The NFC North should be a wild ride this year. No one knows if this will be the last year for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. Either way, it’ll eventually be a Jeopardy! question. Can Rodgers have another MVP season and this time lead the Packers to the big game? What about the Vikings? They have a talented offense, but will the Minnesota defense be consistent enough? How about Minnesota’s vaccination rate? In Chicago, when will we see Justin Fields and how will he perform? As for the Lions, how many memorable moments will we get from Dan Campbell? What kind of season will Jared Goff have? How will these team headlines impact my 2021 NFC North Season Predictions?

A new NFL season means a few renewed traditions at The Wife Hates Sports. First and foremost, it’s THE WIFE releasing an ultra-heavy dose of eye rolls, as she knows the next chunk of months will see the weekends swallowed up by football (both college and pro). Secondly, it’s time for KP’s NFL season predictions, specifically piggybacking off the SportsChump and his annual Over/Under Contest, where you predict the upcoming regular season win totals of NFL teams (by confidence).

Only, this year will feature something new. While I will – and did – complete my top ten over/under win total bets for the 2021 season, I’ll also tackle every team’s record (by division).

Specifically, here are my 2021 NFC North Season Predictions – oh, and don’t forget that the upcoming year has been supersized to seventeen regular season games.

Team – 2021 O/U

  • Green Bay Packers – 10
  • Minnesota Vikings – 9
  • Chicago Bears – 7.5
  • Detroit Lions – 4.5

Above features the projections from Vegas, and here are my picks for the NFC North:

2021 NFC North Season Predictions: Over/Under Win Total Bets

Green Bay Packers – (10 wins – OVER)

If this is it for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, expect fireworks. The reigning MVP is reportedly working on his relationship with the front office. Randall Cobb is back to join the rest of the offense. While the focus is always on Rodgers, this is a Packers defense that ranked 7th in yards allowed last season. This is a very balanced roster. Now, look at the division. Kirk Cousins is creating vaccine drama. The Lions have an enthusiastic new coach, but everyone knows Jared Goff is a wild card – and that was with a Rams team that had more talent. Then, there’s the Bears, a team that insists Andy Dalton is its starter. The ten win line is thanks to the overblown offseason Rodgers drama. Green Bay should do much better than ten wins.

KP’s Prediction: 13-4 | Confidence: High

For all the “Packer Backers”: Green Bay Packers Gear

 

Minnesota Vikings – (9 wins – PUSH)

The 2020 Vikings finished 4th in total offense (393.3 ypg), featuring a heavy dose of Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, and Kirk Cousins. Minnesota addressed its 25th ranked pass defense (in 2020) by adding Bashaud Breeland, Xavier Woods, and Patrick Peterson. Outside of football, the Vikings currently have a low vaccination rate and plenty of headlines surrounding Kirk Cousins and the entire situation. Will this change and what will it lead to? If Cousins ever tests positive, that could lead to Jake Browning, Nate Stanley, or Kellen Mond leading the offense. There’s plenty of talent on this roster, but also a lot of open-ended questions. How will Minnesota build off a 7-9 season? Hard to say. I believe the Vikings will add more wins, but not enough to make the playoffs.

KP’s Prediction: 9-8 | Confidence: Low

Justin Jefferson Minnesota Vikings Jerseys Available!

 

Chicago Bears – (7.5 wins – UNDER)

The biggest debate in Chicago is at the quarterback position: Andy Dalton or Justin Fields? Most are calling for Fields, but all signs point to the veteran starting Week 1. Then again, Fields made comments about the speed of the game, so he could have a target on his back. Marquise Goodwin joins Allen Robinson and the other receivers, which is a nice additional piece. The defense (11th in yards allowed last year) remains vicious, featuring players like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Roquan Smith, and Robert Quinn. Overall, I simply don’t trust the QB situation and don’t see enough offensive consistency for the Bears to get into the playoffs. At least, not this season.

KP’s Prediction: 6-11 | Confidence: Low

Justin Fields Chicago Bears Jerseys Available!

 

Detroit Lions – (4.5 wins – UNDER)

When it comes to press conferences, take the over on the Lions, because Dan Campbell is already a legend in front of the mic. As for the team on the field, we’ll see what Coach Campbell can get out of his players. Last year’s Lions featured the NFL’s worst defense as far as yards allowed (419.8 ypg). There are a number of new faces on defense, but we’ll see how this unit meshes on the field. Offensively, Detroit had a lot of speed at the WR position, only to cut Breshad Perriman. Now, Tyrell Williams leads a unit that features a number of unproven players. Jared Goff (20 TD, 13 INT in 2020) can be erratic and inconsistent. He’s certainly no Matthew Stafford – and now has less talent around him. Overall, I think we all know this team likely needs a few years. For now, let’s just enjoy Dan Campbell.

KP’s Prediction: 4-13 | Confidence: Medium High

Detroit Lions Gear

 

Who do you have hoisting the NFC North division crown? Chime in via the comments section below and as always, thank you for visiting The Wife Hates Sports!

Recap of all Teams/Divisions for the 2021 NFL Season

 

References: NFL.com Stats | OurLads Depth Charts 

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