Green Bay Packers haven’t won the National Football Conference North in the last three years and head coach Matt LaFleur thought it is a testament to how difficult this division has become in the past years.
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Detroit Lions fans cheer on against Green Bay Packers during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
Packers won it three straight times from 2019 to 2021. Minnesota Vikings won it in 2022 and then the Detroit Lions bagged the bragging rights as NFC North kings in 2023 and 2024.
LaFleur did not say that winning NFC north is the end goal but he insisted that divisional games are important for them in navigating the season heading into the playoffs.
“The NFC North is an extremely difficult division, that’s why you’ve got to capitalize when you have your opportunities,” LaFleur said during a guesting appearance at Kay Adams’ ‘Up and Adam Show.’
Aug 28, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur jogs on the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Aug 28, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur jogs on the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
“And that starts with winning those in conference games at home or in division games at home.”
Green Bay Packers aren’t the team to beat anymore in NFC
Chicago Bears are making a noise through banters, especially after their win last January over Green Bay. The Minnesota Vikings remain a formidable foe. Both these teams provide extra challenge for the Packers, especially in the past seasons.
While these two can make it hard for the Packers, LaFleur sees Lions as the team to beat in the difficult conference. He thinks the Dan Campbell-coached team is of different class.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hugs wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during warm up before the Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
“I think they’re all important, and I probably have a different perspective than you growing up in the state of Michigan. I grew up in the Barry Sanders era, so that was always entertaining TV, to turn the TV on on Sundays,” LaFleur said in the same show.
“I think they’re all rivals. Detroit, right now, they’re the class of the NFC. I know they didn’t win the Super Bowl, but it’s kind of March Madness when you get to that point.”
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