We’ve now entered the summer, when news and updates about our favorite team are scarce until training camp. So…what’s a DN contributor to do? How about a look at the NFC North for 2026? That works!
I’ve already made my prediction for the good guys this upcoming season: 12-5 (this time I’m serious!). That would be good for first place in the NFC North and certainly in the discussion for the conference’s sole playoff bye. But what about our rivals? Let’s break it down.
1st Place – Minnesota Vikings (12-5)
(NFC North Champs)
Key additions (FA): QB Kyler Murray; CB James Pierre; WR Jauan Jennings; OT Ryan Van Demark; P Johnny Hekker.
Key additions (Draft, RDS 1-2): Rd1 DL Caleb Banks, Rd2 LB Jake Golday
Key losses: EDGE Jonathan Greenard (traded); DL Jonathan Allen; DL Javon Hargrave; WR Jalen Nailor; S Harrison Smith (TBD)
Reasons for optimism: The Vikings went 9-8 and missed the playoffs by ½ a game, despite having the most inconsistent quarterback play since 2013, or perhaps even 2007. Even then, those offenses were built around Adrian Peterson. KOC is KOC, so the offense should be a heck of a lot better than their 20.2 ppg in 2025. The addition of Jauan Jennings could make this offense outright scary.
Brian Flores is back, which means an elite defense will take tremendous pressure off the offense. I don’t envision this team in many shootouts. A mere 20 points should be enough to win plenty of games. Losing Greenard stinks, but the combo of Dallas Turner and perhaps a training camp addition of a proven pass rusher should be enough to fill the considerable gap. Cornerback James Pierre could be another under-the-radar signing that pays huge dividends, similar to Isaiah Rodgers.
We have that somewhat predictable, if tedious, “make-the-playoffs, miss-the-playoffs” year-to-year pattern in our favor in 2026.
Last, but certainly not least, we have Will Reichard’s unmatched aura in a revenge storyline arc after “Wiregate” that would make John Wick blush.
Reasons for concern: Beyond being the Minnesota Vikings, which is always a reason for concern because the team is nearly 50 years removed from its last Super Bowl appearance, the biggest cloud of potential doom hanging over the 2026 season is the simple fact that we only know what we know.
I certainly believe, and the consensus seems to agree, that Kyler Murray’s underwhelming tenure with the Arizona Cardinals was more a matter of the franchise failing an incredibly talented quarterback than the other way around. That said, I’ve seen the opposing view on more than one occasion. He is 38-48-1 as an NFL starter. That’s all that matters up to this point – winning games. Some offensive talent has been there at WR and TE. KOC, the best 1-2-3 WR duo in the league, and Brian Flores’ defense are factors that should tip the scales dramatically in the positive direction, but we don’t know that as we enter July. All we have is hope, coupled with a proven coaching staff and a strong roster.
While he was 6-4 as a first-time starter and flashed the talent and highlight-reel moments that made him a Top 10 pick, J.J. McCarthy couldn’t stay on the field last season. You can’t assume that will be the case in 2026, whether as the starter or if he’s called into action due to a Murray injury or poor performance. And while there have been whispers and rumors about improved mechanics that are instrumental to long-term success, that’ll need to be seen in extended training camp and preseason reps before it can be comfortably embraced as the new normal. We simply don’t know the extent of McCarthy’s necessary development right now.
2nd Place – Detroit Lions (10-7) (Wild Card)
Key additions (FA): C Cade Mays; RB Isiah Pacheco; DE D.J. Wonnum; CB Roger McCreary, S Christian Izien/Chuck Clark
Key additions (Draft, RDS 1-2): Rd1 OT Blake Miller, Rd2 EDGE Derrick Moore
Key losses: RB David Montgomery; LB Alex Anzalone; CB Amik Robertson
Reasons for optimism: Despite losing key pieces on both sides of the ball, namely Montgomery on offense and Anzalone on defense, the Lions’ core remains very talented – especially on offense. The loss of Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn had the predicted effects, and the drop-off was real. With another offseason to acclimate, both units should see an uptick, though not near 2023-24 levels.
Despite being one of the most injury-plagued teams in the NFL last season in key areas, they still went 9-8 and finished just outside the playoff picture. Given these factors and an advantageous fourth-place schedule, including games against the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals, adding one more victory in 2026 doesn’t seem like a stretch at all.
Reasons for concern: While not a “concern” in a traditional sense, I get the feeling that the Lions’ Super Bowl window may be closed. 2024 seemed to be their magic year and perfect opportunity. Heck, Ben Johnson even stayed to see it through. But, alas, you quickly become a victim of your own success, and that’s what happened here. First, the coaches left, then the tough cap issues hit. Jahmyr Gibbs will be next to get a massive (well-deserved) extension.
The Lions have historically drafted well, which may help them avoid falling below the 8-to-11-win range over the next few seasons, but I’d be shocked if they ever reached the heights of 2023-24 with this current core group. And 2026 will already be Jared Goff’s 11th season—yet another thing to consider.
3rd Place – Chicago Bears (9-8) (Wild Card Mix)
Key additions (FA): S Coby Bryant; LB Devin Bush; C Garrett Bradbury; OT Jedrick Willis, Jr.; DL Neville Gallimore; EDGE Kentavious Street; WR Kalif Raymond
Key additions (Draft, RDS 1-2): Rd1 S Dillon Thieneman; Rd2 C Logan Jones
Key losses: WR DJ Moore; C Drew Dalman; S Kevin Byard; S Jaquan Brisker; LB Tremaine Edmunds; CB Nahshon Wright
Reasons for optimism: Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams’ continued development.Except for completion percentage, Williams improved across every QB metric in 2025. This included seven impressive fourth-quarter comebacks. Ongoing growth is expected in Year 3. Losing DJ Moore is significant, but Johnson should be able to make it work with the weapons he has.
It may take a while to gel, but the defensive additions should improve an otherwise underwhelming unit across the board in 2025. And if Dillon Thieneman is as advertised, it’ll be even worse than Kyle Hamilton because it’s a division rival.
Reasons for concern: I have the Bears falling back to 9-8 because their absolutely ridiculous +22 turnover differential (five more than the 2nd-place Texans) is not going to be repeated. Not even close. This helped the Bears go 8-5 in one-score games last season.
They’re also trading the 4th-place schedule in 2025 for a 1st-place schedule in 2026. This rewards them with games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Given these factors, would two fewer wins seem implausible?
4th Place – Green Bay Packers (7-10) (No Playoffs)
Key additions (FA): DT Javon Hargrave; LB Zaire Franklin; CB Benjamin St-Juste; WR Skyy Moore; QB Tyrod Taylor
Key additions (Draft, RDS 1-2): Rd2 CB Brandon Cisse
Key losses: WR Romeo Doubs; EDGE Rashan Gary; DL Colby Wooden; WR Dontayvion Wicks; OT Rasheed Walker; EDGE Kingsley Enagbare; QB Malik Willis; CB Nate Hobbs; OL Elgton Jenkins; LB Quay Walker
Reasons for optimism: Matt LaFleur’s bunch is nothing if not consistent, sneaking into the 7th and final NFC Wild Card spot for three straight years. Jordan Love is good, but talk of him being the next Patrick Mahomes after 2023 has vanished. They’ve re-signed Christian Watson in hopes that he’ll take the next step into the elite WR1 category, though injury concerns remain. The offense will definitely benefit from the return of Tucker Kraft, who was on the verge of an All-Pro season before an ACL injury.
The defense was solid but far from spectacular in 2025 (11th in ppg, 12th in ypg, 22nd in EPA/Play), but now has to learn a new system under Jonathan Gannon. There could be hiccups. They’ve also lost some important pieces. Micah Parsons now seems unlikely to return in Week 5 as originally planned, so that bears watching.
Reasons for concern: I always strive for honesty in these articles. That’s why it’s hard for me to determine whether the bad vibes I have about the Packers are a result of me hating them with the intensity of a thousand suns or if they’re actually coming from a more objective place. Either way, I see a disappointing 2026 campaign for them. Post-Rodgers LaFleur seems to be in his own 1992-97 Denny Green situation. Good teams, perpetual playoff contenders, but there’s a definite ceiling to the whole thing. Something is just missing; a key piece that would allow them to take the next step. Randy Moss is not on the horizon.
They’ve lost talent in free agency on both sides of the ball. Parsons’ status and return date are uncertain. What’s the pass rush going to look like until mid-to-late October? Whether Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden can replace the reliable Romeo Doubs remains to be seen. There’s an enormous amount riding on Kraft not missing a beat after major knee surgery. There are many potential pitfalls that could send the season sideways for the Cheeseheads.
Now watch them go 15-2 and beat us by 40 in Week 1. Did I mention I really hate the Packers?
CONCLUSION
The NFC North should once again be right in the conversation for the NFL’s best, most competitive top-to-bottom division. It wouldn’t surprise me if two teams make the 2026 playoffs. Even a third is a distinct possibility. The NFC West is legit, but it has to contend with the difficult AFC West, which could hurt its loss columns. The NFC East is unpredictable now that Harbaugh is coaching the Giants, so that’s an unknown. It wouldn’t shock me if the Eagles finally fell back to the pack. It just seems like that entire situation has turned toxic there. The Commanders could win 12 or 6 games. Who knows with them? The Cowboys are coming off back-to-back seven-win seasons. There will be drama – that’s the only guarantee. The NFC South will get its one team in, and that’s it. I’m predicting the New Orleans Saints will emerge as the surprise Cinderella story in the NFC this year.
So how did I do? Let me know what you think in the comments: good, bad, or 2000 NFC Championship Game.
