The NFC North had a dramatic 2026 season with the Chicago Bears making a significant leap from last to first place, largely thanks to their new head coach Ben Johnson, who led them to an 11-6 record. In contrast, the Detroit Lions struggled following the departure of key coordinators, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. The Green Bay Packers continued their trend of mediocrity as the No. 7 seed, making a splashy but potentially costly trade for star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings faced quarterback turmoil, ending the season with a disappointing 9-8 record, having replaced Sam Darnold with J.J. McCarthy, who struggled to perform.

By the Numbers
  • The Bears finished 11-6, their first playoff win in 15 years.
  • The Lions missed the playoffs after a 9-8 season, their worst outcome since 2022.
  • The Packers are projected for under 10.5 wins, facing the third-toughest schedule.
  • The Vikings set their win total at 8.5, with Kyler Murray likely starting as QB.
Yes, But

While the Bears are trending upward, their record of seven comeback wins in late-game situations raises concerns about regression. Additionally, the Vikings' QB issue is compounded by Sam Darnold’s success elsewhere, while the Packers' losses in key positions undermine their competitiveness. Thus, fans shouldn't overlook these potential setbacks for each team.

State of Play
  • Bears lead with the toughest strength of schedule, raising caution despite their optimistic record.
  • Lions boast the sixth-easiest schedule, potentially aiding their rebound effort.
  • Packers face significant losses on both offense and defense, impacting their chances.
  • Vikings' new additions aim to bolster previous weaknesses from last season.
What's Next

As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on whether the Bears can sustain their momentum against a tough schedule. The Lions hope to leverage their favorable schedule to improve their standing, while the Packers must address their roster gaps. The Vikings, with quarterback Kyler Murray, will look to find a rhythm early in the season to avoid falling behind.

Bottom Line

The NFC North is in a transitional phase where teams must pivot strategically. Chicago and Detroit are poised for contrasting trajectories, while Green Bay faces challenges that could see them decline. Minnesota’s gamble with Murray could be either a game-changer or another misfortune, making the division one to watch closely this season.