2016 NFL Betting Predictions for the NFC North Division

Posted by Eric Williams on Tuesday,May 17, 2016 5:25, EDT in

After losing their crown as NFC North division champions last season, as NFL odds fans might recall,  Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will be looking to reclaim their supremacy in a division they’ve mostly ruled since Aaron Rodgers became their full-time starter. Now, let’s find out if the Packers can get back on top in the NFC North or whether one of their division rivals will stop them.

 2016 NFL Betting Predictions for the NFC North Division

Minnesota Vikings

Not only did the Minnesota win the NFC North last season, but they look like they’re built for long-term sustained success with the way that head coach Mike Zimmer has put his team together. Now, heading into their first season in their new state-of-the-art stadium, the Vikings and will look to build on their impressive 11-win campaign in 2015 and I believe they could. Minnesota added gifted wide receiver Laquon Treadwell in the first round and equally talented cornerback Mackensie Alexander in the second round and added some quality veterans in free agency. Right now, I’ve got Teddy Bridgewater and the rest of the blossoming Vikings winning 11 games in 2016.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers struggled with offensive balance last season but should have a better passing attack in 2016 thanks to the return of No.1 wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Green Bay has holes on both, the offensive and defensive lines ad addressed those needs by drafting defensive tackle Kenny Clark in the first round and offensive tackle Jason Spriggs in the second round. Green Bay had a really modest free agency and look like a team that will finish second to the Vikings with 10 wins and an outside shot at 11.

Chicago Bears

The Bears won a modest six games last season and I have them winning an identical half-dozen games in 2016. Chicago lost offensive coordinator Adam Gase and I believe that could be damaging to Jay Cutler’s psyche. The Bears did address their needs at the inside linebacker position by adding veteran free agents Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan. Unfortunately, the Bears still have huge question marks at left tackle and in he secondary. The good news for Chicago is that four of their 10 losses last season came by four points or less, so they may no be as far from respectability as it appears on the surface.

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Detroit Lions

The Lions (7-9) have won at least seven games in each of the past three seasons, but I think they could be hard-pressed to duplicate that feat in 2016 even though they had a solid offseason. Detroit saw superstar franchise wide receiver Calvin Johnson retire but brought in veteran Marvin Jones to replace him. The Lions also made a pair of smart moves by drafting Ohio State tackle Taylor Decker in the fist round and Alabama defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson one round later.

I have Detroit has some tough, non-division dates against Indianapolis, Houston, the New York Giants, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Minnesota and New Orleans. Right now, I’m thinking six wins sounds about right for the Lions.