There is a distinct possibility that all four teams in the NFL’s NFC North division could end up being playoff teams by the time the postseason rolls around in January. Of course, a lot of football still has to play out, but the way in which the teams are playing right now gives all 4 fanbases something to cheer about.
NFC North 2023 Playoff teams: Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers
Last year, two teams made the playoffs from the NFC North. The Packers, as a wild card and the #7 NFC seed, upset the Dallas Cowboys before losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. The Lions made it to the NFC championship game, but blew a second half lead and also lost to the 49ers. So predictably, both teams had high expectations going into 2024, and they have certainly met them.
I have to eat some crow and recognize that my own premature pronouncement of the Packers’ 2024 season going awry because of Jordan Love’s injury in the Eagles game was short-sighted. Not only did they win the two games that Love did not start, but he has come back and continued to play at an elite level. They even were able to hang on to a 30-27 on the road vs Jacksonville, in a game where Love got injured again and did not finish.
As for Detroit, their season has had less ups-and-downs because its simply been just mostly positive news and smooth sailing. With the exception of a narrow 20-16 Week 2 loss to Tampa Bay, the Lions have shown dominance as well as grit. But, just like Green Bay, they were also hit with the injury bug when one of their young stars, Aiden Hutchinson, suffered a season-ending tibia and fibula injury.
Clearly, both teams are well positioned to return to the postseason this year. But, what many have considered unexpected is that this year, they may have some legit competition within their own division.
The Others: Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears
Coming into this season, Minnesota and Chicago were expected to be near the bottom of the division. The Bears were developing a rookie quarterback, and the Vikings had traded Kirk Cousins and looking to rebuild around a new quarterback. But both teams have defied expectations, as have their respective QBs.
Last year, both teams showed promise but finished with identical, underwhelming 7-10 records. For the Minnesota Vikings, that disappointing record could’ve been an important factor in deciding to trade Cousins to Atlanta and drafting Michigan QB JJ McCarthy. Things could’ve gone sideways after McCarthy got injured in the preseason, but Sam Darnold has stepped in admirably and has led Minnesota to a 5-2 record so far. Although given that they have lost two straight after a 5-0 start, they need to work hard to regain momentum.
It is a sign of the NFC North’s strength that the Chicago Bears, with a winning 4-3 record going into November, are currently in fourth place in the division. Of course, what everybody around the league is BUZZING about is their stunning 18-15 Hail Mary loss to Washington. That loss, and a lack of discipline from some on their team, could be what unravels a promising 2024 season.
To avoid that fate, they must improve their weaknesses (especially on offense) and continue to help develop rookie QB Caleb Williams. That being said, the fact that the Bears have been able to turn around their fortunes and be a competitive team, after years of mediocrity, should give the city of Chicago hope for the future.
Conclusions: What comes next?
Right now, I think most in the betting market would favor the Detroit Lions to have the best odds to win the NFC North. But in reality, any of the four teams in the NFC North could win the division, and certainly could be in the hunt for a playoff birth. It will be fascinating to see who is able to navigate the injuries/bad games the best, and who on the other hand may falter as the season goes on.
Leave a Comment
Share your thoughts and join the discussion