2023 NFC North Division Betting Preview and Predictions

The NFC North promises to be one of the most intriguing divisions in the NFL. According to the NFC North odds, there could be a changing of the guard at the top of the division. We are analyzing the latest NFC North betting odds at the best NFL betting sites, and revealing our predictions for the “Black and Blue Division”.

In 2022, Aaron Rodgers played his final snap as a Green Bay Packer. His career in Green Bay ended at home in a loss against the Detroit Lions in Week 18. Despite the Lions having nothing to play for, the win prevented the Packers from making the playoffs.

The game was symbolic in a sense for the NFC North division. It was the finale of the Rodgers era in Green Bay, while the Lions signaled that they have arrived in the NFC North. The NFC North odds point to the Lions winning, but are they being anointed as the top contenders too soon?

Over/Under Odds and Exact Wins For NFC North Teams

The following NFC North odds are courtesy of BetUS:

Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Season Predictions

For the first time in decades, there are high expectations in Detroit for the Lions. If you haven’t been paying attention to the NFL over the last year, this might be the most jarring surprise in the league.

Lions fans have been through disappointment before, but they’ve never been held to this standard as betting favorites in the NFC North. The Lions have never won the NFC North title. They won the NFC Central title in 1993, but this was before the NFC North was created in 2002¹.

Currently, the Lions are favored to win the NFC North. BetUS oddsmakers have the Lions at +125 to win the 2023 divisional title. They like what they see from Jared Goff and the offense, along with a defense expected to take significant leaps forward.

Goff is coming off one of his best seasons in the NFL. The seven-year veteran passed for 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He completed 65.1 percent of his passes, with a QB rating of 99.1².

Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Detroit #Lions know that they have something to prove still around the #NFL 👀 pic.twitter.com/j95cusaUow

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 31, 2023

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Lions Win Total Odds and Prediction

When Goff has time to scan the field, he’s one of the better QBs in the NFL. He is not the best under pressure, but the Lions’ offensive line, led by Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, should keep him upright.

Amon-Ra St. Brown should continue to build on a fantastic sophomore campaign in Detroit. St. Brown hauled in 106 receptions, 1,161 yards, and six touchdowns in his second season. The Lions will have to wait to see the full promise of this offense, though.

Jameson Williams is suspended through the first six games of the season for gambling at online betting sites. The verdict is still out on Williams, but there is plenty of potential for the young wide receiver to elevate the offense to the next level.

However, we know that St. Brown and Marvin Jones Jr. are well-established targets for Goff. Additionally, rookie first-round running back Jahmyr Gibbs is a mismatch nightmare for linebackers out of the backfield. When everyone is on the field, there will be a lot of speed for defenses to contend with.

However, the true MVP of the Lions might be on the defensive side of the football. Aidan Hutchinson should be in NFL Defensive Player of the Year territory this year. The Michigan product sacked opposing QBs 9.5 times and added three interceptions to showcase his flexibility in Aaron Glenn’s defense³.

The addition of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is likely to provide the secondary with a lift. He and Kerby Johnson should play well on a team that is likely to get to QBs in the backfield often.

Lions Exact Win Total

If everything goes according to plan, the Lions are probably looking at an 11-win campaign in 2023. However, what about when Williams returns from the suspension and is torching secondaries? And, Gibbs looks like the next coming of Alvin Kamara and the team stays healthy?

The Lions could be looking at 13 wins if the season goes perfectly. That said, injuries are sure to be a problem, just like for any other team in the league. The offense line can’t afford to lose multiple bodies or the season would go downhill in Detroit.

Nevertheless, 11 wins and finishing atop the NFC North appears like the most likely scenario in the Motor City. They should compete at the top of the conference with the best teams in the NFC East and NFC West.

Minnesota Vikings 2023 NFL Season Predictions

For a team that won the NFC North last season, there isn’t much hype surrounding the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings captured the NFC North crown following an impressive 13-4 season.

However, if Kirk Cousins doesn’t throw 14 interceptions, the Vikings are most likely looking at 14 wins and a much deeper run in the playoffs. In the 2023-24 playoffs, they were upset in the Wild Card Round by a hungrier Giants squad, 31-24.

Cousins finished the regular season with 4,545 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The turnovers wreaked havoc on Cousins’ QB rating. His QB rating of 92.5 hasn’t been in the same ballpark since a QB rating of 93.9 in 2017⁴.

The 35-year-old veteran went three straight seasons with a rating above 100. But, that came to an end in the midst of a 13-4 season and divisional title last year. With the Lions expected to show major improvement, Cousins can’t get away with being so reckless and winning 13 games this year.

Adam Thielen signed with the Carolina Panthers in the offseason, but dynamic rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison was selected by Minnesota in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The former Pitt Panther and USC Trojan is expected to contribute right away for the Vikings. He and Justin Jefferson have tremendous potential as the best wide receiver duo in the NFC North.

The Bears are in BUSINESS following Kirk Cousins’ first interception of the day 💪

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/VY2D1g47n5

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 9, 2022

Vikings Win Total Odds and Prediction

The offensive line isn’t expected to blow anyone off the ball consistently. They didn’t upgrade from their mediocre offensive line last season. It was just fine, which doesn’t put them in the same tier as the Lions or even the Packers.

The Vikings failed to address issues on the interior of the offensive line. Center Garrett Bradbury doesn’t evoke much confidence, nor does Ed Ingram at guard. Cousins isn’t the best at running around and improvising, hence his interceptions and mistakes under pressure.

Nonetheless, the offensive line isn’t necessarily a sour spot for the Vikings. Not as much as the defense is. Despite a strong season from safety Harrison Smith, the defense leaves a lot to be desired. Patrick Peterson skipped town for Pittsburgh, leaving Byron Murphy, Harrison, and a slew of youngsters to carry the weight.

Pass rusher Marcus Davenport was added to the equation, but he struggled in his final season at New Orleans after finding success a year earlier.

You might say that the Vikings overachieved last season. They won several close games. In 2023, the Vikings were handed a tough schedule, with the Eagles, Chiefs, 49ers, and Bengals all on the card. Divisional matchups won’t be simple wins either. Vikings fans need to prepare for a subpar year.

Vikings Exact Win Total

The Vikings are going to find it tough to win 13 games with this treacherous schedule. Many of those offenses are going to put up big numbers on the Vikings’ defense.

The offense shouldn’t dip too much, despite losing Dalvin Cook and Thielen. However, Cousins requires an elite offensive line for this offense to reach its full potential. Additionally, Addison will have to get off to a quick start in his rookie season.

Expect the Vikings to be in contention for a wildcard late in the season. However, with a record of 8-9, they fall just short.

Green Bay Packers 2023 NFL Season Predictions

The Packers’ NFC North odds at football betting sites have the team finishing third in the division. In other words, there isn’t a whole lot of confidence in Jordan Love’s debut as the Packer’s starting quarterback.

Is the caution with Love warranted?

It’s typically the case when a QB replaces a first-ballot Hall of Famer like Rodgers. Love has sat behind Rodgers on the bench since 2020. Like what Rodgers did with Brett Favre, Love has been able to soak it all in and learn from one of the best.

Love entered the NFL after being drafted with the 26th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. There are expectations that come with being a first-round QB. Love has had the luxury of being drafted in the opening round, and being able to watch Rodgers play for three years.

He will not have to do it alone in the Packers’ offense. There are weapons, including running back Aaron Jones. Jones is coming off his best season in the NFL, with 1,121 yards on 213 attempts. He’s also an outstanding pass catcher, as Jones reeled in 59 receptions, 395 receiving yards, and five touchdowns⁵.

Moreover, Love has a competent receiving core to work with as the Packers’ starting QB. The University of Nevada alum should instantly hook up with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs through the air early on this season.

The offense should afford Love sufficient time in the pocket. Left tackle David Bakhtiari is a major asset when he is healthy, while Zach Tom should work well at right tackle. If this unit stays healthy, the Packers have the potential for a Top 10 offensive line.

Jordan Love with a play action pass to Jayden Reed. TOUCHDOWN #PACKERS#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/cf5TPz0omE

— Packers Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) August 20, 2023

Packers Win Total Odds and Prediction

Rodgers has served as a distraction for the Packers, for far too long. Now, the Packers can put all of their attention and energy into developing Love. He’s gotten off to a quick start in the preseason.

Love passed for 193 yards on 21 of 33 completions. He threw three touchdowns with no interceptions in the preseason schedule. The highlight of his preseason was a 137.5 QB rating versus the New England Patriots⁶.

We are confident that Love has a better season than many pundits expect. Love has a quality supporting cast on this roster. He isn’t directly being thrown into the fire without any assistance around him.

Rather than the offense, the defense has questions to answer this season. There is talent, but Joe Barry hasn’t managed to get the most out of this unit. If the defense plays above expectations, the Packers might make a surprise run at the NFC North title.

Packers Exact Win Total

The Packers have a season win total of 7.5 games. That doesn’t appear high enough. How many games can the Packers win this season?

The NFC North odds suggest they’re the third-best in the division, but the Packers have an opportunity to push the Vikings and possibly the Lions.

They are probably two or three years away from making a serious push in the playoffs. However, the Packers can be competitive in the NFC.

If they were in the mediocre NFC South, Green Bay would have a decent chance to win the division. There is good value on the Packers to win nine games at +800 odds.

Chicago Bears 2023 NFL Season Predictions

It is a make-or-break season for Justin Fields. The third-year QB has to put everything together that he’s learned in the last two years. If the trend continues over his first two seasons in the NFL, Fields is going to improve even more in 2023.

In 2021, the NFL game looked too fast for the rookie. He completed 159 of 270 passing attempts for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 12 games. Last season, Fields improved with 2,242 yards passing, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions⁷.

We are well aware of what Fields is capable of doing as a runner. Currently, Fields is one of the better dual-threat QBs in the NFL. To reach the next level, he will have to show a consistent ability to beat teams with his arm.

There were positive signs that Fields was coming around as a passer last year. And now, the Bears are getting him reliable weapons to pass to in the offense. D.J. Moore was included in a trade that saw the Bears deal the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers.

The front office wanted to find a No. 1 wide receiver for Fields, and Moore fits the bill. If Chase Claypool remains healthy, after a turbulent first year in Chicago, the Bears have something brewing offensively.

Unfortunately, the defense still has work to do before capturing a divisional title in the NFC North.

THE JUSTIN FIELDS TO D.J. MOORE CONNECTION IS LEGIT

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

pic.twitter.com/qp9SpTEuIo

— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) August 26, 2023

Bears Win Total Odds and Prediction

Fields should make Bears games entertaining matchups. If anything, the offense should be fun to watch in Chicago. That isn’t something that we’ve been able to say too often over the last few decades.

The defense has some holes to fill before they can help Fields win games. Cornerback Kyler Gordon will have to take a big step forward. The Bears’ new slot corner has impressed in reports out of training camp.

The Bears addressed the defense in the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting cornerback Tyrique Stevenson in Round 2. Perhaps, if Stevenson blows everyone away in his rookie campaign, then the defense will exceed projections.

As it stands, the Bears likely win more than seven games this season. It shouldn’t be by many games, but the Bears should get there.

Bears Exact Win Total

Following a 3-14 season, the Bears are looking at improving considerably. Fortunately, for Bears fans, the offense should put points up on the board.

The Bears’ 2023 schedule looks beatable. With the Buccaneers, Commanders, Raiders, Cardinals, and Panthers due up this season, there are winnable games outside the division. A trip to Arrowhead in Week 3 is their toughest assignment of the year.

An eight-win season appears like a realistic season for the Bears. It’s a step forward, but more work is required before larger gains are made.

2023 NFC North Divisional Winner Odds

The following NFC North odds are courtesy of BetUS:

There isn’t a perfect team in the NFC North. There are concerns with all four of these teams. If injuries start to hit the Lions’ offensive line, they could suddenly be in deep water. There are a lot of what-ifs in the NFC North this season.

Nevertheless, this is the best opportunity that the Lions have had to win the NFC North in a long time. With the Packers no longer the same threat they were in the past, the Vikings regressing, and the Bears not ready to win yet, this has to be the Lions’ year.

Behind the Lions, it should be a close battle for the second spot. The Vikings and Packers might be closer than many people expect. A one-dimensional Minnesota offense and spotty defense won’t scare off many teams.

The Lions are our top pick to win the NFC North at +135 odds.

NFC North Finishing Position

With the Lions finishing first in the NFC North, what order will the rest of the division finish? To cap off your NFL betting strategy for the NFC North, we suggest taking a chance on the Packers to finish second.

The NFC North is a wide-open division, and the +365 odds are providing top value in this spot. Meanwhile, the Vikings should regress after a 13-4 season, but not far enough to drop from first to dead last in the division.

With that in mind, we are giving the Vikings the nod in third place. Minnesota wins the tiebreaker over the Bears with eight wins each. The Bears show strong improvement over last season, but aren’t quite there in the NFC North yet.

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