NFC North Preview: 2022
The NFL season has arrived, and one common talking point that’s surfaced is how strong the AFC appears.
Meanwhile, the NFC seems to be as wide open as ever.
This could open the door for several NFC North teams to succeed.
The longstanding rivalries in this division could feel as intense as ever in the race to make the postseason. Here’s what this year could hold for those teams.
Green Bay Packers
The biggest story for the Packers’ off-season was the decision to trade star receiver Davante Adams to Las Vegas.
Adams reportedly turned down a lucrative contract offer to play for his favorite team growing up.
While this leaves a hole in the Packers’ receiving core, it also allowed them to substantially improve elsewhere.
By clearing cap space to re-sign the likes of De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas to pair with many quality players on defense, Green Bay is looking at it’s best defensive unit in years.
On offense, the return of pro bowl tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins should allow the run game led by Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon to flourish.
Above everything else, they also have the back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers leading the way.
With a plethora of established pro bowlers mixed with young players on the rise, the Packers have to still be taken seriously to win the North for the fourth straight season.
Despite this, they’ll have some stiff competition within the division.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have been treading water for a couple years, but this may change very soon.
The decision to hire new head coach, and former Rams OC, Kevin O’Connell makes Minnesota appear more dynamic offensively.
That starts with star pass catcher Justin Jefferson and running back Dalvin Cook, but the rest of the offense is also very talented.
Kirk Cousins might not win many big games, but he could be in store for a career year in the new system.
The issue for this team has long been the defense, and the Vikings still haven’t totally addressed it.
The secondary remains a question mark, with many unproven or aging players placed in prominent roles.
Pass rushing duo Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith have both dealt with major injuries over the past year or two, leaving their capabilities in question as well.
Yet, if all these question marks are put to rest, the Vikings could very much be a huge threat in the NFC.
Detroit Lions
Detroit struggled a season ago, but still fought hard week-in, week-out.
The culture coach Dan Campbell is building seems to resonate with players, but this season might not be their breakout just yet.
Veteran QB Jared Goff still doesn’t seem like a long-term solution, and the defense has many younger players who’ve yet to set themselves apart.
Conversely, the team’s underrated run attack and offensive line could help Detroit exceed expectations.
The Lions surely have offensive talent, as TJ Hockenson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and D’Andre Swift prove.
Ultimately, this team won’t go down without a fight, however they’re likely a longshot to win the North in 2022.
Chicago Bears
Finally, the Bears are who many expect to finish last in this division.
Second-year quarterback Justin Fields doesn’t have the offensive help he needs to succeed, with Chicago’s offensive line looking especially ugly.
Defensively, the team has a few studs, namely Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith, amongst others.
Yet overall, they also have several unproven and underwhelming players on that unit as well.
Despite the hiring of new coach Matt Eberflus, things could get worse before they get better in Chicago.
Joe Tuman is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at joentuman@gmail.com.
