Adam New’s NFC North Predictions for 2026

The NFC North is as competitive as a division gets in the NFL. It proved so again last season when the Lions fell to last place after winning back-to-back division titles. It’s not an easy division to predict – last year the Vikings’ third-place finish was all that I got right – but I’m going to give it a go.

Adam New’s NFC North Predictions for 2026

In 2025, the Bears won the division with 11 wins, just two more than the other three teams in the division, all of whom had 9 wins. The Bears and Lions both only won two games inside the division, while the Packers and Vikings had four wins in the division. I expect the division to be hotly contested again.

1st Place – Detroit Lions 

Win-Loss Record: 12-5

Key Additions: C Cade Mays, OT Blake Miller, RB Isiah Pacheco, DE DJ Wonnum, LB Devin White, CB Roger McCreary, DE Derrick Moore.

The loss of both coordinators to head coaching roles saw the Lions take a bump back down to earth as they went from “first to worst” last season. They still have a roster full of talent that would be the envy of most teams across the league. It’s an important season for Dan Campbell to prove he can do it with different coordinators, and they have the advantage of the fourth-place schedule this year. 

Their once dominant offensive line isn’t what it used to be and new arrivals Cade Mays and Blake Miller need to help them get back to where they once were. Detroit has added depth to their squad but no “wow factor” signings; however, the squad in place is strong enough to win the division and make a deep playoff run.

2nd Place – Minnesota Vikings

Win-Loss Record: 10-7

Key Additions: QB Kyler Murray, WR Jauan Jennings, FB Max Bredeson, DT Caleb Banks, CB James Pierre, LB Jake Golday

Can a Kyler Murray-led offense help the Vikings to one extra win in 2026? That’s the question. The rest of the offense is full of talent, as long as the offensive line isn’t as ravaged with injury as it was last season. Minnesota should be massively improved on offense.

They managed to reach nine wins last season largely due to Brian Flores’ defense. The DC was passed over in another head coaching cycle meaning he’s back in Minnesota for another year. The Vikings lost their top edge rusher Jonathan Greenard but the success of the Flores defense has never been about star players and the Vikings have Dallas Turner ready to step up.

It’s a tough division but Kevin O’Connell’s team has enough to compete, and if they can get at least three wins from the divisional games. There should be enough wins in the rest of the schedule to get them to 10 wins without the need for causing any major surprises.

3rd Place: Chicago Bears

Win-Loss Record:  9-8

Key Additions: C Garrett Bradbury, C Logan Jones, WR Kalif Raymond, WR Zavion Thomas, LB Devin Bush, S Dillon Thieneman, DT Neville Gallimore

Ben Johnson had an excellent first season as a head coach in Chicago, but there were only two wins inside the division and they were aided by a last-place schedule. This year they have the extra games from first-place teams from last season – Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles. The marquee signing this year is linebacker Devin Bush who will add some top-level coverage in the middle of the field as well as solid run defense.

There are two key areas for Chicago when it comes to maintaining what they achieved last season. Firstly, can Johnson continue to help Caleb Williams develop as a QB. Secondly, can the Bears defense keep the high level of turnovers they created in 2025? I’m not sure about Williams but Johnson’s ability to make an offense efficient with what he has should keep the offense competitive. Chicago’s defense created 33 turnovers last season, that is a staggering number and it’s very unlikely they can repeat that, which is why I have them regressing slightly.

4th Place – Green Bay Packers

Win-Loss Record: 8-9

Key Additions: WR Skyy Moore, DE Javon Hargrave, LB Zaire Franklin, DT Chris McClellan, CB Benjamin St-Juste, CB Brandon Cisse

The Green Bay Packers went big on the trade for Micah Parsons last season, which ultimately didn’t work out because of serious injury. It left Green Bay without much power to add to their roster this offseason and a lot resting on the shoulders of Parsons this year. Matt LaFleur has always had his team competitive since becoming the Packers head coach, making the playoffs in six out of seven seasons.

It’s been a few years now since the Packers made any noise in the playoffs and LaFleur is under pressure. It feels like a mediocre season waiting to happen in Wisconsin that could ultimately lead to the end of the LaFleur era. The Packers have some good players and they will get 8/9 wins but with the lack of reinforcements this offseason I’m not seeing more than that.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.