Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff makes our list of NFC Championship player props for Sunday. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
The NFL season is still a couple of months away, and that means the time is right to look ahead at futures odds. Here, we focus on our 2023 NFC North best bets, odds, and prop bets for the upcoming season.
NFC North best bets: Bet on Detroit Lions odds to win division?Â
The NFC North looks much different than it has in past seasons. With Aaron Rodgers gone from Green Bay, Jordan Love takes over and the Packers are no longer the favorites.Â
Surprisingly, neither is Minnesota for all its offensive talent. The honor goes to the Detroit Lions, despite the fact that this organization has never won this division since its inception in 2002.Â
Here’s a look at 2023 NFC North odds for the division title:
Detroit Lions NFC North odds (+145 or better)
There’s more buzz around this team than in previous years, and it’s not unwarranted. The 2022 Lions went 9-8 including 8-2 in its last 10 games, narrowly missing a playoff spot.Â
Considering the unknowns with first-year starter Jordan Love in Green Bay, Minnesota’s progress in year two under coach Kevin O’Connell, and Justin Fields’ development for the Bears, there are plenty of reasons to think Detroit an pull this off.Â
The Lions appeared to take a huge step under coach Dan Campbell while quarterback Jared Goff had his best year as a starter and the team was the fifth-highest scoring club in the league.
The Lions posted the best record in the division last year, going 5-1 in the NFC North. Their only loss came against division-winner Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings NFC North odds (+270 or better)
Was O’Connell’s first season as the Vikings’ head coach a fluke, or can this team continue to contend? That’s the biggest question heading into the upcoming season.
Minnesota’s record was a bit deceiving last year. The 13-4 season was impressive, but a Wild Card exit against the Giants has to cause some concern considering the talent level of this group.Â
Brian Flores' hiring as defensive coordinator should help on that side of the ball so even though the Vikings are an easy team to fade in favor of Detroit, it won't be as simple as we think to take down the 2022 NFC North champs.Â
Green Bay Packers NFC North odds (+350 or better)
With Aaron Rodgers' exit, gone are the days of Green Bay being the favorite in this division.Â
The Packers not only lost Rodgers, but also Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Adrian Amos, Robert Tonyan and Dean Lowry as well.Â
Last season with Rodgers didn’t go as fans would have hoped, but there’s optimism around Love heading into his first year as the starting quarterback.
Green Bay seemed to put an emphasis on offense in April’s NFL Draft, selecting plenty of weapons for Love to pair with up-and-coming targets Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
If you think a quick turnaround is in the cards, the odds have some value, although one of the above two teams will have something to say about it.Â
Chicago Bears to win the NFC North (+420 or better)
Chicago made plenty of moves this offseason to suggest the team wants to win now and that it believes in Fields.
The Bears traded the No. 1 pick in the draft for wideout DJ Moore. The team beefed up its linebacking core with TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. It also picked up Tonyan from the Packers.
This probably is not the season for Chicago to claim the division, but there's certainly some value considering this team has the sixth-easiest projected schedule in the NFL.Â
2023 NFC North best bets: Win total picks and more NFL future bets
There are more NFL future markets available than just odds to win the NFC North.
NFC North picks: Detroit Lions win total over 9.5 wins (-122 or better)
On paper, the Lions are poised to be an offensive juggernaut once again this season. Should the defense step up, an 11 or 12 win season isn’t out of this world by any means.
NFC North best bets: Minnesota Vikings win total under 8.5 wins (+116 or better)
Given that any of those one-score victories could have fallen in another direction, there’s room to believe this team could regress in the win category.
2023 NFC North predictions: Green Bay Packers playoff odds (+138 or better)
Should Love prove to be an above average signal caller in his first year starting, this team could be in the playoff mix. Many Packers players have said they don’t consider this a rebuilding year. Quarterback play is a big if, however.
2023 NFL long shot picks: Chicago Bears playoff odds (+172 or better)
Much like the Packers and Love, the Bears’ success hinges on the development of Fields.
Last season, two NFC teams made the playoffs at 9-8. If this is Fields’ coming out year, it could mark a playoff push for the Bears.
2023 NFC North predictions
- Detroit Lions win total over 9.5 wins (-122 or better)
- Chicago Bears playoff odds (+172 or better)
- Minnesota Vikings win total under 8.5 wins (+116 or better)
- Detroit Lions win total over 9.5 wins (-122 or better)
Also check out the following 2023 NFL division picks:Â
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