The NFC North is known for its storied rivalries, and in recent years, the division has been dominated by the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
Those two franchises have won 13 of the last 15 NFC North titles, with the Chicago Bears winning the other two, but the final game of the 2022 regular season may have represented a power shift.
The Detroit Lions, who knocked off the Packers at Lambeau in what turned out to be Aaron Rodgers’ final game in Green Bay, are the preseason favorites to win the division.
So, can Detroit overcome years of pain and win its first division title since claiming the NFC Central in 1993? Let’s take a look at the latest NFC North odds to find out.
NFC North Winner Betting Odds 2023-24
NFL odds used for these best bets are from Wednesday, May 17, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Detroit Lions (+130)
- Minnesota Vikings (+265)
- Chicago Bears (+380)
- Green Bay Packers (+500)
Despite their historical struggles, the Lions are favored to win the division after a remarkable close to the 2022 season in which Detroit won eight of their last 10 games.
The reigning NFC North champion Vikings come in next on the odds board with similar odds that they overcame a season ago to dethrone the Packers.
After some wise offseason moves, the Bears have the third-best odds to win the NFC North, while the re-building Packers are picked to finish last in Jordan Love’s first full season under center.
NFC North Winner Best Bet
Detroit Lions (+130)
Despite their historical struggles and lack of recent division titles, the Lions can rewrite the narratives this season.
Quarterback Jared Goff showed promise last season, demonstrating his ability to lead an offense effectively (especially at home) and continuing a strong chemistry with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
- Check out the Lions’ odds to win the NFC Championship.
Detroit’s defense was a bit of a mess last season, but the additions of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley bring a much-needed boost to the Lions’ secondary, which should enhance their ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks.
2022 first-rounder Aidan Hutchinson had a strong rookie campaign, and if he takes another step forward, this defense could be a solid unit. That was the primary concern for Dan Campbell’s squad last season, which should be able to carry last year’s momentum into a quick start.
NFC Divisional Futures Odds & Picks
NFC North Winner Sleeper Pick
Chicago Bears (+380)
We’ve seen teams go from worst to first before, so why not the Bears?
Chicago finally got Justin Fields some help at wideout in the form of DJ Moore, who will feature as the No. 1 target in a receiving room with Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. The threat of those three should help the running game, which will center around Fields and fellow former Panther D’Onta Foreman.
Most importantly, Chicago has also made strides to revamp its defense, which surrendered a league-high 27.2 points per game last season. The addition of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds fills a massive hole in the middle that had been vacated after Chicago offloaded Roquan Smith to Baltimore last season.
If that unit can get some stops and keep the offense from needing to score on every possession, the Bears could sneak up on some folks in 2023.