2022 Quarterly Report: NFC North

Vikings (10-2)

• Odds to win NFC North N/A
• Odds to win NFC +700
• Odds to win Super Bowl +1500

It took me a while to fully accept the reality that the Minnesota Vikings are as legit as it gets heading into the final five games of the NFL season. They are more than competitive and the most valuable dark horse on the NFL odds board. Though, a 10-2 team is hardly a dark horse in many regards.

Things are going so well that the Vikings can clinch the division this weekend with a victory on the road against the second-place Detroit Lions.

The Vikings’ breakout season has not been without a fair share of drama. In particular, Minnesota’s habit of winning games by the skin of its teeth is a concern. Some weeks, it’s a goal-line stand; other weeks, it’s a last-second game-winning touchdown or deep field goal.

Despite the odds, Kirk Cousins and this offense are cruising with all the tools needed for a playoff run.

The Vikings continue to play clutch football and are 9-0 in one-possession games. With just one win separating them and a shot to clinch the NFC North, we expect them to march into Motor City and handle business.

Take a Look at Other 2 NFL Special Articles For This Season

• 2022 Quarterly Report: NFC South
• Super Bowl Contenders’ Concerns

Lions (5-7)

• Odds to win NFC North N/A
• Odds to win NFC +10000
• Odds to win the Super Bowl +2000

The Lions not finishing the season in last place in the division may be the story of the 2022 season. Not only are they in second place, but they are beating out the Packers.

It wasn’t like this all season, mind you. The Lions started off in their usual fashion with a 1-6 record through Week 8.

But then, magic. The Lions suddenly played better football than I remember them playing since Megatron was running routes. Detroit is 4-1 since Week 8 with wins over the Packers, Bears, Giants, and Jaguars. The only hiccup was against the Buffalo Bills. But that ended 28-25, and Detroit nearly won.

Their only shot at winning the division comes this weekend when they play a must-win game against the Vikings. If Minnesota wins, it clinches. But if Detroit wins, it can delay that for another week and play precious ground on the Vikings. The Lions can also even up the season series should the division come down to an unlikely tiebreaker.

Packers (5-8)

• Odds to win NFC North N/A
• Odds to win NFC +10000
• Odds to win Super Bowl +2000

The Packers are another surprise team in the NFC North. At 5-8, they are having a disaster of a season with Rodgers still manning the wheel at quarterback.

Green Bay got shut down by the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12 but made the most of its Week 13 rebound opportunity against the lowly Bears. The Bears sped to a 16-3 lead before the Packers and Rodgers could reel them in.

It was another rotten day for Rodgers, who was bailed out by his defense thanks to a few key turnovers.

Technically, the Packers are still in the running for the playoffs, but we don’t foresee them doing enough to get there. This is not the same Packers team we have come to know, and their offense needs a major overhaul in the offseason. An overhaul that should have happened a couple of years ago.

Bears (3-10)

You may notice a lack of odds listed for the Chicago Bears. The reason for that is simple. The Bears are already eliminated from the playoffs and, therefore, have no future odds.

We won’t dwell on a lost cause too much, but this roster has some points of interest.

The one thing the Bears do have going for them is the most talented overall quarterback in the division. Justin Fields is a genuine dual threat that could eventually lead this franchise to greener pastures.

The main thing holding Fields back is overly conservative play-calling. At 3-10, the Bears may want to reconsider that strategy and see what Fields can do when they take the training wheels off.

Be sure to check all the super bowl betting for the 2022 Quarterly Report, NFC North.