NFL
By: Joey MacDonald
When looking at each division in the NFL, I feel that the NFC North is the most underrated division. This division in the NFL is one I feel doesn’t get the recognition it deserves for how good it is. All 4 teams in the NFC North have really good offenses, with excellent playmakers throughout the division. 2026 could be a year where 2 or maybe 3 teams will reach the postseason from the NFC North. Here’s how the NFC North will look for all 4 teams in the division for the 2026 NFL regular season.
Detroit Lions:
The most disappointing team in all of the NFC in 2025 was none other than the Detroit Lions. After going 15-2 in 2024, the Lions finished in last place in the NFC North with a 9-8 record overall.
The Detroit Lions offense is still one of the very best in all of the NFL, with some big playmakers. With Jared Goff still in his prime, I expect him to have another fine year in 2026 as Detroit’s quarterback. Plus, with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, among others, this offense will put up yards and points.
One question mark for this team in 2026 will be the defense and its health for the players. If the defense can find its solutions for 2026, then this team can make a deep run in the postseason.
Chicago Bears:
A team that had so many incredible moments and wins in 2025, the Chicago Bears will be in contention again. Chicago made it all the way to the divisional round and lost a tough one to the Rams in overtime.
Caleb Williams is going into year #3 and year #2 with head coach Ben Johnson looking to improve from 2025. The Bears also have some good young pass catchers who can make life easier for quarterback Caleb Williams. Along with a very good offensive line, the offense can put up the points to win football games.
The defense had a down year in 2025 with several injuries to the defense, along with a non-existent pass rush. If the Bears can fix their pass rushing issues along with staying healthy on defense, this team will be dangerous.
Their 2026 schedule does look favorable at the start of the season, but it gets harder with games on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If the 2026 Chicago Bears win about 12 games in 2026, that might be good enough in the NFC North.
Green Bay Packers:
The Green Bay Packers’ 2025 ended with a heartbreaking loss to arch-rival Chicago Bears after blowing a 18-point lead. This team, coming into 2026, has some major question marks on both sides of the ball.
The offense has the potential to be good with Jordan Love, especially with pass catchers Christian Watson and Tucker Craft. The running game could take a major hit if Josh Jacobs ends up being suspended for off-field issues.
While the defense took a hit with several free agent departures, along with injuries, the defense will need to step up. With uncertainty surrounding the defense, it could be the Achilles’ heel for the Green Bay Packers in 2026.
The Green Bay Packers in 2026 might be battling for the 7th seed once again with uncertainty around this football. And if this team doesn’t make the postseason, Matt LaFleur might be on his way out the door.
Minnesota Vikings:
The Minnesota Vikings face the longest odds when trying to win the NFC North division in 2026. Especially when they have a position controversy at the most important position in football at the quarterback spot.
Going into training camp, the biggest topic is who will be the starting quarterback: J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray. J.J. McCarthy, in his 1st year as started played mediocre with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While Kyler Murray, who signed a 1-year deal after 7 years in Arizona, will battle McCarthy for the starting job.
No matter who the quarterback is, both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will get their fair share of catches. And, you add the running attack of both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, the offense will get their yards.
Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores will lead the defense, which will be led by players Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. If the defense can repeat as a top 5 defense, the sky’s the limit for the Minnesota Vikings.
Overall Thoughts:
The NFC North is a division that gets slept on by fans and experts when looking at this division. This division, I feel, just like last year, can have all 4 teams finish above 500, but it will be determined on the football field. These NFC North games will be competitive and fun to watch during the 2026 NFL Season.
