NFC North Standings Predictions for 2023 Season - Green Bay Packers Favored

NFC North Standings Predictions for 2023

The NFC North was one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL during the 2022 season. Heading into 2023, expectations are high for another tight race to the top. Here are some predictions for how the NFC North standings will shake out next season.

1. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have won the NFC North four years in a row and will be hungry to keep their streak alive in 2023. Despite trading away star wide receiver Davante Adams last offseason, the Packers still finished with a 13-4 record behind the stellar play of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers returning for at least one more year, Green Bay remains the team to beat in the division.

The Packers will need to address holes on both sides of the ball this offseason. Adding offensive weapons for Rodgers should be a priority, as well as reinforcements for the defensive front seven. If Green Bay can fill some of those needs either through free agency or the draft, they should emerge as NFC North champs once again.

2. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings were one of the surprise stories of 2022, going 13-4 under first-year head coach Kevin O'Connell and making the playoffs. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson has emerged as a superstar, giving quarterback Kirk Cousins an elite weapon. But the Vikings still have flaws on defense that got exposed down the stretch.

Minnesota is projected to be right behind Green Bay in the standings again in 2023. For the Vikings to overtake the Packers, they need to continue building a formidable defense around standouts like Za'Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter. With O'Connell and Cousins leading the offense, Minnesota should be a playoff contender once more next season.

3. Detroit Lions

After going 3-13-1 in 2021, the Detroit Lions were one of the most improved teams in 2022 under head coach Dan Campbell. The Lions finished 9-8 and were in playoff contention until late in the season behind a high-scoring offense led by quarterback Jared Goff. While they still have defensive issues to fix, Detroit seems to finally be building in the right direction.

The key for the Lions in 2023 will be continuing to add playmakers around Goff and second-year receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. If the offense can take another step forward and the defense improves, Detroit could push for a Wild Card spot. The Lions are an emerging team that could make things interesting in the NFC North next season.

4. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears appear headed for another rebuilding year in 2023 after going 3-14 in 2022. There are major questions at quarterback with former first-round pick Justin Fields struggling in his second season. New head coach Matt Eberflus has a defensive background and will prioritize that side of the ball first.

For the Bears to climb out of the NFC North basement, Fields will need to make major strides in his development. Adding offensive playmakers around Fields should be Chicago's top priority this offseason. The defense also needs an influx of talent at all three levels. The Bears are still early in their rebuild, so expectations should remain low for 2023 as they continue constructing their roster.

NFC North Standings Prediction

1. Green Bay Packers

2. Minnesota Vikings

3. Detroit Lions

4. Chicago Bears

The NFC North figures to be highly competitive once again in 2023. The Packers will look to hold off challenges from the rising Vikings and Lions to maintain their stranglehold on the division crown. Meanwhile, the Bears seem likely to bring up the rear again as their rebuild continues. With Aaron Rodgers back for at least one more run in Green Bay, the Packers remain the team to beat. But the NFC North race should come down to the wire with the Vikings and Lions projected to push the Packers to the limit.

FAQs

Who is predicted to win the NFC North in 2023?

The Green Bay Packers are predicted to win the NFC North again in 2023. They have won the division four years in a row and still have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.

Which team is expected to challenge the Packers in 2023?

The Minnesota Vikings with their strong offense led by Justin Jefferson are projected to push the Packers for the division title next