With the 2020 NFL regular season launching this week, we’re breaking down every division in a digestible fashion. Here’s a rundown of the NFC North.
Chicago Bears
2019 result: 8-8, 3rd place
Major additions: QB Nick Foles, Edge Robert Quinn, OL Germain Ifedi, TE Cole Kmet, TE Jimmy Graham
Major losses: LB Nick Kwiatkoski, edge Leonard Floyd, S HaHa Clinton-Dix, CB Artie Burns (IR), DT Eddie Goldman (COVID-19)
Why they could kick ass: Foles has been magic in the past, and at least Khalil Mack has an established pass-rushing partner in Quinn.
Why they could suck: Neither Foles nor Mitchell Trubisky inspires much confidence, and there’s not a lot of elite talent outside of Mack and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks.
2020 prediction: 6-10, 4th place
Detroit Lions
2019 result: 3-12-1, 4th place
Major additions: CB Jeff Okudah, RB D’Andre Swift, OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai, G Jonah Jackson, LB Jamie Collins Sr., DT Danny Shelton, CB Desmond Trufant, S Duron Harmon, DT Nick Williams
Major losses: CB Darius Slay, G Graham Glasgow, LB Devon Kennard, DT Damon Harrison, DT A’Shawn Robinson, OT Rick Wagner
Why they could kick ass: Quarterback Matthew Stafford was one of the five highest-rated passers in the NFL before a back injury ended his season at the midway point in 2019, but he’s healthy again and his offensive line has been retooled.
Why they could suck: Stafford has to stay healthy, they’ve won zero playoff games during his 11-year career, and the defense continues to be a question mark.
2020 prediction: 11-5, 1st place, divisional-round loss
NFL Division Previews
Green Bay Packers
2019 result: 13-3, 1st place, NFC championship loss
Major additions: OT Rick Wagner, LB Christian Kirksey, RB A.J. Dillon, QB Jordan Love
Major losses: LB Blake Martinez, OT Bryan Bulaga, TE Jimmy Graham
Why they could kick ass: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the highest-rated passer in NFL history, and the defense can bring massive heat on the edge.
Why they could suck: Rodgers hasn’t been the same in recent years, his receiving corps lacks elite weapons beyond Davante Adams, and the run defense was a major liability in 2019.
2020 prediction: 9-7, 3rd place
Minnesota Vikings
2019 result: 10-6, 2nd place, divisional-round loss
Major additions: Edge Yannick Ngakoue, WR Justin Jefferson, WR Tajae Sharpe, CB Jeff Gladney, CB Cameron Dantzler
Major losses: WR Stefon Diggs, CB Xavier Rhodes, CB Mackensie Alexander, CB Trae Waynes
Why they could kick ass: Quarterback Kirk Cousins is coming off his best season yet, and he’s surrounded by weapons. The defensive front seven is also one of the best in football.
Why they could suck: The secondary was a mess last year and could be worse in 2020, while the offensive line and receiving depth remain liabilities.
2020 prediction: 10-6, 2nd place
