Last year, the Green Bay Packers finished third in the NFC North with an 11-5 record, which was good enough for them to make the NFL Playoffs as the seventh seed, the final wild card spot. It was an improvement over the record from the 2023 NFL season, Jordan Love’s first as the starting quarterback, when they finished the season 9-8.
However, in 2023, Green Bay also made the NFL Playoffs as a wild card team and even defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the opening round. Last year, though, they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the postseason.
Indeed, while they were 11-5, the Packers were 0-6 (including the postseason) against the Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings. Furthermore, they were just 1-5 against the rest of the NFC North, the division in which they finished third.
But going into 2025, there has been much change within the North, which could greatly affect the final standings this season.
Here, we give our final predictions for the 2025 NFL Season before Week One kicks off.
1. The Green Bay Packers
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Whereas each of their division rivals saw some massive change within their coaching ranks or roster, the Packers were able to, overall, maintain the status quo.
While some may point to the departure of Jaire Alexander as a reason to doubt the team’s defense, the fact of the matter is that the unit played over half their games over the last two seasons without him anyway. Year Two under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley should see players more comfortable in their roles, which should lead to a better pass rush.
The pass rush, of course, received an even bigger boost earlier this week when Green Bay was able to add four-time Pro Bowler Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys.
Additionally, Green Bay should have Love healthy for the whole season this year, something that they did not have in 2024 when he battled through knee and groin injuries. Matthew Golden, their first round wide receiver, will also make the passing game more dynamic and consistent.
NFL Futures and other betting linescan be found here. The Packers are a +260, withrival Detroit Lions at +150. It will all come down to the Divisional games.
2. The Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Josh Jacobs
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) is pursued by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) while running for a first down during the first quarter of their game Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Packers will get their first crack at redemption for their poor showing against the NFC North come Week One when they take on the Detroit Lions, who have won the division in each of the past two seasons, and were 15-2 last year.
But Detroit saw both of their main coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, take head coaching jobs elsewhere in the NFL. Johnson is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears while Glenn is leading the New York Jets, a team he played for during his own NFL career.
There is serious concern that the “brain drain” in Detroit will result in the team taking a step back. They have also seen their Pro Bowl center,Frank Ragnow, announce his retirement this past offseason.
Indeed, the Lions will still be an excellent team in 2025, but not nearly as dominant as they were in the regular season last year.
3. The Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers, Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reacts after the NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
While the Minnesota Vikings, who were 14-3 last season, were able to retain most of their talent, they no longer have Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.
Instead, the Vikings have decided to give the offense over to JJ McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season after tearing his ACL in training camp last year. Wide receiver Jordan Addison will miss some time due to a suspension from the NFL for his legal issues stemming from last year.
Whiletrashtalking Justin Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and can give Minnesota a chance to win on any given Sunday, and while Aaron Jones is coming off one of his best seasons, the fact remains that it is doubtful they can matching their 14-3 record with McCarthy as their quarterback.
4. The Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers, Edgerrin Cooper
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws an incomplete pass as he is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
There was great hope that selecting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft would mean bright days for the long-suffering Chicago Bears franchise. However, they still finished just 5-12 on the season last year.
As mentioned, Chicago hired former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach last season, and there is hope that he will be able to utilize Williams better and improve the Bears offense.
However, there is still concern as to the quality of their offensive line, which could be a major detriment to the team this season. Their defense has talented players, but will be playing in a new scheme and they will need some time to adjust to their new roles.
The fact of the matter is that Chicago has not had a winning season since they went 12-4 in 2018, and have not had a non-losing season since 2020 when they went 8-8. Despite all the changes they have made with their coaches, it is hard to see them ascending to the level of the Packers, Lions, and Vikings in such a short amount of time.
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