NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2019 NFL season: Final win-loss predictions before Week 1

By Maurice Moton

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears awaits the snap against Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears awaits the snap against Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 9
Next
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 06: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 06: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

NFC North

  • Chicago Bears: 11-5
  • Minnesota Vikings: 10-6
  • Green Bay Packers: 9-7
  • Detroit Lions: 6-10

Assuming key players stay healthy, the NFC North features three teams with winning records.

The Chicago Bears defense won’t look the same without Fangio calling the shots, but the unit has enough talent to remain top five in scoring and yards allowed. Edge-rusher Khalil Mack, interior defender Akiem Hicks, inside linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Kyle Fuller will continue to shut down offenses.

More importantly, the Bears offense should blossom with Mitchell Trubisky going into his third season. Last year, under head coach Matt Nagy, he showed flashes, and the offense quietly ranked ninth in scoring. The Bears lead skipper can’t wait to unleash running back David Montgomery who will probably lead the backfield in touches.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will continue to drive the offense, but running back Dalvin Cook may have his best year. He’s a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield, who’s healthy after missing 17 games in his first two years because of a torn ACL and hamstring injury. The balance on offense with a top-10 defense propels the Vikings to second place in the division.

Over the offseason, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur’s work relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a hot topic. How will the two-time All-Pro and Super Bowl-winning signal-caller mesh with a first-time lead skipper?

LaFleur and Rodgers will need time to understand each other’s tendencies and find a middle ground, but the head coach’s intention to reintroduce the ground attack bodes well for Rodgers. Green Bay starts slow out of the gate and picks up late in the season to finish 9-7.

Unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, they’re going to play in one of the toughest divisions with three potential playoff teams. Head coach Matt Patricia fielded a defense that ranked 10th in yards allowed last year; he’ll oversee another stingy unit, but wideout Kenny Golladay and running back Kerryon Johnson must solidify themselves on the other side of the ball.

Home/NFL