The NFC North is just one of three divisions to not have a team with an over/under win projection in double-digits. While that might be the case, they don’t call it the black-and-blue division for no reason. These four teams are always highly competitive against each other and that should be the case again this year with an unpredictable group. In a division full of questions, let’s see what the NFC North has to offer in 2023.
*Odds via FanDuel
NFL Over/Under Predictions: NFC North Edition
Lions (O/U 9.5)
If the Detroit Lions win the NFC North, it would be the first time since 1993 when it was called the NFC Central. They’ve had some tough years but with Dan Campbell at the helm, that could change. While missing the playoffs last season, they finished over .500 with nine wins. The Lions have the ability to make the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016. Jared Goff had his best year since 2019 and his connection with an explosive Amon-Ra St. Brown is only improving in an offense that added tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Their defense improved as the season went on last year and could even more with their additions. While they might match their win total from last year, meaning they could hit the under, the Lions could still be a team to watch.
Prediction: Under (2023 win total: 9 wins)
Vikings (O/U 8.5)
After going 13-4 and winning the division, an over/under of 8.5 might seem a little low but it might not actually be too far off. The Minnesota Vikings offense looks like it could be one of the best in the league again. Kirk Cousins had the second-most yards in his career in 2022 (4,547) and he’s throwing to what many people think is the best receiver in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, and T.J. Hockenson, who just got paid big money. Losing Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen is notable but they have a lot of firepower, it’s the defense that is concerning. While they brought in Brian Flores as defensive coordinator, there are holes throughout that side of the ball that suggest a bottom-of-the-league defense. The Vikings also finished 2023 with a negative point differential despite a 13-win season. It’s hard to see them replicate success like that again.
Prediction: Under (8 wins)
Packers (O/U 7.5)
At 25.5 years old, the Green Bay Packers have the youngest average roster age of any team in the NFL. With that being said, they’ve shaped their roster to fit a competitive team. Their goal was to become fast and athletic and that’s exactly what they achieved. While Green Bay is young, they also have talent. The Jordan Love era has arrived after sitting three years under one of the best quarterbacks of all time. In that time, he’s built a serious connection with Romeo Doubs while having Christian Watson. While this young offense is trying to figure things out, it can rely on the two-headed monster of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. This Packers’ defense can be top-10 if they live up to their potential, led by All-Pro Jaire Alexander. With one of the easiest schedules in the league, there’s a real path to the Love era starting out over .500.
Prediction: Over (9 wins)
Bears (O/U 7.5)
The Chicago Bears did everything in their power this offseason to ensure improvement in 2023 and, at least on paper, have. They’ve aided Justin Fields with a legitimate number-one receiver by trading for D.J. Moore and have bolstered the offensive line. The Bears are hoping that develops him as a passer while still being lethal in the run game, rushing for over 1,000 yards last season. Their offense should be better but the defense remains in serious question. Chicago had the worst defense in 2022 and hasn’t done much to significantly improve that. They did add some good pieces but not enough to mask their issues from the front line to the secondary. While the Bears are taking steps forward, it’s hard to take the over after a 3-loss season.
Prediction: Under (7 wins)
Other Division Over/Under Predictions:
AFC East
AFC West
AFC North
AFC South
NFC East
NFC West
NFC South
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
