“This division offers value if you lean on proven players and target calculated futures.”
In this NFC North Best Bets guide, we break down all four teams: the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears. Each section covers roster changes, injuries, fantasy takeaways, and our betting plays.
The NFC North is loaded with change heading into 2025. Every team is dealing with roster shake-ups, injuries, or coaching moves. That chaos brings betting opportunities and fantasy football angles we can target.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Podcast transcript.)
Detroit Lions: Betting on Stars, Not Wins
The Detroit Lions are coming off a 13–4 season. Jared Goff returns to lead an offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta. While the offensive skill positions are stable, the offensive line has been reworked after losing OG Kevin Zeitler to Tennessee and C Frank Ragnow to retirement. The secondary was a blemish last year, but the Lions brought in CBs Avonte Maddox, DJ Reed, and Rock Ya-Sin, creating early chemistry questions.
The offense should still be something to be reckoned with, but will Sam Laporta return to fantasy glory? Following Ben Johnson’s departure, it will be intriguing to watch how the offense changes. Laporta’s role seemed to morph last year from more of a receiving threat and fantasy darling to a blocking bruiser for the likes of Gibbs and Montgomery.
Injuries hopefully won’t derail their season as much as they did last year, but they are worth monitoring. Star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is recovering from offseason knee surgery, and Marcus Davenport is recovering from a torn triceps, but both should be ready for training camp.
The Lions could regress in the win column, but their stars remain trustworthy for fantasy and betting. Rather than targeting a volatile win total, we’re focusing on player props for our NFC North Best Bets.
Detroit Lions Bets Recap:
- Jahmyr Gibbs over 1075.5 rushing yards (-110)
- David Montgomery 750+ Rush Yds (+160)
- Montgomery 10+ Rush TDs (+100)
- Goff Over 28.5 Pass TD (-110)
- O10.5 Wins +110
Green Bay Packers: The Division’s Steady Hand
The Green Bay Packers look like the most stable team in the NFC North. Jordan Love dealt with early injuries last year and seemed shaky most of the year. He has a full season as the starter to prove that he can be an elite quarterback in the NFL. His receiving corps — a ton of “slot receivers including Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontavion Wicks, and newcomer Matthew Golden from the draft. This consistency gives Green Bay a real edge.
From a fantasy perspective, Josh Jacobs is set up for another great year. As a workhorse-style running back, he should have plenty of opportunities to score major points, especially around the goal line. Furthermore, Tucker Kraft is also a tight end option with a lot of upside, coming off a good year.
The Packers are a strong futures target because of this stability. Jordan Love could take another step forward, and their roster has few glaring weaknesses.
Green Bay Packers Bets Recap:
- Over 10.5 wins (+155)
- Love OVER 25.5 Pass TD−110
- Josh Jacobs O9.5 Rush Tds -110 (DK), NFL Most Rush TDs +2000
- Tucker Kraft 5+ Rec Tds +100 (DK), O 600.5 Rec Yds -110 (DK)
Minnesota Vikings: Betting on Regression
No team in the division saw more change than the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. They lost Sam Darnold, Cam Akers, multiple offensive linemen, and several defensive starters. Replacements include Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Jeff Okudah, and 2nd year (basically rookie) quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed nearly all of 2024 with a meniscus tear.
Injuries make this transition even tougher. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is returning from a multi-ligament knee injury. Will Fries is working back from a fractured tibia. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon is coming off an ACL tear. All three are starters and could struggle early.
The Vikings finished 14–3 last season, but a step back feels inevitable. Their roster turnover and key injuries create a risky outlook.
Minnesota Vikings Bets Recap:
- Vikings under 8.5 wins (+130, ESPN Bet)
- Alternate line: Vikings under 6.5 wins (+300, FanDuel)
- Vikings to miss the playoffs (-110)
- Packers to make the playoffs / Vikings to miss parlay (+170)
- T.J. Hockenson over 700.5 receiving yards (-110)
- T.J. Hockenson 5+ touchdowns (+150)
- Aaron Jones over 775.5 rushing yards (-110)
Chicago Bears: A Surprise Contender?
The Chicago Bears were a mess last season, finishing 5–12 with Caleb Williams sacked 68 times. Enter offensive mastermind Ben Johnson, three new offensive linemen, and rookie weapons like Luther Burden and Colston Loveland. These moves could completely change their trajectory.
Injuries will shape how quickly they gel. Loveland is returning from shoulder surgery and could start slow. Burden, T.J. Edwards, and Kyler Gordon all dealt with soft tissue injuries but should be ready for camp. Defensive tackle Shemar Turner carries long-term concern after recurring shin stress fractures.
Despite some risks, the improved coaching and line play make Chicago a sleeper for bettors and fantasy managers. If Caleb Williams takes a step forward, this team could climb fast.
Chicago Bears Bets Recap:
- Degen Doc: Bears Over 8.5 wins (+135, FanDuel)
- Bears to make the playoffs (+190)
- Bears to win the NFC North (+550)
- Professor Locks: Bears under 8.5 wins (-125, DK)
Wrapping Up NFC North Best Bets
The NFC North offers plenty of volatility in 2025. Green Bay brings stability. Detroit’s stars anchor their value. Minnesota looks like a regression candidate. Chicago’s overhaul creates real upside if everything clicks.
For fantasy players and bettors, this division offers value if you lean on proven players and target calculated futures. Use these NFC North Best Bets to navigate one of the league’s most unpredictable divisions.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by Derek Bennett (you can list this as an IDP+ staff member if you wish). Be sure to check out the video above by The Degen Doc and Professor Locks, which this video is based on, talking about the NFC North. Follow @TheDegenDoc and @Prof_Lock2 on X!
