2021 NFC North Betting Preview

Aug 20, 2021

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My divisional preview series is designed to be a long-form extension of our Move The Line division betting breakdowns. I'll be previewing each division while providing you with insight on the best ways to bet on each team. This time, we're looking at the NFC North.

The Packers' offseason was not without drama, and things appear to be all-systems-go for Aaron Rodgers and company. Whether or not this is Rodgers' swan song in Green Bay is talk show fodder that will be beaten into the ground this season, however, another spite MVP run feels squarely in his range of outcomes.

We're not accustomed to seeing a Mike Zimmer-led defense perform so poorly, but the 2020 unit took the steam out of any playoff hopes. The Vikings have had their own quarterback drama this offseason. Much to the chagrin of Zimmer, Kirk Cousins is playing Russian roulette with the league's COVID-19 protocols. Projecting 17 starts from Cousins is ambitious.

This has been billed as a make-or-break season for GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy in Chicago. The plot thickens with presumptively Nagy's decision on if and when to turn the keys over to Justin Fields. Sooner than later feels optimal.

There isn't a more hand-in-the-dirt staff in the league than the Detroit Lions. I'm not sure what would constitute a successful season for the Lions, but the good news is they'll have another top draft pick next April.