After a wild offseason filled with quarterback shakeups, rookie arrivals, and a key retirement in Detroit, the NFC North is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing divisions in football. Here’s how things could shake out by the end of the 2025 season.
1. Detroit Lions (11-6)
Even with Frank Ragnow retiring, the Lions are still the team to beat. Jared Goff is the only proven QB in the division, and Detroit’s offensive line remains strong with rookie Tate Ratledge stepping in at center and Graham Glasgow back at guard. Add in explosive playmakers like Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and a healthy Jameson Williams, and you’ve got a loaded offense. The defense, led by Aidan Hutchinson and (eventually) Alim McNeill, looks solid, too. As long as injuries don’t derail things, Dan Campbell’s squad should repeat as NFC North champs.
2. Green Bay Packers (10-7)
Jordan Love showed real promise last year, and now he has Josh Jacobs in the backfield to take pressure off. The receiver room is deep if not flashy, and Jaire Alexander continues to lock things down on defense. The big question is whether Green Bay can generate enough pass rush beyond Rashan Gary. They’re playoff-caliber, but may lack the firepower to overtake Detroit without a major step forward from Love.
3. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
Minnesota might have the most dangerous weapons in the division—Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson—but it all hinges on rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. He has a solid line in front of him and a disruptive interior defense behind him, but a shaky secondary and rookie growing pains could hold the Vikings back this year. If McCarthy comes along quickly, they could surprise.
4. Chicago Bears (8-9)
The Bears made major upgrades across the board. Rookie QB Caleb Williams has weapons galore—DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III—and a beefed-up O-line with Joe Thuney joining the mix. Defensively, the secondary looks legit. But with a rookie under center, expect a mix of highlight plays and rough outings. Chicago could flirt with .500, but they’re still a year away from serious contention.
Bottom line:
The Lions’ experience and continuity—especially at quarterback—give them the edge for now. The Packers are reliable, the Vikings are intriguing, and the Bears are rapidly rising. But for the moment, the road to the NFC North crown still runs through Detroit.
2025 NFC North Outlook: Lions Still Rule, but the Pack, Vikes, and Bears Are Closing In
