By: Grant
NFC North Season Betting Outlook
As of late, this division has been one that has been dominated by the cheeseheads. Green Bay has won the NFC North three years in a row and are returning with back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are still going to be a solid team as long as Rodgers is there and playing at this level, despite the loss of Devante Adams. In the draft, they addressed their main needs of defense (UGA LB Quay Walker and DL Devonte Wyatt) in the first-round while also picking two receivers later in the draft. Many are saying that Christian Watson (WR, North Dakota State) was one of the most underrated players in the draft. It is clear that Green Bay is not only financially committed to Aaron Rodgers in the near future, but they are also committed to building around him for eventual team success. I see no reason that the Packers won’t return to the playoffs, or at least be in the top two of their division.
Minnesota has seemingly come in second to Green Bay for as long as I can remember. This year, however, could be their chance to turn things around. Kirk Cousins is still a solid quarterback, and Minnesota has some elite younger offensive weapons in Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. Their only glaring issue as of late has been their defense. The Vikings used to be known for their defense, but they have been shredded in the secondary the past few years. That explains why they drafted Georgia safety Lewis Cine in the first round and Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. in the second round. Furthermore, they spent three more selections on defensive players. Clearly, the Vikings know their issues and are committed to fixing them. That is why I am convinced that they will have a much better season this year than the last few.
MY BET: DUAL FORECAST: PACKERS/VIKINGS -155
This means that I am betting on the Packers and Vikings to be in the top two division in either order. So, if the Packers win the division and the Vikings come in second place I win. If the Vikings win the division and the Packers come in second place I win. The only way this bet loses is if either the Chicago Bears or the Detroit Lions finish in the top two of their division.