The NFC North had a strong showing last season. As ESPN rounds up, the Packers lost respectably to eventual winners Buccaneers in the playoff, and the rest of the division shaped up very competitively.
In the end, however, the Packers and the Bears came out on top, taking first and second spot respectively. That gives a bit of a hint as to how 2021 is going to commence, though there may be some wildcards in the pack.
Elite pedigree
When it comes to championship pedigree, the Packers and Bears are way out ahead. Sharing seven Superbowl appearances and five wins between them, each franchise has something over their competitors. It’s little surprise to see CBS fill their NFC North preseason MVP team with names from Chicago and Green Bay.
However, history and recent performances suggest that there is value elsewhere in the league.
Vikings surge?
The pre-season all-star team also featured 8 members of the Minnesota Vikings. While not championship winners in the past, they have featured in 4 Superbowls – a real indication as to their staying power, and the potential they have.
With Adam Thielen still going strong, fansite Purple PTSD noting his conversion into a touchdown machine in 2020, the Vikings could be underdogs to make a run on the division title this season, even if they don’t have the knockout power to win the playoffs and a spot in the championship final.
Long-suffering Lions
The Detroit Lions haven’t had much to celebrate in recent years. However, with a new change of coach to Dan Campbell, and a restructuring that brought in a mix of young guns and seasoned professionals, the club are, according to Yahoo Sports, in for a B+ rated year.
That might not sound like much, but if the Lions can continue to build on a promising preseason and get themselves into a solid and stable position, they can start to make waves within the division and have a real impact on where the championship heads in seasons to come.
A division of mixed fates – from powerhouses, to old legends, to franchises just looking to get back on their feet. For supporters across the spectrum, the NFC North is going to provide excitement in abundance in 2021. Keep your eyes peeled, and stay on the edge of your seats.
