Lions emerge as clear threat to Bears’ NFC North crown chase
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to head coach Dan Campbell before a play against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to head coach Dan Campbell before a play against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
The Chicago Bears may be the defending NFC North champions, but many expect that they'll have a fight on their hands to stay there.
According to Windy City Gridiron Editor-in-Chief A. Wiltfong Jr.'s report, FanDuel Sportsbook has named the Detroit Lions favorites to win the NFC North.
"The NFC North is the toughest top-to-bottom division in football, and while I believe the Bears can repeat, I would not be surprised if any of them come out on top. All four are good, but each has some question marks," Wiltfong wrote.
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin (83) practices a drill during OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin (83) practices a drill during OTAs at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Per Windy City Gridiron, a recent fan poll also observed that more than 66 percent of voters identify Detroit as Chicago's biggest challenger ahead of the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
The reason behind that confidence could be Detroit's schedule.
According to ESPN analyst Seth Walder, the Lions enter the season with the NFL's 31st-toughest schedule. The schedule gives them an edge over the rest of the NFC North.
On the other hand, the Bears face the league's 10th, with the Green Bay Packers ranked 14th and the Minnesota Vikings at 16th.
The Lions have already proved their ability by defeating the Bears last season. They also established themselves as favorites after winning the division in 2023 and 2024, despite their disappointing 2025 run.
Luckily, their last-place finish has now turned out to be the advantage Detroit needs to beat out defending champions, the Chicago Bears, for a division title.
Why Detroit's schedule could be its key to cinching the NFC North title
Walder's report on this season's projections and Super Bowl odds pointed to the Lions' last-place schedule as one of the biggest advantages any contender has entering the season.
The biggest difference comes from the NFC West matchups. The Bears will face the Seattle Seahawks, the Packers are set to take on the Los Angeles Rams.
On the other hand, the Vikings will meet the San Francisco 49ers, and the Lions will host the Arizona Cardinals.
The same trend is evident in the NFC East and South. The Lions will play the New York Giants from the NFC East, while their division rivals face tougher opponents.
In the AFC South, Detroit gets the Tennessee Titans instead of the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars or Indianapolis Colts.
Detroit also enters the year believing its roster is in a stronger position. The franchise added depth at edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. They also hope that wide receiver Jameson Williams' explosive talent will fit in with Amon-Ra St. Brown perfectly.
Furthermore, Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to see even more work and could take advantage.
An easier schedule alone won't win the NFC North. But with an improving roster and a coaching staff that has won the division twice, Detroit is positioned to contend.
For all Lions updates, follow the Detroit Lions Community!
Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Arundhoti Palit