Adam New’s NFC North Predictions for 2025
The NFC North lived up to its reputation as a tough, competitive division in 2024.
At one point, onlookers wondered if all four teams could make the playoffs before the Chicago Bears fell away. The Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers did make their way to the postseason—although all disappointingly fell at the first hurdle.
Adam New’s NFC North Predictions 2025
The 2025 season promises to be hotly contested again, with all four teams eyeing playoff football. In addition to tough divisional games, the four teams from the NFC East and AFC North are on each team’s schedule. The NFC North teams have some of the toughest schedules in the league this season. Here are my thoughts on each team and my predictions for how things will pan out (my 2024 predictions for transparency).
1st Place – Green Bay Packers
Win-Loss Record: 12-5
Key Additions: WR Matthew Golden, G Aaron Banks CB Nate Hobbs LB Isaiah Simmons WR Savion Williams
The Packers have a good all-around team that hasn’t seen huge changes over the offseason. It’s that continuity that has me favoring them to win the division. One win better than the 11 wins that saw them take third place last season will be enough, as I see both the Lions and Vikings taking a dip this season.
A lot will be on the shoulders of rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, as Green Bay needs a genuine standout WR1 to take some of the pressure off of Josh Jacobs and the rushing attack. If that all comes together with the Packers’ strong defense, then they should have enough to be playing playoff football again in 2025. I stop short of calling them genuine Super Bowl contenders.
2nd Place – Detroit Lions
Win-Loss Record: 11-6
Key Additions: CB D.J. Reed, CB Avonte Maddox, DT Tyleik Williams, G Tate Ratledge, WR Isaac TeSlaa
The Lions made a big signing in cornerback D.J. Reed, but this season is all about who they have lost. As success often does, it has led to both coordinators in Detroit leaving for head coaching positions. What will this mean for the Lions? Well, we are about to find out. I don’t expect Dan Campbell’s team to suddenly become terrible but I do expect there to be issues, particularly early in the season.
Add in the first place schedule that sees the Lions come up against the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on top of the tough schedule the rest of the division faces. It promises to be a difficult season for the Lions; however, I do still think they will have enough to make the playoffs. Aidan Hutchinson will help their cause.
3rd Place – Minnesota Vikings
Win-Loss Record: 11-6
Key Additions: C Ryan Kelly, G Will Fries, G Donovan Jackson, RB Jordan Mason, DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, CB Isaiah Rodgers, CB Jeff Okudah
The Vikings have a roster that is ready to compete but a quarterback who has never taken a snap in an NFL regular season game. So much is resting on the shoulders of J.J. McCarthy. If he can be a solid starting-caliber QB, Minnesota can make some serious noise this season.
However, expecting there not to be bumps in the road for a young QB in his first season wouldn’t be reasonable. Considerable resources have been used to give the Vikings the best offensive line they’ve had in some time, giving McCarthy the best possible chance.
The Vikings should be able to lean on their defense which promises to be one of the best in the league – especially if they can cover better in the secondary this season. With the interior defensive line beefed up with the signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, Minnesota will hope to be more dominant at the line of scrimmage (possibly without needing to blitz, putting less pressure on the secondary). Continuity at the coaching positions is a big plus for the Vikings that should also give them an advantage. One thing that does need to change this season for Minnesota is the five-game losing streak against the Lions.
4th Place – Chicago Bears
Win-Loss Record: 8-9
Key Additions: C Drew Dalman, G Joe Thuney, G Jonah Jackson, WR Luther Burden III, TE Colston Loveland, DT Grady Jarrett, DT Shemar Turner, DE Dayo Odeyingbo
Ben Johnson was the new young offensive mind that teams wanted after his success in Detroit during his time as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. It was Chicago who tempted him into a job that starts with guiding last year’s number one pick – Caleb Williams – into realizing his potential. Williams did alright in his rookie season but the Bears needed to give him a better offensive line to play behind. Accordingly, they brought in Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson.
A couple of playmakers were added high in the draft and the has been a strengthening of an already good defense. The Bears’ roster looks strong but they are playing catch-up in a very strong division. Only eight wins might not be what Bears fans want to hear but if it’s done competitively it can equal a good first season as head coach for Johnson. A foundation for them to build from. If Johnson can get the offense clicking quickly this will be a dangerous team that could make a big impact this season.
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