Lions Ready To Dominate NFC North, But Vikings, Packers Have Skills To Challenge

The NFC North was the strongest division in the NFL last year, and there should not be any back-sliding this year. If the additions the Chicago Bears made on the offensive line by adding OG Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs and C Drew Dalman from the Atlanta Falcons turn out to be legitimate starters who can block for second-year QB Caleb Williams, this team may join the Lions, Vikings and Packers in a fight for the playoffs.

Still, new Bears coach Ben Johnson has a huge job in front of him. He does have a talented roster on his hands, but the Bears were a last-place team in 2024. The Lions are not going anywhere and the Vikings will be at least as strong as they were a year ago when they went 14-3 if J.J. McCarthy can stand up and deliver.

The Packers were a third-place team last year with an 11-6 regular-season record, but Matt LaFleur’s team never reached its full potential. If the Packers show just a little bit of improvement, they could pass the Vikings and challenge the Lions.

Here are the primary strengths of each NFL North team, heading into the start of training camp.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to become head coach of the Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has left to take over the Jets. Both were important, but the trio of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and wide out Jameon Williams with tight end Sam LaPorta is basically unstoppable.

All three are up to the task when asked to block on running play. The trio almost always makes big plays when Jared Goff puts the ball in the air. St. Brown will make the spectacular catch and can leap over the defense, while Williams wins the toughness battle when confronted double coverage. LaPorta is big and strong and could bring home 90 reception

Injuries are the only issue that can slow down the Lions top three receivers.

Vikings have the tools to challenge Lions

The Minnesota Vikings are also loaded at the WR position. Justin Jefferson may be the No. 1 receiver in the league and “little brother” Jordan Addison is a big-play machine. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is a dynamic blocker with excellent hands.

The key to Minnesota’s success this year is with the running game. Aaron Jones had a strong season with 1,138 yard and he should be more effective with Jordan Mason as his backup and defenses that focus on the receivers.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell is going into his fourth year as Minnesota’s head coach, but he has an untested yet ballyhooed quarterback in J.J. McCarthy. The belief is he will get the job done, but let the running game lead the way.

Jones and Mason should both average better than 4.5 yards this season. Each could average more than 1,000 rushing yards this season.

The Green Bay Packers must get an outstanding season from quarterback Jordan Love. There is no doubt that he has earned his position as the team’s “next” QB1. Love had good numbers last year as he completed 268 of 425 yards with 3,389 yards and a 25-=11 TD-interception ratio.

He needs to add 10 TD pass and knock off five interceptions this season. This season will require an increase in Love’s discipline if the Packers are going to challenge the Lions and Vikings

The Bears think they have won the offseason by signing Johnson as their head coach and making veteran leader Dennis Allen the defensive coordinator. Johnson was great as the offensive coordinator of the Lions, but now he must find a way to reach Caleb Williams.

Generally considered to be the most talented quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft class, Williams has arm strength, sees the field well and makes great plays on the run. However, he takes too long to get rid of the ball, and this could frustrate Johnson.

Williams had a 20-6 TD-interception ratio, but his passes often got knocked away because he took too long to let it fly.

The Bears have brought in veteran offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman to help, but Williams can no longer hold the ball for an extra two seconds on any play.