If we’re talking about Vegas odds, the Detroit Lions remain the betting favorite to win the NFC North. In fact, the lines aren’t all that close, as it currently stands. As of this week—even after the news of Terrion Arnold’s release—FanDuel Sports still has the Lions as a pretty significant favorite for the division. Here are the odds as of Wednesday:
- Lions: +145
- Packers: +270
- Bears: +310
- Vikings: +500
But it sure doesn’t feel like Lions fans are feeling all that good these days. It’s been a rough offseason full of drama, personnel loss, and underwhelming
news. The Lions are in an era of roster development where they can’t keep everyone and it becomes difficult to add game-changing, high-end talent. And after finishing 9-8 last year, it’s hard to definitively say this team has better personnel than they did last year.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Are the Lions still favorites to win the NFC North?
My answer: I’m not entirely sure, but I know there’s at least one factor heavily working in their favor: the schedule.
While, yes, it’s probably too early to definitively declare Detroit’s schedule will be among the easiest in the league, but it’s hard to imagine it landing among the most difficult. The Saints, Jets, Panthers, Cardinals, Dolphins, Falcons, Titans, and Giants are all currently projected to finish among the worst teams in the NFL this season—and those teams make up half of Detroit’s 2026 schedule. If they take care of their business there alone, we’re almost certainly talking about a season at least as good as 2025, likely much better.
Plus, let us not forget that Detroit’s offense projects to be another top-10 unit. Even with all of last year’s problems with the offensive line and John Morton as offensive coordinator, that unit was still top-10 in almost every efficiency metric. Now both the roster and coaching staff look better on paper, and a top-five offense is certainly not out of the question.
There are certainly a ton of questions on defense, and it’s getting harder and harder to believe they can overcome some serious holes on that side of the ball. As it stands, it’s the biggest reason Detroit may not make a Super Bowl run in 2026.
But is it good enough to win the division? I certainly think it could be.
What do y’all think? Make your pick for NFC North winner in the poll below, and share why in the comment section.
