In Detroit, the Lions are looking to rebound from a 9-8 season with the help of new Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing, who spent 2014-19 as an assistant coach with the Vikings.
Detroit won't be caught by surprise in the trenches this season, not after adding center Cade Mays to solve the issues in the interior, then signing Larry Borom and Ben Bartch as depth additions and acquiring Juice Scruggs in a deal that sent David Montgomery to Houston. Yes, this is now Jahmyr Gibbs' backfield, and hopefully, the offseason efforts are enough to get the ground game back on track. Three new defensive backs — Roger McCreary, Chuck Clark and Christian Izien — should bring the same needed depth to that side of the ball.
Shook evaluated Green Bay, noting Head Coach Matt LaFleur "willingly reset" the Packers offense and changed up the receiving corps.
It's a necessary refresh for a team that admittedly felt stale in 2025 and repeatedly failed to deliver in the biggest late-season moments (at Denver, plus two losses in Chicago). The talent remains … but the trust isn't quite there for the Packers as of now. That can change quickly.
When all is said and done? The NFC North looks poised for another close race.
At the outset of last season, three of the four member clubs were seen as legitimate threats to win the NFC North and embark on Super Bowl pursuits. The one team most didn't take seriously ended up winning the division. A battle royale awaits in the North.
Check out Shook's full division rankings here.