The NFC North is poised for a competitive 2026 season, with projections for all four teams predicting potential playoff contention. On the latest "Football 301" episode, analysts Nate Tice and Mina Kimes evaluated each team's impact players and predicted their win totals. The general consensus leans toward multiple teams achieving significant success, with Tice suggesting three playoff spots could come from this division. Key win totals discussed include strong performances expected from teams like the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.

By the Numbers
  • Lions projected win totals: Tice 10-7, Kimes 11-6
  • Bears projected win totals: both analysts 10-7
  • Packers projected win totals: Tice 9-8, Kimes 10-7
  • Vikings projected win totals: Tice 10-7, Kimes 9-8
State of Play
  • All four NFC North teams finished with at least nine wins in 2025.
  • Analysts expect a strong offensive output across the division.
  • Defensive questions linger, particularly for the Bears and Packers.
What's Next

The upcoming season will test each team鈥檚 ability to maximize their offensive strengths while addressing defensive weaknesses. Given the ambitious projections, the NFC North may become a key focus for playoff races, with intra-division matchups potentially having significant playoff implications.

Bottom Line

Expect a highly competitive NFC North, with potential for multiple playoff berths. Teams need to capitalize on their offensive weapons while remedying defensive shortcomings to navigate a challenging schedule in 2026.