In this new series of articles, I will highlight all divisions in the NFL, give my predictions, and give one difference maker who I think could make the team competitive throughout the season. I will alternate the AFC and NFC, so that means the NFC North is up next. The NFC North isn't going to be very competitive. There is a lone wolf at the top, a team that could be on the bubble, and two scrub teams. I think most prediction articles that you will see will have a similar consensus about this division. Don’t get me wrong, I think it will be an interesting division and I think the rich history of this division alone is worthy enough to keep an eye on. At any moment’s notice, any of these teams can defeat each other regardless of their season standing. With all of that being said, let’s break down the NFC North.

1: Green Bay Packers (12-5)

Aside from Aaron Rodgers’ journey on psychedelics, the biggest storyline out of Green Bay this offseason was the departure of Davante Adams. They also lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling, so their receiving core is definitely going to be short-handed this season. They re-signed Aaron Rodgers to a huge deal and star CB, Jaire Alexander as well. It should be more of the same with the Green Bay Packers. They could be poised for a nice run or an early exit in the playoffs, but unless Rodgers gets hurt this season, expect them to be a tough team regardless of who’s around him. The defense will be strong and expect the run and passing attacks to be strong as well. You definitely don’t want to face Green Bay this winter.

Difference Maker: WR, Allen Lazard

I don’t think there is really another option here for Green Bay. Lazard has some big shoes to fill and he will take on the WR1 role this season for the green and gold. He will be surrounded with solid veteran talent in Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, but Lazard has no choice but to step up and become a star wideout. This will be a make or break season for him and I think he will be up for the challenge.

2: Minnesota Vikings (8-9)

I went very conservative with the Vikings with my prediction. I think they have the potential to win this division, but I’ll have to see it to believe it. With Coach Zimmer gone and Kevin O’Connell in, things are going to change for the Vikings. We may not see immediate results though. It’s no secret that Zimmer was not the best fit from the start and possibly a bit toxic, but that is behind the franchise and with a new regime, it is a fresh start for Minnesota. Cousins is the QB1 and while there has been some uncertainty about him as a franchise QB, I think he can be just good enough for them to potentially make a run. Dalvin Cook is phenomenal, if he can stay on the field and they also have potentially the best WR in football in Justin Jefferson. It will be an interesting season for the Vikes and I already mentioned their potent offense, but how will their defense be? I think they’re potentially good. They’re not great, but they could be really good. My gut tells me that they will be neck-and-neck with Green Bay at the end of the season, but reality tells me that they will be on the bubble around .500.

Difference Maker: LB, Za’Darius Smith

What the Packers lose, the Vikings gain. Za’Darius Smith was a big reason why the Packers defense was great in 2 of the last 3 seasons. He jumped ship to the division rival Vikings this season and he will be a huge difference maker for that defense in 2022. He only played 1 game last season, so he may have to shake a little rust off, but once he finds his groove and if that back holds up, look for him to be a QB-hitting machine yet again.

3: Detroit Lions (5-12)

My gut tells me that the Lions could be a destiny team this season, but I just can’t predict them too high. Their coach, Dan Campbell, is a football guy through-and-through, but they don’t have the team to make a run just yet. They’re well on their way though, and I think they will improve in a lot of ways this season. They had a good draft, snagging Aidan Hutchinson with the second pick and Jameson Williams at 12. Williams will miss a little time but should make his debut in the midst of the season. A lot of people thought that they would draft a QB to potentially replace Jared Goff but that wasn’t the case. He is clearly their guy this season. D’Andre Swift is a monster waiting to break out and Amon-Ra St. Brown surprised a lot of people last season and will look to maintain that momentum. TJ Hockenson will continue to be their safety blanket and DJ Chark will provide much need WR depth. Their O-Line looks potentially great and their defense will definitely be improved from last season. It will be an interesting season for Detroit and I think we could see some flashes of a big momentum swing in the NFC North for the future.

Difference Maker: DE, Aidan Hutchinson

I mentioned him earlier, but the addition of someone of his caliber to a defense is a game-changer. We’ll see how he adjusts to the NFL but I think he will be a monster this season. It will be a letdown if he isn't Defensive Rookie of the Year and I think we could be discussing the Lions as an underrated team this season. Hutchinson could be the guy to help turn things around for Detroit.

4: Chicago Bears (4-13)

I think the Bears will be bad, yet again. I honestly think 4 wins, maybe 5, is the max for Chicago this season. There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding Justin Fields and who will he throw to? Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Velus Jones Jr, Cole Kmet, N’Keal Harry, Equanimeous St. Brown are his targets. With the exception of Kmet, those are backups on average teams. David Montgomery should be fine reprising his RB1 role, but other than that, this offense is completely dead. Also, I know Chicago is known for their defense, but I don’t think this defense is even average. I predicted a max win potential for Chicago and if I go with my gut, I would say they’re more in the 2-3-win range in all honesty. I can't see this team beating any above average team. If there is a way to bet on them getting a Top 5 draft pick, I think that’s about as safe of a bet as you can get.

Difference Maker: TE, Cole Kmet

With Chicago’s awful receiving core, Kmet will be a safety blanket for Justin Fields this season. Kmet’s second NFL was a big step in the right direction and I think he will continue to improve this season. My bold prediction is that he will be the catch leader for the Bears this season and despite not catching a TD last season, I think he will lead the Bears in TD receptions in 2022.

Yacs

AFC North Preview

2022 NFC North Preview