NFC North Bold Pre-Draft Predictions For 2026

Every single one of the four NFC North teams finished with a winning record in the 2025 NFL season. Indeed, it could be argued that it is the most competitive division in the entire league, with each team capable of winning the NFC North in 2026.

Fans looking to wager on who will win the NFC North this season can do so at online casinos, such as tonybet sportsbook. There is much discussion amongst bettors in regards to this highly-competitive division, with most sites having the Lions currently listed with the best odds to win at around +155.

Each team in the division is going to look a bit different next season, as is the case every year. With the Draft this week, things can change, but with that in mind, here is one bold prediction for each NFC North team.

1. The Chicago Bears will take a step back in 2026

The Chicago Bears won the NFC North in 2025 with an 11-6 record. They also knocked out the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs.

Ben Johnson led an incredible turnaround in his first season as head coach, but his second year may not be as successful. While the Bears defense led the NFL in turnover differential and interceptions a year ago, they have had to replace virtually their entire secondary and still have done little to improve their pass rush.

Without the same weapons they had last year, they will not experience the same level of success.

2. The Minnesota Vikings will keep Kyler Murray at quarterback beyond this season

A year ago, the Minnesota Vikings made the decision to let Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold walk in free agency in favor of JJ McCarthy, a former top-ten pick who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL.

It was a disaster. Darnold ended up leading the Seattle Seahawks to victory in the Super Bowl and McCarthy had one of the worst seasons as a starter in franchise history.

This off-season Minnesota signed Kyler Murray following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. He will win the starting job for the Vikings and play well enough in 2026 to land a long-term contract from them.

3. The Detroit Lions will finish below .500

Prior to last season, the Detroit Lions were the team to beat in the NFC North. They had won the division in 2023 and 2024, and many thought they would do so again in 2025.

They did not, finishing the year 9-8 and in a tie for third place with the Vikings.

Indeed, Detroit’s Super Bowl window from a few years ago may have closed already. They certainly seemed to miss their former offensive (Ben Johnson) and defensive (Aaron Glenn) coordinators, both of whom are now NFL head coaches elsewhere. With concerns along the offensive line, as well, the Lions may take yet another step back next season.

4. The Green Bay Packers will have a 1,000-yard pass catcher for the first time since 2021

In 2021, Davante Adams had a franchise record 1,553 receiving yards. Following the season, the Packers placed the franchise tag on him, but he informed them he would not play on the tag, nor would he sign a contract extension. As a result, they traded him, and they have not had a 1,000-yard pass catcher since.

They will, though, in 2026, and it could end up being any one of three different players. Christian Watson had 600+ receiving yards last year despite playing just half a season due to his recovery from a torn ACL. Tucker Kraft was on pace to be close to 1,000 receiving yards before the star tight end went down with his own torn ACL after just eight games.

Green Bay parted ways with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks this off-season with the purpose of getting 2025 first round pick Matthew Golden more targets. If he can capitalize on more opportunities, he has the potential to be a 1,000-yard receiver as well.

The post NFC North Bold Pre-Draft Predictions For 2026 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/nfc-north-bold-pre-draft-predictions-for-2026/