NFC North: Biggest question for each team in 2021

One team has ruled the roost in this division each of the past two seasons. But it’s been a different kind of offseason for the Green Bay Packers.

Contrary to some beliefs, there’s a lot more going on in the NFC North these days than the daily Aaron Rodgers situation in Green Bay.

While the Packers finished 13-3 and captured the NFC North for the second consecutive year, the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are all doing their best to rebound from non-winning campaigns.

Yes, Matt Nagy’s squad reach the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, this time via an 8-8 record. But things didn’t go as well for the Purple Gang as they followed up a 10-6 wild card campaign in 2019 by slipping to a disappointing 7-9. And it was another nightmarish season in the Motor City as the Lions finished in the divisional basement for the third straight year and head coach Matt Patricia didn’t make it through 2020.

Will the NFC North’s success continue in the 2021 season?

Over the past 10 seasons dating back to 2011, there has been a team from the NFC North reach the conference title game five times.

It’s actually happened five times in the past six years with Green Bay losing in 2014 (Seahawks), 2016 (Falcons) and the last two years to the 49ers and Buccaneers, respectively. And lest anyone forget, Mike Zimmer’s club was one win away from Super Bowl LII and got blown out in Philadelphia.

Of course, if and when the 2020 NFL MVP shows up for the start of training camp is seemingly on everyone’s mind. But there’s other questions to ponder when it comes to the other three clubs in the group.

NOTE: Teams are listed in order of finish in 2020.