The NFL Draft has come and gone.
And after a wild three days, the wise guys in the desert believe the NFC North race will look quite similar to how it finished in 2023.
Detroit, which won the NFC North for the first time in 30 years last season, is picked to win the division again. At topbet.eu, the Lions’ odds are +150 — meaning a $10 bet would give you $15 in winnings.
Green Bay, which was second last season, is at +175. Chicago and Minnesota tied for third last year, and the Bears are now +350 and the Vikings are +750 to win the division.
Here’s a look at the NFC North after the NFL Draft.
DETROIT
Last year: The Lions went 12-5 and reached NFC Championship Game before losing to San Francisco.
Draft recap: The Lions’ secondary has struggled for years now, and general manager Brad Holmes made that priority No. 1. Detroit traded up for first round cornerback Terrion Arnold in Round 1, then drafted cornerback Ennis Rakestraw in Round 2.
Detroit had added former Tampa Bay cornerback Carlton Davis and ex-Raider defensive back Amik Robertson in free agency, meaning its secondary should be greatly improved in 2024.
Odds to win NFC North: +150
Odds to win NFC: +600
Odds to win Super Bowl: +1400
GREEN BAY
Last year: The Packers went 9-8, snuck into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, then upset second-seeded Dallas in the Wild Card round. San Francisco then edged Green Bay, 24-21, in the divisional playoffs.
Draft recap: The Packers, who are switching to a 4-3 defense for the first time since 2008, loaded up on safeties and linebackers that should fit new coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme. Green Bay took three safeties, including second rounder Javon Bullard. The Packers also took two linebackers, including second rounder Edgerrin Cooper. First round offensive lineman Josh Morgan could start at left tackle immediately.
Odds to win NFC North: +175
Odds to win NFC: +900
Odds to win Super Bowl: +2000
CHICAGO
Last year: The Bears went 7-10, but played much better late in the year and won four of their final six games.
Draft recap: Chicago had the first pick in the draft and hopes its decades-long search for a quarterback is over after it chose Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. Chicago also took explosive wide receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick.
Odds to win NFC North: +350
Odds to win NFC: +1800
Odds to win Super Bowl: +4000
MINNESOTA
Last year: The Vikings lost their last four games and six of their final seven in 2023 to finish 7-10 and out of the playoffs.
Draft recap: Minnesota drafted its quarterback of tomorrow — and today — in J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. The Vikings also landed Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No. 17 overall.
Odds to win NFC North: +750
Odds to win NFC: +2800
Odds to win Super Bowl: +8000
