Packers contenders again: NFL 2020 record predictions for every team
NFC North
- Green Bay Packers (10-6)*
- Minnesota Vikings (10-6)*
- Chicago Bears (8-8)
- Detroit Lions (5-11)
On paper, this might look like the Green Bay Packers have taken a big step back after going 13-3 last season. But in reality, when you factor in the schedule and the competitiveness of this division, it doesn’t necessarily mean that. Also, the Packers were fortunate to win a number of one-score games last season.
But with 10 more victories and a successful defense of their division title, this would be a great achievement for Matt LaFleur’s team.
It’s going to be a tough battle against the Minnesota Vikings and it’s not easy to predict the winner. Have the Packers done enough to address their positions of need? At wide receiver and defensive tackle, the answer is a clear no. But they’ve improved in other areas, with Christian Kirksey a potential upgrade at inside linebacker, while they have added more talent on offense with running back AJ Dillon and tight end Josiah Deguara.
The Vikings should be applauded for the talent they’ve added to the roster this year, but what stops this being a home-run offseason is the players they’ve lost. Stefon Diggs, Linval Joseph, and Everson Griffen (if he doesn’t re-sign) have all left this offseason. Free-agent addition Michael Pierce has opted out of the season.
With the head-to-head tiebreaker tied, the Packers finish first because of a better win percentage against common opponents. As a result, Green Bay wins the division and Minnesota settles for a wild-card berth.