Detroit Lions Favored to Win NFC North, Vikings Close Behind
According to DraftKings’ divisional futures, the NFC North is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in the NFL. The Detroit Lions are the betting favorites at +140 odds to win the division, followed closely by the defending champion Minnesota Vikings at +290 odds. The Green Bay Packers are considered the long shots at +400 odds, with the Chicago Bears just ahead of them at +380 odds.
Detroit Lions: On the Brink of History
The Detroit Lions have never won the NFC North title since the division realignment twenty years ago. However, they are poised for a breakout season under head coach Dan Campbell. With a 2022 record of 9-8, the Lions posted their first winning season in four years. They’re determined to make it even further this year by clinching their first division title and winning their first playoff game in over three decades.
During the 2022 season, the Lions exceeded expectations and were profitable for bettors. They had a 12-5 record against the spread and showcased their offensive prowess, ranking fifth in scoring with an average of 26.6 points per game. However, their defense struggled, allowing the third most points in the league. The Lions have made some offseason moves to bolster their defense, signing cornerback Cameron Sutton and defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, while also drafting linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Brian Branch.
With a win total set at 9.5 o/u for the 2023 season, the Lions are looking to build on their success and secure their first NFC North crown.
Minnesota Vikings: Can They Repeat?
The Minnesota Vikings surprised many by winning the NFC North in 2022 with a 13-4 record. However, their postseason run was short-lived as they were eliminated in the first round by the New York Giants. Some question whether their 13-win season was a fluke, as 11 of their games were decided by 8 points or less.
The Vikings were a force to be reckoned with at home, boasting an 8-1 record. However, they face a tough schedule in 2023 and are projected to have a win total of 8.5 o/u. With key home games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers, the Vikings will need to prove they can perform outside of their home turf.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins will once again lead the Vikings’ offense, with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson as his primary target. They’ve also added rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison to their roster. The Vikings are looking to repeat as NFC North champions, but face stiff competition from the Lions and other teams in the division.
Green Bay Packers: Life after Rodgers
The Green Bay Packers enter the 2023 season without Aaron Rodgers for the first time in decades. After a tumultuous relationship, Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets, giving backup quarterback Jordan Love a chance to prove himself as the next franchise quarterback.
Head coach Matt LaFluer is eager to run his own offense without having to defer to Rodgers. The Packers had a rough year in 2022, going 8-9 and missing the playoffs for the first time under LaFluer’s leadership. This season is considered a rebuilding year for the Packers, with a win total set at 7.5 o/u.
While the pressure is on Love to deliver, it’s important to note that Rodgers also had a challenging first season as a starter. The Packers have had success in recent years, winning 13 games in three consecutive seasons prior to 2022. It remains to be seen whether Love can fill the void left by Rodgers and lead the Packers to success in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears: Looking to Bounce Back
The Chicago Bears had a disappointing 2022 season, finishing with a 3-14 record, the worst in the NFL. However, they have quarterback Justin Fields leading the way and made moves in the offseason to improve their roster.
Fields showed promise late in the season under the guidance of rookie head coach Matt Eberflus. The Bears have also strengthened their wide receiver corps and offensive line. They aim to improve upon their win total from last season, which is set at 7.5 o/u.
With a solid group of receivers and a potentially improved offense, the Bears are hopeful for a better showing in the NFC North. Despite their struggles in 2022, oddsmakers give them +400 odds to win the division and +5000 odds to win the Super Bowl.
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