And so it begins….

I figured at some point late this summer the media would get around to actually looking at the rosters.

Still a chance today to bank some coin:

NFC North Division Odds Trend

• Detroit Lions: +145 to +180 (Division Favorite)

• Green Bay Packers: +215 to +270

• Chicago Bears: +305 to +310

• Minnesota Vikings: +500 to +510 (Implied probability ~19%)

StickierBuns wrote:

I hate this guy, but the national media is starting to sniff around more and more recently…https://x.com/realskipbayless/status/2095160620509520234?s=46&t=ohFAAgt56m6anXyDpx1btQ

Controversial viewpoints get clicks. Skip Bayless every time.

purplefaithful wrote:

Still a chance today to bank some coin:

NFC North Division Odds Trend
Detroit Lions: +145 to +180 (Division Favorite)
Green Bay Packers: +215 to +270
Chicago Bears: +305 to +310
Minnesota Vikings: +500 to +510 (Implied probability ~19%)

This is a good example of what I'm talking about. Let's take a look at the Lions.

They still haven't replaced Frank Ragnow. The guy they brought in to do that (Cade Mays) is out until midseason. The guy they currently have playing center is Juice Scruggs, who played guard last year for the Texans. He graded as the 78th best guard of 81. Their left guard can run block, but he had a 40.7 pass blocking grade. As unimpressive as Will Fries was for us last year, he was still miles better than that. Their right tackle is a rookie. Like our rookies, he should settle in over time, but he's going to get beaten a lot too, especially early.

Their secondary will be vulnerable with Pro Bowler Brian Branch on IR. All Pro Kirby Joseph is on IR as well with a chronic knee issue that may keep him out well past 4 weeks.

Look, I'm not saying the Lions are bad. They have the NFL's easiest schedule, so I expect them to be right there with us, the Bears and the Packers. There are 4 good teams in the north. I just don't think people pay enough attention to depth charts, injuries and suspensions when it comes to setting odds and making predictions.

MaroonBells wrote:

This is a good example of what I'm talking about. Let's take a look at the Lions.
They still haven't replaced Frank Ragnow. The guy they brought in to do that (Cade Mays) is out until midseason. The guy they currently have playing center is Juice Scruggs, who played guard last year for the Texans. He graded as the 78th best guard of 81. Their left guard can run block, but he had a 40.7 pass blocking grade. As unimpressive as Will Fries was for us last year, he was still miles better than that. Their right tackle is a rookie. Like our rookies, he should settle in over time, but he's going to get beaten a lot too, especially early.
Their secondary will be vulnerable with Pro Bowler Brian Branch on IR. All Pro Kirby Joseph is on IR as well with a chronic knee issue that may keep him out well past 4 weeks.
Look, I'm not saying the Lions are bad. They have the NFL's easiest schedule, so I expect them to be right there with us, the Bears and the Packers. There are 4 good teams in the north. I just don't think people pay enough attention to depth charts, injuries and suspensions when it comes to setting odds and making predictions.

The Lions have the easiest schedule, however. That helps a lot.

Last year, everyone loved the vikings. Just needed average QB play to drive the car. This year, everyone's back healthy, we're playing a 3rd place schedule, and we have an actual average QB with a track record, and we're chopped liver.

I think its a crapshoot for the NFCN crown.

Important stat: Kevin O'Connell averages 13.5 wins in even numbered years. 2026 is an even numbered year. 😁

MaroonBells wrote:

This is a good example of what I'm talking about. Let's take a look at the Lions.
They still haven't replaced Frank Ragnow. The guy they brought in to do that (Cade Mays) is out until midseason. The guy they currently have playing center is Juice Scruggs, who played guard last year for the Texans. He graded as the 78th best guard of 81. Their left guard can run block, but he had a 40.7 pass blocking grade. As unimpressive as Will Fries was for us last year, he was still miles better than that. Their right tackle is a rookie. Like our rookies, he should settle in over time, but he's going to get beaten a lot too, especially early.
Their secondary will be vulnerable with Pro Bowler Brian Branch on IR. All Pro Kirby Joseph is on IR as well with a chronic knee issue that may keep him out well past 4 weeks.
Look, I'm not saying the Lions are bad. They have the NFL's easiest schedule, so I expect them to be right there with us, the Bears and the Packers. There are 4 good teams in the north. I just don't think people pay enough attention to depth charts, injuries and suspensions when it comes to setting odds and making predictions.

Glad it isn't just me. With a mess of an o-line, lost 1/2 of their backfield, lossed on D and no genius OC, teams don't fear them anymore. They finish last in the division IMO. Unless they cleanup on the easy schedule and sneak past the Packers.

Bears and Vikings battle for 1st in my book.

The #Vikings are the favorites over the #Packers in week 1 according to the NFL picks crew. pic.twitter.com/LgipckzYGi

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) September 2, 2026

I mean, if someone really believes in Kyler Murray, it’s not a shock they’d pick the Vikings to win the North. The Vikings entire season hinges on how well he plays and how much effort he decides to put in.

Kyler Murray wasn’t a top-10 QB during his Cardinals tenure. I asked former backup Chris Streveler if Kyler has the requisite talent to get there with the Vikings.

“For sure. He’s got the ability, and he’s done it before, right? He’s shown that he can do it. In terms of guys… pic.twitter.com/R7eLn72zZE

— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) September 2, 2026