The 2024-2025 NFL season is about to ramp up and teams will be reporting to training camp in the coming weeks. But before we see all 32 teams get back on the gridiron. Check out my last article where I previewed the AFC North (NFL Division Preview: AFC North). The next preview will be on the NFC North. The teams in the NFC North consists of the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.
The Chicago Bears come into 2024 with a very high upside. Drafting Caleb Williams First overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Also, aquiring Keenan Allen from the LA Chargers. Drafting WR Rome Odunze in the 2024 draft. This year’s first overall selection, Williams, will benefit from throwing to Allen, Moore, and fellow rookie Odunze. Three wide receivers who could easily be the leading option on many teams. The Bears acquired Allen for his dependable hands and exceptional route-running abilities, but most importantly, he has experience aiding a rookie quarterback. Allen played a key role in the early achievements of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020 with Allen as his primary target. The Bears have created a great environment for Williams, causing many to anticipate an exciting 2024 season. In addition to their impressive offense, the Bears also made significant improvements on defense last season under coach Matt Eberflus.
The Lions are considered strong Super Bowl contenders this season due to their impressive performance in the playoffs last year and the new players they have added to their roster. GM Brad Holmes has made significant improvements by bringing in three skilled cornerbacks, which could potentially make the team’s secondary a formidable force. Strengthening the secondary may have been the final step needed for the Lions to establish themselves as a consistently successful team. Detroit had a successful draft when they were able to select cornerback Terrion Arnold with the 24th pick. They then chose Rakestraw in the second round, who was considered a first-round talent by many draft experts. The Lions further strengthened their team by acquiring Davis in a trade, adding a veteran presence to their roster. During the free agency period, the Lions added Reader and Davenport to support top players Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill on the defensive line.
In 2024, the Vikings are undergoing changes as they move on from Cousins and introduce new players on both offense and defense. Despite being known for their offense in the past, led by Justin Jefferson, the team is now focusing on strengthening their defense to support the offense. There is anticipation around rookie quarterback McCarthy potentially taking over the starting position from veteran Darnold. The defense changed a lot after Hunter left to play for the Houston Texans. Even though the Vikings lost a veteran player, the defensive front might actually be stronger now with Greenard, Turner, and Van Ginkel joining the team. However, the Vikings didn’t make many changes to the inside of the defensive line. Cashman, a previous Texans linebacker, might provide support for the defensive line in case the interior linemen have a tough time this season. The Vikings have upgraded their defense and have skilled players, so they have a good chance of making it to the playoffs. However, their success will rely on McCarthy or Darnold.
The Packers had a relatively uneventful offseason, which was anticipated due to the impressive performance of their young offense under the leadership of Jordan Love, who shined in his debut season as the starting quarterback. Seeing good results from their homegrown offensive talents, the Packers made minimal changes but did make a noteworthy acquisition in free agency. Jacobs, the ex-leading rusher of the Las Vegas Raiders, is set to take handoffs from Love this season, adding another potent offensive option for the Packers. While the team may have paid a premium for Jacobs with a $48 million, four-year contract, the majority of the guaranteed money is allocated for 2024, effectively making it a one-year commitment. In the event Jacobs doesn’t meet expectations, the Packers have the option of turning to Lloyd, a third-round pick in the recent NFL draft. Green Bay may be seeking a more even distribution of offensive plays in order to reduce Love’s turnovers, particularly during critical moments in the game. While the Packers have worries about their offensive line, they have provided themselves with various choices by drafting Morgan in the first round, as he is capable of playing both tackle and guard positions.
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