The Detroit Lions are back-to-back NFC North champions for the first time in franchise history, and they have no intentions of letting that title go in 2025.
But the division has been on the rise for the past few years. The Minnesota Vikings went toe-to-toe with them in 2024, the Packers finished an impressive 12-5 last year, and the Chicago Bears may have hit the reset button this offseason, but their roster is more talented than a typical reboot.
So as we continue to offer our predictions for the 2025 season, it’s time for our selections of the NFC North winner.
Previous 2025 Lions predictions:
Who will win the NFC North in 2025?
John Whiticar: Detroit Lions
The NFC North has significantly improved this offseason, but it also somewhat plays into Detroit’s hand. The Packers sacrificed stalwart run defender Kenny Clark and future draft capital for a pass rusher. The Vikings are starting an essentially rookie quarterback and signed two expensive defensive linemen who struggle against the run. The Bears hired Ben Johnson, a coach that the Lions’ defensive staff will undoubtedly know well. This should still be Detroit’s division to lose.
Max Gerber: Detroit Lions
The other three teams in the division don’t seem like they’ve done enough to unseat the reigning NFC North. The Bears are still the Bears, even with Ben Johnson now in charge. The Vikings essentially have a rookie in McCarthy, who is coming off an injury. The Packers are the only team that will give Detroit a run for their money.
Erik Schlitt: Detroit Lions
I fully expect the new shine on the Packers to wear off after they get run all over in Week 1 by the Lions. The Lions have the best roster and best coaching staff in arguably the toughest division in football, and Detroit should three-peat.
Ryan Mathews: Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions will win their third straight division title in 2025, joining the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the only NFC teams to win their respective division three times in a row over the past 10 seasons.
Jeremy Reisman: Detroit Lions
Simply put, no one has the top-end talent like the Lions do. While depth is important—and the Lions have some concerns at certain positions (OL, EDGE)—Detroit has superstars at nearly every position, and people seem to forget that. They’ll remember again soon.
Al Karsten: Detroit Lions
There’s been plenty of offseason noise from the rest of the NFC North, but the Lions will get the first word—and the last—with divisional games in Weeks 1 and 2. While the Bears, Vikings, and Packers have made headlines this offseason, I trust Detroit’s offensive line and defense more than any other NFC North team’s offensive line and defense. Combine that with the best head coach, the deepest skill talent, elite specialists, and the most proven quarterback, and I’m predicting the Lions will win the division for a third straight year. Not only will they three-peat, but I believe they’ll have the North locked up before Week 18 kicks off.
Brandon Knapp: Detroit Lions
The Lions won last year with a banged up roster and even though it came down to the final game, this year I don’t see it being that close again. The Vikings will have a new quarterback in J.J. McCarthy and the team could take a step back with their new roster. The Bears are overhyped every year, and I can’t believe they will be good until I see it, despite the new players and coaching staff. The Packers have question marks along their defense, and their offense hasn’t improved enough for me to feel comfortable with them winning the division. The Lions get LOTS of players back from injury, and new free agents and rookies that will have an impact and give the team more depth and skill across the board.
Morgan Cannon: Detroit Lions
Despite being the two-time defending NFC North Champions, we have heard all offseason how all the other teams in the North have gotten better. “The Lions lost both of their coordinators. It’s time they regressed.” Despite what Lions’ coach Dan Campbell may say about ignoring the outside noise, I believe the team sees and hears more than we think. I think they remind people just who they are in 2025, and it starts Week 1 in Lambeau.
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