Green Bay Packers: Ranking NFC North opponents for 2018
By Hunter Noll
Final Verdict
The Green Bay Packers have their hands full with the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings aren’t just threats, but favorites to win the division. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions offense can create havoc, and the Chicago Bears defense might be able to steal them one-or-two divisional games. After all is said and done though, there appears to be a clear pecking order in this stacked division.
The Bears are destined to come in last place. Barring something drastic happening to change the landscape of this division, there are too many obstacles for them to climb. I expect the Packers to take care of them in both meetings.
The Lions will prove a little more difficult. Their offense should keep them in the conversation for a decent portion of the year. Anything more than 10 wins is a stretch though. For their head-to-head, neither team is stellar defensively but both have high-powered offenses. The Packers are a more welled-rounded team however. This could be a split, but don’t be shocked if Green Bay takes both. A Detroit sweep is much more unexpected.
The Packers are the 1B to the Minnesota Vikings 1A. While the Vikings are a much more complete team, the Packers have a clear advantage at quarterback. They might have a slight lead at receiver as well (especially if you add tight ends, throwing Jimmy Graham into the mix).
All that being said, here’s the only team that a healthy, Aaron-Rodgers-led Packers team doesn’t have solid odds to sweep. In fact, a Vikings sweep is completely possible as well. A healthy Packers squad can win 12 games. The problem is the Vikings last season won 13 games — and they only got better.
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Winning the division is definitely a possibility for the Green Bay Packers in 2018. It’s not going to be easy though. While the Chicago Bears are still rebuilding, the Detroit Lions have the offense to mess with the status quo. The Minnesota Vikings meanwhile, might be looking down at their divisional rivals.