys like running back Jahmyr Gibbs, receiver Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta. The offensive line is one of the best in the league.
Weaknesses: Detroit’s defense wasn’t at the same level a year ago. The Lions did make big changes up front and in the secondary. Enough improvement and this club will be a trendy pick to unseat Kansas City when the playoffs arrive.
Chicago Bears
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 35-1, Over/under wins: 8.5
Strengths: Could the Bears be the 2024 version of the Texans from last year? QB Caleb Williams is inheriting a much better situation than most No. 1 picks, with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet and fellow rookie Rome Odunze to throw to. Adding defensive end Montez Sweat to the defense was a big boost.
Weaknesses: The offensive line and defense still need to get better. Not every rookie QB can play like C.J. Stroud did. It could be a fun offensive team, but it might still be a year away from being a good one.
Green Bay Packers
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 18-1, Over/under wins: 9.5
Strengths: Quarterback Jordan Love emerged in a big way in the second half of last season. Josh Jacobs could be an upgrade at running back, even if Aaron Jones has been good when healthy. Xavier McKinney was one of the best safeties in the league last year and could make a big impact as a new arrival.
Weaknesses: The defense as a whole could be better, particularly against the run. Former Boston College coach Jeff Hafley is the other big addition, joining as the new defensive coordinator. Love still needs to prove he can be great throughout a full season.
Minnesota Vikings
FanDuel says: Win Super Bowl: 80-1, Over/under wins: 7.5
Strengths: Justin Jefferson is one of the best wideouts in the league. Aaron Jones could have a nice bounce-back year after being cast off by the Packers. New addition Jonathan Greenard had a breakout season as a pass rusher for the Texans.
Weaknesses: Availability is a problem. J.J. McCarthy has a knee injury, so Sam Darnold will be the starting QB. T.J. Hockenson could miss a while because he’s still recovering from a major knee injury. Jordan Addison could still be suspended for an offseason DUI arrest. This is the wrong division for that kind of uncertainty.
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