NFL 2024 NFC North Analysis, Preview & Predictions: Will the Detroit Lions repeat?

The Vikings wrapped up the season with a 7-10 record and a -18-point differential, which isn't bad considering they lost Kirk Cousins to a season-ending injury in Week 8. It's safe to say that head coach Kevin O'Connell squeezed every bit of potential out of last year's squad, especially after they clinched the division with a stellar 13-3 record in 2022.

The Minnesota Vikings have had a rollercoaster of an offseason, beginning with Cousins' departure for the Atlanta Falcons. That raised questions about standout receiver Justin Jefferson's future with the franchise before he signed a new contract, but the Vikings were aggressive to draft a franchise quarterback in Michigan's JJ McCarthy to compete for the starting spot heading into 2024. Even better, they may have picked the best defensive player in the draft when Alabama's edge rusher Dallas Turner joined them.

Both players are set to accelerate their rebuilding process, potentially turning them into serious division contenders down the road. Given this context, the Vikings might be flying under the radar this season. With a Vegas win total set at 6.5, merely matching last year's performance would surpass expectations. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if they managed to secure a Wildcard spot.

The Bears are a popular pick, and it's not hard to see why. Last year, they racked up double-digit wins despite boasting a mediocre side, but they've made substantial improvements to their roster. First and foremost, Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason.

To replace Fields, they drafted 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams first overall out of USC and selecting Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, the 2023 college football receiving yards leader, ninth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, they traded a fourth-round pick to acquire six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers.

They also forked out a three-year deal worth a maximum of $24 million to acquire free-agent D'Andre Swift, who is coming off a career year with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding more tools to Williams' disposal by signing veteran receiver Keenan Allen and .

These new acquisitions join standout wideout DJ Moore, whose 1,364 receiving yards in 2023 ranked sixth in the entire NFL. Although they aren't quite ready enough to win the division or make a serious Super Bowl push, they can well make the playoffs with double-digit wins.

Jordan Love cemented his place as the Green Bay Packers' franchise quarterback in his first year as full-time starter. Love threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 64.2 percent completion rate in 17 starts, which allowed Green Bay to sneak into the postseason as the NFC's No. 7 seed. He posted those numbers with one of his top wide receivers, Christian Watson, missing eight games.

After a solid performance in 2023, Love will most certainly continue to grow into a elite starter. The Packers drafted Jordan Morgan from Arizona Cardinals in the first round to boost their offensive line, Texas A&M's stud linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in the second. They also added veteran running back Josh Jacobs and rookie third-round tailback MarShawn Lloyd to help balance the offense.

If the Packers' defense, stacked with recent first-round talent, performs to its full potential under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and with an easy schedule to kick off the year, this team should rack up 10 or more wins.

After years of wallowing in mediocrity, the Lions have achieved the unthinkable and have put together a team that outclassed everyone last season. Their future looks bright as they are the unanimous favorites to win the division for a second year in a row. They confirmed their status as a worthy contender, rather than a mere flash in the pan, by winning the division title by three games, followed by their run to the conference championship game.

This offseason they clearly had a focus on improving their cornerback position. They signed Amik Robertson, acquired Carlton Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and chose Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. with its first two draft picks.

The Lions' offense has consistency, with play-caller Ben Johnson turning down head-coaching offers to stay in Detroit for a third season. They lost wide receiver Josh Reynolds to free agency, but his departure may provide more opportunity for 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams. Detroit lost guards Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Jonah Jackson to free agency, but signed Kevin Zeitler.