Last season, the NFC North was the best division that I had seen in a very, very long time. The Lions, Vikings, and Packers all won double-digit games. The Lions had 15 wins and Minnesota had 14. The issue? They all flopped in the playoffs, with each of the three teams losing their game by double-digits. Oh, and yes there is a fourth team. The Chicago Bears were at the very bottom after a year so bad they fired their coach midseason less than 6 months after drafting their franchise QB. Lots of things to discuss with this division thanks to a messy QB situation, coaches changing teams in the division, and some major free agency losses coming. Here’s our 2025 NFC North team needs analysis.
Chicago Bears
Needs: OG, OT, C, RB
See a trend with these needs? Caleb Williams desperately needs better protection. Williams was sacked 68 times in the 2024 season. The next closest QB was sacked 52 times. Ben Johnson is now running the ship there and you know that he will put an emphasis on the offensive line and the running game which made his offense so good in Detroit the last few years. The Bears will likely invest in the running back position either through the draft or free agency while putting some big bodies on the line for a quick offensive rebuild to get the Bears competing in a tough division.
Green Bay Packers
Needs: CB, Edge, DT, WR
The Packers offense was completely shut down in the playoffs in the first round by the Eagles. Green Bay brought their A-game on defense in that contest, but Jordan Love failed to move the ball, and it was all on Josh Jacobs to move the chains. That can’t happen again if the Packers want to keep up with the explosive offenses in their own division. While the focus will still be on defense this offseason, the rumor is that the Packers are looking for a legit number one wide receiver. While it’s early, look for Tyreek Hill to be an option with a few younger receivers going back to Miami in the deal.
Minnesota Vikings
Needs: CB, DT, RB,
QB isn’t listed in those team needs, but it is the biggest decision that the Vikings must make this offseason, and everything is put on hold until that is figured out. Here’s the deal, the Vikings have Sam Darnold who played exceptionally well up until the last two games of the season. He will be a free agent. Under most circumstances, it would make sense to give him a multi-year deal like Tampa did with Baker Mayfield. The issue is that Darnold got the chance to play because first-round pick J.J. McCarthy was injured before the year began. McCarthy will be ready to play this year. Does Minnesota franchise-tag Darnold for a year and make J.J. sit? Do they trade J.J. for draft compensation and make Darnold the guy moving forward? It’s a tough decision that must be determined soon.
Detroit Lions
Needs: Edge, CB, WR, OG
The Lions were crushed in this coaching cycle as they watched both of their coordinators depart for head coaching gigs. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now coach of the NY Jets and Ben Johnson left to coach the Bears. That will set this team back a little, but the talent is still evident on this roster and Dan Campbell is still calling the shots. Getting a younger pass rusher next to Aidan Hutchinson is the top priority. If the Lions can make a huge swing for Maxx Crosby, it’s a no-brainer. Offensively, the team has several star players, but getting another receiver wouldn’t hurt, especially if Tim Patrick leaves in free agency.