The Detroit Lions have dominated the NFC North over the last two seasons.
Between 2023 and 2024, the Lions have gone 10-2 against opponents in their division and won a pair of division titles.
That success has come despite the NFC North becoming the NFL's toughest division last season.
The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings both finished with double-digit wins and the Vikings were fighting for the division until Week 18.
Now things could get even tougher in 2025. The Vikings and Chicago Bears both made major changes to their offensive lines. The Bears also overhauled their coaching staff, bringing in former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their head coach.
The Packers are hoping they finally got Jordan Love a true WR1 to throw the ball to.
Detroit Lions logo at Ford Field
Detroit Lions logo at Ford Field
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Even with how tough the division has become, a longtime Lions rival has predicted that Detroit is going to win the NFC North for a third consecutive year in 2025.
During a recent appearance on the "Bussin With the Boys" podcast, former Packers All-Pro Clay Matthews predicted the Lions would win their division again next season.
I think Detroit. I'm interested to see how buddy from Michigan does for Minnesota. They've obviously got a great team, the Vikings, but Detroit, they've just got that it factor right now until someone dethrones them. The Packers are right there. I think that'll be the best division.
The Lions are currently the popular pick to win the North in 2025. DraftKings Sportsbook has set their line at +140 to win the division.
They are also the betting favorites in five of their six matchups against divisional opponents.
The Lions haven't done much to improve this offseason to maintain the gap between them and the rest of the division, but they should be even better in 2025 than they were in 2024 if they can just stay healthy.
Still, it's surprising to hear a Packers legend predict that the Lions will be the team to win the NFC North this season.