The NFC North has run through the Motor City the past two seasons, but the race for the division crown could take a detour through Chicago in 2025, according to one top NFL analyst.
While the Lions still boast one of the most gifted collections of young homegrown talent across the league, Detroit is a franchise in a state of transition as this season nears, not the least of which is because of Ben Johnson’s arrival as Chicago Bears head coach.
How the Detroit Lions’ run atop the NFC North could be ended by the Chicago Bears
NFL Media analyst Judy Bautista ranked each reigning division winner by how vulnerable they are to fall from their perch this season, with the Lions atop the list.
Not surprisingly, Bautista points out the significant overhaul the Bears have made through the course of this offseason as a major threat to a Lions three-peat.
“The NFC North came down to the final game of the 2024 regular season,” Bautista points out for NFL Media. “There’s no reason to think the division, which just sent three teams to the playoffs, won’t be as ferocious in 2025, particularly with the anticipated improvement of the Bears, who are coming off a last-place finish. The Vikings are making a switch at quarterback, but how do you bet against Kevin O’Connell making the right choice and having J.J. McCarthy ready, especially after Minnesota did so much to fortify the interior of the offensive line, the team’s biggest weakness in 2024? The Packers gave Jordan Love a first-round wide receiver.
“… While the Bears have done everything possible to make life better for Caleb Williams, from hiring Ben Johnson as head coach to overhauling the interior O-line to spending their first two draft picks on TE Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden III. All of that makes for a whole lot of competition for the Lions, who are still flush with talent, but must adjust to two new coordinators after Johnson and Aaron Glenn got head-coaching jobs. Even if that process turns out to be seamless, it’s easy to envision the division again coming down to the final week.”
This is a division that sent three times to the postseason in 2024, but few franchises across the league have added more significant veteran talent and leadership while building around a young and ascending homegrown quarterback as the Bears have done with Williams.
If Johnson’s impact on the offense is as significant as many expect, the offensive line gels with the additions of All-Pro Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, this group could soar in 2025. Likewise, general manager Ryan Poles gave the Bears’ pass rush some teeth with the additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency before adding quality depth there during the NFL Draft.
Given what the Lions have lost, and what the Bears have gained, the division championship could be there for the taking by Chicago this fall.
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