NFC North
Chicago Bears (8.5): Over (+115) / Under (-135)
What needs to go right: Chicago won the offseason's head-coaching lottery by securing Ben Johnson to head up the franchise. Major improvements to the offensive line, headlined by the acquisitions of Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman, should alleviate the protection concerns that plagued the Bears' offense in 2024. With more time to survey defenses, Caleb Williams should be better equipped to take a step forward in 2025.
What could go wrong: The prevailing issue for the Bears in 2025 isn't so much about where they might falter, but rather what they’re going up against. Chicago faces the fifth-most-difficult schedule next season, primed to battle the AFC North, NFC East and, of course, the toughest division in football last season, the NFC North. With a Week 5 bye, this team will be tested down the stretch, making a four-game improvement over its 2024 record a difficult task.
Bears PFF Projection: Under 8.5 wins (-135)
Detroit Lions (10.5): Over (+110) / Under (-130)
What needs to go right: Even in the wake of Frank Ragnow's retirement, the Lions still possess a strong roster on both sides of the ball. Without their best pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, for a majority of last season, the team's defense posted a top-five PFF grade (77.6) during the regular season. Now, with Hutchinson back in the mix, the unit can hopefully take another step forward with playmakers on all three levels in the form of Jack Campbell and Kerby Joseph, among others.
What could go wrong: Detroit will have to contend with new coordinators on both sides of the ball. To make matters worse, they face the second-most-difficult strength of schedule in the NFL next season, featuring 11 games against playoff teams, including the Ravens, Chiefs, Buccaneers, Commanders, Eagles, Rams and Steelers. And that’s without mentioning their own division.
Lions PFF Projection: Under 10.5 wins (-130)
Green Bay Packers (9.5): Over (+110) / Under (-130)
What needs to go right: Packers faithful have been hungry for a true No. 1 receiver for years, and they finally got one after drafting Matthew Golden in the first round. Golden provides breakneck speed (4.29-second 40-yard dash) and clutch ability. He racked up the most receiving yardage (362) in the 2024-25 College Football Playoff. That talent will give Jordan Love the dynamic receiving threat this offense needed to take a step forward.
What could go wrong: With the recent release of Jaire Alexander, the Packers are in a tough place at cornerback. The secondary will have to contend with newly signed Nate Hobbs and Keisean Nixon on the outside, where both produced sub-62.0 PFF coverage grades last season. In a division with strong play at receiver, that will be a pain point.
Packers PFF Projection: Over 9.5 wins (+110)
Minnesota Vikings (8.5): Over (-135) / Under (+115)
What needs to go right: The Vikings have a lot hinging on the abilities of their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. He profiles as an excellent fit in Kevin O’Connell’s scheme. While the Vikings have surrounded their new signal-caller with a revamped offensive line and strong playmakers, McCarthy’s play will be the pivot point for the team’s success in 2025, but not putting too much on his plate early will be key.
What could go wrong: Like the rest of the division, the Vikings face a difficult 2025 schedule. After a second-place finish in the NFC North last season, Minnesota is stuck with the third-hardest schedule in the NFL in 2025. With a young quarterback in McCarthy, coming off injury and making his first starts as a pro, this will be an uphill battle for a Vikings team that overachieved in 2024.
Vikings PFF Projection: Under 8.5 wins (+115)