Analysts predict competitive NFC North race excluding Green Bay

The Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions are projected to outperform the Green Bay Packers in the 2026 NFL season. Roster analysis across various position groups suggests the Green Bay Packers face significant challenges due to injury concerns and personnel gaps. Specifically, Josh Jacobs remains on the exempt list, while Micah Parsons is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Defensively, the Green Bay Packers face potential difficulties with a secondary led by Keisean Nixon and Brandon Cisse. Meanwhile, Minnesota Vikings quarterback play and defensive personnel have drawn favorable internal projections. Position rankings indicate the Green Bay Packers trail their division rivals across most offensive and defensive categories heading into the start of the season.

• 8:37 PMYahoo Sports — Predicting the NFC North: Vikings, Bears, Lions leave Packers in the dust