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The NFC North Division is an intriguing division to pick.
The season opened with a rivalry game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Beats on opening week. The Packers won an unexpected low-scoring 10-3 game. Instead of watching Rodgers weave his offensive magic, it was the Green Bay quarterback who watched his defense hold the Bears to only three points in their season opener.
The Bears opened as the betting favorites to repeat as NFC North Division champions but after that defeat, they have slid to the second spot with Green Bay now as the favorites to win the division this season
Here are the latest NFL Betting odds to win the NFC North Division this season from Titanbet.com:
- Green Bay Packers +160
- Chicago Bears +200
- Minnesota Vikings +200
- Detroit Lions +1600
Who Are The Favorites?
After an injury-plagued 2017, the Green Bay Packers were so happy to have Aaron Rodgers play under the center during the entire 2018 season. But despite Rodgers’ presence, the Packers won just six games last season, their fewest in a decade. As a result, Mike McCarthy was fired as head coach and Matt LeFleur was hired to bring back the glory in Green Bay. With veteran tight end Jimmy Graham, tailback Aaron Jones and a crew of talented young receivers, Rodgers has an offense that has enough talent for him to weave his magic. He will have to do so though without Randall Cobb and Clay Matthews.
The Chicago Bears had a very successful 2018 season but it ended in disappointment with kicker Cody Parker’s double-doink that ousted them from the playoffs. Given that it was just Matt Nagy’s first season as head coach, there is a lot to be optimistic about this season. Their defense should be their best asset again this season although they lost a key defensive player in safety Adrian Amos. Ha-ha Clinton Dix and Buster Skrine have moved to Chicago from Green Bay and New York this summer. On offense, the Bears lost running back Jordan Howard but they drafted Iowa State’s David Montgomery who may be better. They also picked up wide receiver Riley Ridley to give Mitch Trubisky more targets this season.
The Minnesota Vikings went from preseason Super Bowl favorite to an 8-7-1 team that was considered as one of the biggest disappointments of the NFL’s 2018 season. But after suffering no major losses in free agency, Minnesota should have a cohesive unit this season. Kirk Cousins threw for 4,298 yards with 30 touchdowns while Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen combined for 18 touchdowns and 2,394 yards. To improve their offensive line, the Vikings drafted center Garrett Bradbury and tight end Irv Smith in the first two rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Last season, the Detroit Lions had their fewest wins since 2012 with six. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson was out for the year and it was a rough start to the Matt Patricia era. Detroit spent plenty of money to pick up edge-rusher Trey Flowers but he has never had a double-digit sack season in his entire career so I’m not sure about that signing. Tight end T.J Hockenson at #8 in the draft is a good addition to the team but one could argue that the Lions had other needs which they could’ve filled. Matthew Stafford is in his 11th season and his window is fast closing. He has a new receiver in Danny Amendola whom they picked up from Miami but I’m not sure if Detroit will be any better this coming season.
Who Wins?
The Chicago Bears won this division last season and they head to the current one boasting of the same kind of defense that helped them dominate in 2018. However, the Bears have the 5th toughest schedule in the league and that could be to their disadvantage. The Packers have a healthy Aaron Rodgers but the man is already 36 years old and they have a new head coach in Matt LaFleur. The Vikings have the continuity to make a playoff run but with the 10th hardest schedule in the league, they are likely going to come up short in winning the NFC North division this season. As for the Lions, well they are longshots to win and I don’t think they will be a threat.
When I look at all the scenarios, I go back to Aaron Rodgers and his winning pedigree. I think a healthy Aaron Rodgers is going to make the difference this year and if he can work well with Matt LaFleur, I think the Green Bay Packers have all the tools to win the division this season. I think Chicago will be their closest rival this year and while I believe that the Bears’ defense will be elite this year, I don’t think they will be exactly as good as they were a year ago. That said, I’m picking the Green Bay Packers to win the NFC North Division in 2019. Prediction: Green Bay Packers
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