The NFL Spread Champ Season Preview
NFC North Edition
The NFC North is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with each team bringing unique strengths to the table. This division is no longer just a flyover region—it’s now a battleground where every game is critical. Our deep dive into the NFC North covers each team's prospects, key matchups, and our predictions for the 2024 season, including the over/under win totals and our picks for division champions.
For our paid subscribers, we go even further, providing a tiered breakdown of our division winner picks by confidence level, along with our exclusive picks for individual awards and draft bets. These tiers and award bets will be issued next Monday. This content complements our weekly game-day picks, which run through the entire season up to the Super Bowl. By subscribing, you get full access to our proven strategies and insights, ensuring you stay ahead of the game all season long.
Chicago Bears 2024 Preview:
The Chicago Bears are poised for a significant leap in 2024 after improving from 3-14 in 2022 to 7-10 last season. Their defense, once a weakness, transformed into one of the best in the NFL, especially against the run, thanks to the midseason acquisition of Montez Sweat and a young, playmaking secondary led by Jaylon Johnson. Both Sweat and Johnson earned Pro Bowl selections, signaling a strong defensive core moving forward.
Offensively, the Bears have reshaped their identity around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick. Williams, who dazzled in college with 93 touchdown passes and only 14 interceptions, will be supported by a formidable receiving trio: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze. The addition of D’Andre Swift at running back and new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron further enhances the team's potential, setting the stage for what could be their most explosive offense in decades.
The Bears' defense remains their backbone, with Sweat anchoring the pass rush and a secondary that’s now one of the league’s best. Linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds are solid contributors, both excelling in coverage and run defense. The hiring of Eric Washington as defensive coordinator, who brings 16 years of NFL experience, adds a seasoned leader to oversee a unit that finished first in the league against the run last year.
With significant improvements on both sides of the ball, the Bears are entering 2024 with high hopes. Their roster rebuild under GM Ryan Poles, including key acquisitions and savvy draft picks, has them well-positioned to compete for a playoff spot. As they near the end of a comprehensive rebuild, the Bears are a team on the rise, ready to challenge for postseason success for the first time in over a decade.
Vegas has set the Over/Under for the Chicago Bears at 9.5 wins, with the Under favored. However, we're confident in taking the Over at +120. After evaluating their schedule, we see wins against the Titans, Colts, Panthers, Commanders, Cardinals, and Patriots, which gives them six wins. Assuming losses to the Texans, Lions (twice), and 49ers, Chicago would need four more wins from their remaining seven games. We believe Caleb Williams can lead the Bears to at least a split against the Vikings and Packers and secure two additional wins against the Rams, Jaguars, and Seahawks.
Minnesota Vikings 2024 Preview:
The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2024 season with high hopes, especially after drafting J.J. McCarthy and Kyree Jackson, who were expected to be key pillars in their rebuild. However, their plans took a devastating hit when McCarthy, their first-round pick, suffered a season-ending knee injury, and Jackson, their third-round pick, tragically passed away in a car accident. These losses have cast a shadow over a team already facing significant challenges in their quest to return to playoff contention.
Offensively, the Vikings are relying on veteran quarterback Sam Darnold to bridge the gap, but his inconsistent track record leaves much uncertainty. Justin Jefferson remains a bright spot as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, while running back Aaron Jones brings experience to the backfield. The offensive line, particularly the interior, remains a concern, potentially hampering the team's ability to protect Darnold and establish a strong running game.
Defensively, the Vikings are undergoing a major overhaul under Brian Flores, who has introduced new schemes and faces at all levels. However, the defense's effectiveness will be tested by the lack of depth on the line and the secondary's adjustment without Jackson. Flores will need to work his magic to bring cohesion and productivity to a unit in transition.
Overall, the Vikings face an uphill battle in 2024. The tragic loss of Jackson and the season ending injury of McCarthy, combined with the challenges of integrating nearly 40% new players, make the road ahead difficult. While there is potential, it will take resilience, strategic coaching, and a bit of luck for the Vikings to overcome the adversity and make a playoff push this season. We are confident in taking the Under 6.5 win total for the season at +120 odds.
Green Bay Packers 2024 Preview:
The Green Bay Packers are entering the 2024 season with a young and talented roster, led by quarterback Jordan Love, who took major strides in his first full season as a starter last year. After a surprising 9-8 finish and a playoff win in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, expectations are higher for head coach Matt LaFleur’s squad. The team is focused on maintaining youthful energy and competition, with Love surrounded by a promising group of young receivers and a new addition in running back Josh Jacobs.
Defensively, the Packers have undergone significant changes, with a new coordinator in Jeff Hafley bringing a more aggressive 4-3 scheme. The team is relying on improvements from edge rusher Rashan Gary, who is expected to return to form after an ACL injury, and the hope that cornerback Jaire Alexander can regain his All-Pro level play. The defense will need to step up if the Packers are to challenge the Detroit Lions for NFC North supremacy.
With a young, hungry roster and a quarterback on the rise, the Packers are poised to be strong contenders in the NFC. If Love continues his upward trajectory, and the defense can solidify under Hafley, Green Bay could be looking at a deep playoff run and potentially a Super Bowl berth.
This season is about building on last year's success and exceeding expectations. The Packers' youthful energy, combined with Love's development and a retooled defense, make them a team to watch in 2024. The battle for NFC North dominance with the Lions will be fierce, but the Packers have the talent and coaching to make a serious push. We are confident in taking the Over 9.5 wins for the season.
Detroit Lions 2024 Preview:
The Detroit Lions enter the 2024 season with high expectations after a breakthrough year that saw them capture their first division title in three decades and reach the NFC Championship Game. Head coach Dan Campbell has instilled a strong identity in the team, combining a potent offense led by quarterback Jared Goff with one of the NFL's most balanced rosters. With the return of key players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and the emergence of rookies such as Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, the Lions' offense is primed to remain among the league's best.
Defensively, the Lions have made significant strides, particularly against the run, where they ranked second in the NFL last season. Aidan Hutchinson has emerged as a premier pass-rusher, and the addition of veterans like Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader bolsters their front line. However, the secondary remains a concern, despite the infusion of new talent through trades and the draft. For the Lions to take the next step, solidifying their pass defense will be crucial.
Special teams are a mixed bag for Detroit, with punter Jack Fox standing out as a reliable asset, while the kicker position remains a question mark. Kalif Raymond is a consistent punt returner, but competition for the kick-return role will be fierce in training camp.
With a tougher schedule ahead, the Lions are determined to prove that last season was no fluke. As they aim for their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, the strong foundation laid by Campbell and GM Brad Holmes gives Detroit fans plenty of reasons to believe this could be the year they finally break through.
We are confident in taking the Over 10.5 wins at -135 and Division Title at +130
Follow the links to the other divisions we have already covered.
NFC East (Coming Soon)
Awards (Coming Soon, Paid Members Only)
Tiered Betting for each bet issued (Coming Soon, Paid Members Only)
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