In an unusual 2019 season for the NFC North, the Chicago Bears wildly under preformed. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings waited too long to make a late season push. For the Green Bay Packers, their defense attempted to carry their roster. Up until Week 5, the Detroit Lions appeared to be one of the elite teams in the NFL. The picture for this division is a little clearer now then it was back then, but not by much.
AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
4. Detroit Lions
Being led into their third year under head coach Matt Patrica, things could be looking better for the Lions. With three losing seasons under his belt, patience is running out in Detroit. The Lions haven’t done enough to improve their chances at taking the NFC North over the offseason, despite some decent talent on the roster to begin with.
Breakout Player – TE T.J. Hockenson
3. Minnesota Vikings
It will probably come as a shock that Minnesota is ranked so low in the division. Minnesota has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball; even after losing wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. That said, the absence of Kevin Stefanski may take a toll. Where does quarterback Kirk Cousins finish this year among his peers? While they have the talent on paper to be successful, that doesn’t necessarily correlate to on-field success.
Breakout Player – WR Justin Jefferson
2. Chicago Bears
The Bears commitment to quarterback Mitch Trubisky is woefully confusing. Led by Kahlil Mack on defense, the Bears could still be a force in their own division. The addition of Robert Quinn appears to be overlooked, but will be a danger to opposing quarterbacks. With Allen Robinson II, Tarik Cohen, and newcomer Cole Kmet making up the offense, the Bears have enough competent pieces around their quarterback to compete.
Breakout Player – RB David Montgomery
1. Green Bay Packers
While I don’t know that Green Bay will be as strong as they were last season, there isn’t an outstanding threat in the NFC North at this time. Aaron Rodgers, 36, is still the best quarterback in the division. The roster built around him is enough to compete for the division title and beyond; despite a disappointing receiver core. With Matt LaFleur going into his second year as head coach, Green Bay will be tough to overthrow.
Breakout Player – LB Rashan Gary
