Packers could be set up to reclaim the NFC North as relevant people see bad things coming for the Vikings and Lions

The Green Bay Packers have dominated the NFC North since the NFL realignment in 2002. However, things have been much tougher over the past three years. With the ascension of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, the Packers have not won the division since 2021. This past season, both the Lions and the Vikings finished […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur celebrates while walking off the field following the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field.
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The Green Bay Packers have dominated the NFC North since the NFL realignment in 2002. However, things have been much tougher over the past three years. With the ascension of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, the Packers have not won the division since 2021.

This past season, both the Lions and the Vikings finished the regular season ahead of the Packers, even though all three made the playoffs and were one-and-done in the postseason.

Nevertheless, Green Bay can have a huge opportunity to reclaim the division in 2025 for multiple reasons. ESPN invited several relevant football analysts for a predictions roundtable, and many of them expect a regression from Detroit and Minnesota next season.

Detroit Lions

Pamela Maldonado, sports betting analyst: Losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators presents a major challenge, as history shows teams often struggle in similar situations. While the Lions are loaded with talent, these coaching changes could shrink the gap between them and the rest of the NFC North.

Lindsey Thiry, national NFL reporter: When you are as good as the Lions were in 2024 (right up until that early playoff exit), your coaching staff gets raided. So expect to see some growing pains early, and maybe some fatigue after failing in two straight emotional playoff runs, before they come to and surge down the stretch again.

Field Yates, NFL analyst: The Lions are going to be excellent next season, but when you tie for the most wins in the NFL, you have the most room to fall. They're my early pick to win the NFC North, but it could be through a 12-5 season as opposed to a 15-2 season.

Minnesota Vikings

Jeremy Fowler, national NFL reporter: A slight step back. They will remain playoff-caliber, but it's tough to replicate a 14-win season when several key free agents are poised to leave and the offense could be breaking in a new quarterback.

Jason Reid, Andscape senior NFL writer: So many things went right for them in 2024. It's difficult to imagine they will have as many things break their way, especially with a potential change at quarterback.

Mike Tannenbaum, NFL analyst: Sam Darnold played extremely well in 2024. But whether it's him or J.J. McCarthy as the starter in 2025, it will be hard to replicate that kind of quarterback success.

Coaching changes, questionable quarterback situation, overachievers. For different reasons, it's fair to expect that the Lions and Vikings will have worse seasons in 2024. And the Packers have a stable staff with Matt LaFleur and Jeff Hafley, a set future at quarterback with Jordan Love, and the young roster has the potential to evolve and play better.

It's difficult to predict a season so much time ahead of the games. But the Packers have a huge opportunity in front of them, and the offseason will be key to determine how strong the roster will be.

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