We are counting down the days until the start of the 2024 NFL Season as training camps have begun for all NFL teams. There were some major switch ups this offseason regarding big names moving to new teams and legendary coaches – Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll – being relieved of their duties. On top of that, tons of franchise players were taken in the draft. Let’s get caught up with our 2024 NFC North preview.
Last Year
For the first time in the history of the NFC North, (which was created in 2002) the Detroit Lions took home the divisional crown. It’s the first time they won a division since 1993 when they were playing in the NFC Central. It was a magical year for Detroit who blew a big lead to the San Francisco 49ers in the conference championship and were just a few plays away from heading to the Super Bowl. There is still plenty of steam for that team as they enter the year with a newly extended Jared Goff under center. Behind the Lions were the Packers who snuck into the playoffs after playing well towards the end of the season as Jordan Love solidified himself as a legit starter in Green Bay. They too lost a lead to the Niners, but in the Divisional round. The Vikings and Bears were massive failures, but it was the Vikings who were the bigger surprise. They really fell off the map once Kurt Cousins went down with a season-ending injury. The Bears were so bad that they earned themselves the first overall pick which will pay dividends.
Favorite to win in 2024
I’ll go back to the Detroit Lions to win the division and they are my pick to win the conference as well. Detroit is a legit Super Bowl threat with an offense that is loaded with weapons and a quarterback who has the experience. They did a great job this offseason strengthening their secondary and they’ve got a mean spirit to them. Green Bay will challenge them, but they need the offense to not skip a beat and play like they did in the final 4-5 games of the regular season.
Offensive Player to Watch: Caleb Williams
All eyes are on the number one overall pick in the draft, Caleb Williams. Is he the guy who can finally lead the Bears back to greatness? He was polarizing in college, bouncing from Oklahoma to USC, winning a Heisman, and angering a lot of fans along the way. Williams enters an offense that acquired Keenan Allen this offseason and drafted Rome Odunze who can flat out fly.
Defensive Player to Watch: Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson really exploded in year two and he is now entering the realm of “Defensive Player of the Year” discussions. He put together 11.5 sacks last year and will only look to add to that as he becomes the face of the franchise in Detroit. Dan Campbell likes them mean in Motor City and there is nothing sweet about him.
Prediction
Detroit all day long. This is a Super Bowl team, and this truly might be the happiest year in the lives of all Detroit sports fans. Record (13-4)