The Official 2023 NFC North Thread

hairysasquatch · 03-14-2023, 09:19 PM

Decided to mix it up a bit this season, and rather than go with a team-specific thread for my beloved Lions, I figured why not try a divisional thread where everyone can come in and exchange views about their respective teams - kind of like r/NFCNorthMemeWar on Reddit, except without the Reddit and, uh, memes.

I'll kick this off by saying I like the Lions to win the division in 2023.
Packers in tailspin.
Vikes stagnating.
Bears improving but still a couple years off.

Grid · 03-15-2023, 07:25 AM

David Montgomery was a great grab for your Lions. I know the Dolphins were after him as well.

You have a yourselves a fine running back with that pickup.

jplarson · 03-15-2023, 07:28 AM

What happened to Jamaal Williams? Seems like he and Monty would occupy similar roles in the offense.

hairysasquatch · 03-15-2023, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jplarson

What happened to Jamaal Williams? Seems like he and Monty would occupy similar roles in the offense.

Jamaal is awesome but three years older and wants a bag the Lions can't afford. Montgomery is at least as good and a better contract. Jamaal will end up on the Bills.

Boo · 03-15-2023, 07:47 AM

I’m only here for the inevitable Bears salt, Lions tears and Vikings rage.

jplarson · 03-15-2023, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boo

I’m only here for the inevitable Bears salt, Lions tears and Vikings rage.

ugh, a Dolphins fan and Packers sympathizer? Gross.

hairysasquatch · 03-15-2023, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jplarson

ugh, a Dolphins fan and Packers sympathizer? Gross.

NFC North United against Phins fans!

Grid · 03-15-2023, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boo

I’m only here for the inevitable Bears salt, Lions tears and Vikings rage.

Dont forget the Packer Backers who will be bringing up how they used to be good!

Boo · 03-15-2023, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grid

Dont forget the Packer Backers who will be bringing up how they used to be good!

Once Rodgers leaves they will be the least interesting team in the division.

erock28 · 03-15-2023, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hairysasquatch

Decided to mix it up a bit this season, and rather than go with a team-specific thread for my beloved Lions, I figured why not try a divisional thread where everyone can come in and exchange views about their respective teams - kind of like r/NFCNorthMemeWar on Reddit, except without the Reddit and, uh, memes.

I'll kick this off by saying I like the Lions to win the division in 2023.
Packers in tailspin.
Vikes stagnating.
Bears improving but still a couple years off.

I like the thread idea as the division is more up for grabs than it has been in a LONG time. Packers fan so take it all with a grain...

Lions IMO win the division if they don't they decide to, well, 'Lion' the first half of the season. They have another good draft and it all comes together they have 11-12 win upside.

Packers are a HUGE wildcard. IF they trade the primadonna and Love proves to be an average NFL QB, they have enough talent to stay on the fringes of the playoff hunt, say 8-10 wins. If jacka$$ comes back, they'll be on fringe of the playoff hunt and push their financial problems yet another year down the road...but will still lose in the playoffs should they happen to get there. If Love blows goats, 5ish wins max.

Vikings are in for a rude awakening. Luckiest team possibly in NFL history last year (Queens fans will call them opportunistic), first-place schedule, aging and not good defense...they're in for a fall. I'd say 7-8 wins.

Bears are two really good draft years away - and presumed Fields development - from contending for the division. With the moves they've made in FA and the 1.01 trade filling up their draft capital bucket, they have a chance to plug a LOT of roster holes in 2023. I don't see it all jelling quickly enough to be a threat in year 1...but if all goes well they could be right there in 2024. That team had a TON of shortcomings after 2022,,,Bears fans have to be happy about the progress made thus far. I'd peg them for 6-7 wins this year.

Will be a fun division to watch for sure!

erock28 · 01-08-2024, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erock28

I like the thread idea as the division is more up for grabs than it has been in a LONG time. Packers fan so take it all with a grain...

Lions IMO win the division if they don't they decide to, well, 'Lion' the first half of the season. They have another good draft and it all comes together they have 11-12 win upside.

Packers are a HUGE wildcard. IF they trade the primadonna and Love proves to be an average NFL QB, they have enough talent to stay on the fringes of the playoff hunt, say 8-10 wins. If jacka$$ comes back, they'll be on fringe of the playoff hunt and push their financial problems yet another year down the road...but will still lose in the playoffs should they happen to get there. If Love blows goats, 5ish wins max.

Vikings are in for a rude awakening. Luckiest team possibly in NFL history last year (Queens fans will call them opportunistic), first-place schedule, aging and not good defense...they're in for a fall. I'd say 7-8 wins.

Bears are two really good draft years away - and presumed Fields development - from contending for the division. With the moves they've made in FA and the 1.01 trade filling up their draft capital bucket, they have a chance to plug a LOT of roster holes in 2023. I don't see it all jelling quickly enough to be a threat in year 1...but if all goes well they could be right there in 2024. That team had a TON of shortcomings after 2022,,,Bears fans have to be happy about the progress made thus far. I'd peg them for 6-7 wins this year.

Will be a fun division to watch for sure!

Sorry jplarson, I think this guy called it a little better than you, or at least the same

. Maybe we can settle this with 2024 predictions?

EBCollectibles · 01-08-2024, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erock28

Sorry jplarson, I think this guy called it a little better than you, or at least the same

. Maybe we can settle this with 2024 predictions?

No tie breaker both you two get 1st prize. Which is an all expense paid vacation to stay with Old Goldy and Hermantarjeta for 7 days.

hairysasquatch · 01-08-2024, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBCollectibles

No tie breaker both you two get 1st prize. Which is an all expense paid vacation to stay with Old Goldy and Hermantarjeta for 7 days.

Ah geez Moldy was cozying up to you just the other day...

jplarson · 01-08-2024, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erock28

Sorry jplarson, I think this guy called it a little better than you, or at least the same

. Maybe we can settle this with 2024 predictions?

Nope, sorry. It was a great effort and a better read than mine, I'll give you that all day. I didn't give myself any "If" statements or ambiguous opinions. No ranges on win margins. I said it and set it in stone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by erock28

Lions IMO win the division if they don't they decide to, well, 'Lion' the first half of the season. They have another good draft and it all comes together they have 11-12 win upside.

Packers are a HUGE wildcard. IF they trade the primadonna and Love proves to be an average NFL QB, they have enough talent to stay on the fringes of the playoff hunt, say 8-10 wins. If jacka$$ comes back, they'll be on fringe of the playoff hunt and push their financial problems yet another year down the road...but will still lose in the playoffs should they happen to get there. If Love blows goats, 5ish wins max.

Vikings are in for a rude awakening. Luckiest team possibly in NFL history last year (Queens fans will call them opportunistic), first-place schedule, aging and not good defense...they're in for a fall. I'd say 7-8 wins.

Bears are two really good draft years away - and presumed Fields development - from contending for the division. With the moves they've made in FA and the 1.01 trade filling up their draft capital bucket, they have a chance to plug a LOT of roster holes in 2023. I don't see it all jelling quickly enough to be a threat in year 1...but if all goes well they could be right there in 2024. That team had a TON of shortcomings after 2022,,,Bears fans have to be happy about the progress made thus far. I'd peg them for 6-7 wins this year.

Will be a fun division to watch for sure!

Lions 11-12 wins
Packers 8-10 wins
Vikings 7-8 wins
Bears 6-7 wins

Easy giving a range of outcomes

. We're alike that we got the division order right. I NAILED the Packers and Bears records, only off on 1 game with the Vikings, and off by 2 for the Lions. I'll take the W in this prediction battle and look forward to our next encounter in 2024

.

And you're right, it was a fun division to watch. Best division in the NFL filled with the best fans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBCollectibles

No tie breaker both you two get 1st prize. Which is an all expense paid vacation to stay with Old Goldy and Hermantarjeta for 7 days.

I'd take a vacation to visit Goldy on my own dime any time. You, Hermano, and bbases can form the next BO Tripod of Player Haters and Insufferability. Couldn't pay me enough to stay a single hour in that kind of cesspool.

erock28 · 01-08-2024, 02:48 PM

[QUOTE=jplarson;19240817]Nope, sorry. It was a great effort and a better read than mine, I'll give you that all day. I didn't give myself any "If" statements or ambiguous opinions. No ranges on win margins. I said it and set it in stone.

Lions 11-12 wins
Packers 8-10 wins
Vikings 7-8 wins
Bears 6-7 wins

Easy giving a range of outcomes

. We're alike that we got the division order right. I NAILED the Packers and Bears records, only off on 1 game with the Vikings, and off by 2 for the Lions. I'll take the W in this prediction battle and look forward to our next encounter in 2024

.

And you're right, it was a fun division to watch. Best division in the NFL filled with the best fans.

Oh I don't disagree and obviously a two game range allows for the variance, BUT you did miss by two games with Detroit, so...maybe that evens it out?

I can't go any lower than calling the battle a tie

, and definitely look forward to the 2024 iteration! Love the division and mostly pleasant banter/smack talk in this thread. A lot will happen between now and August...but GB and Chicago are on the rise, Minnesota is on the decline, and Detroit will have to deal with the target on it's back and big boy schedule next year. In the meantime, let's see if Detroit can win it's first playoff game in 30 years and second in 65; or if the Packers can pull off a major upset against the Cowboys!

CKYC · 03-15-2023, 11:14 AM

I'd say Vikings fans are well aware that last year was an incredibly fortuitous 13-win season. That said, the defense will be much improved (can't get worse!) with Flores at the helm. Huge hole filled at CB1 with Byron Murphy yesterday.

That said it's 100% transition mode right now, especially with no extension for Kirk. I expect Vikings will draft a QB of the future this year or next. At this point, an 8- or 9-win season wouldn't be that bad considering how much the roster will be reshaped — particularly on the defensive side of the ball — in 2023.

Excited to see how the Lions continue to build and how the Bears pieces mesh in the coming season ... and if JLove will be the third straight HoF QB for the Pack (please no).

lambeauleap87 · 03-15-2023, 01:34 PM

Love the thread idea, especially in a year where I don't think any of these teams are in the stratosphere of contention.

The Lions should be fun because Dan Campbell is fun, though they take a hit by not bringing back Jamaal. Still a lot of likable guys and should be a decent team.

The Bears should be fun because of Fields, some new weapons, and the fact that they generally still shouldn't be very good this year (which is fun to Packers fans).

The Vikings have Justin Jefferson - that's really the nicest thing I can say about them. Not a lot of players I find fun (yet) and I don't see a whole lot of upside - or downside. They just kind of exist, much like they have for all of their existence.

The Packers will be fun because Love will either show some flashes (fun for Packers fans) or not at all (fun for everyone else) and have a lot of unknown for the second time in thirty years. The young guys on offense might be kind of entertaining, too.

oldgoldy97 · 03-16-2023, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

Love the thread idea, especially in a year where I don't think any of these teams are in the stratosphere of contention.

The Lions should be fun because Dan Campbell is fun, though they take a hit by not bringing back Jamaal. Still a lot of likable guys and should be a decent team.

The Bears should be fun because of Fields, some new weapons, and the fact that they generally still shouldn't be very good this year (which is fun to Packers fans).

The Vikings have Justin Jefferson - that's really the nicest thing I can say about them. Not a lot of players I find fun (yet) and I don't see a whole lot of upside - or downside. They just kind of exist, much like they have for all of their existence.

The Packers will be fun because Love will either show some flashes (fun for Packers fans) or not at all (fun for everyone else) and have a lot of unknown for the second time in thirty years. The young guys on offense might be kind of entertaining, too.

Does it ever make you sad that 30 years of top 5 all time QB play turned into two SB victories? Patty has two already. Do you attribute that to gross mismanagement for three decades or just bad luck?

lambeauleap87 · 03-16-2023, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgoldy97

Does it ever make you sad that 30 years of top 5 all time QB play turned into two SB victories? Patty has two already. Do you attribute that to gross mismanagement for three decades or just bad luck?

Honestly, not at all - in the time frame that the Packers have won two, only a pair of teams have won more than two (Denver, New England) and just a handful have won twice (KC, St Louis/LA, Baltimore, TB, Pittsburgh, and NYG).

More would be great, but I've gotten to see my team win twice in my life. Winning the Super Bowl is hard!

oldgoldy97 · 03-16-2023, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

Honestly, not at all - in the time frame that the Packers have won two, only a pair of teams have won more than two (Denver, New England) and just a handful have won twice (KC, St Louis/LA, Baltimore, TB, Pittsburgh, and NYG).

More would be great, but I've gotten to see my team win twice in my life. Winning the Super Bowl is hard!

So mismanaged

TheFrenzy · 03-15-2023, 01:47 PM

The Detroit Lions: "Hey, there is a very real chance that we will be good this season and the division is wide open!"

Hairy: *starts a joint division thread*

Love it.

Grid · 03-15-2023, 03:30 PM

All I can add, for my fellow NFC Northers. Is that we all get to plow through the NFC South this year!

Who are we going to intercept the most? Carr (Saints), Mayfield (Bucs), Dalton (Panthers) or whoever the Falcons are throwing out there. Ridler and Mariota I guess.

In the AFC West matchups, KC & LA will be tough. But I am not afraid of the Broncos or Raiders.

BostonNut · 03-15-2023, 03:55 PM

Packers 9-8
Vikings 8-9
Bears 5-12
Lions 3-14

hairysasquatch · 03-15-2023, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BostonNut

Packers 9-8
Vikings 8-9
Bears 5-12
Lions 3-14

Aside from the above-quoted ding-aling, this has been awesome!

NFC North Bros vs. Everybody!

TheFrenzy · 03-15-2023, 04:54 PM

I will say this, the Lions have a real shot at being the second-best silver & blue team in the league!

03-14-2023, 09:19 PM	#1
hairysasquatch Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: In the Woods, Central NY Posts: 35,226	The Official 2023 NFC North Thread Decided to mix it up a bit this season, and rather than go with a team-specific thread for my beloved Lions, I figured why not try a divisional thread where everyone can come in and exchange views about their respective teams - kind of like r/NFCNorthMemeWar on Reddit, except without the Reddit and, uh, memes. I'll kick this off by saying I like the Lions to win the division in 2023. Packers in tailspin. Vikes stagnating. Bears improving but still a couple years off. __________________ I am going signature-free

03-15-2023, 07:47 AM	#5
Boo Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: PA Posts: 54,841 klay22	I’m only here for the inevitable Bears salt, Lions tears and Vikings rage. __________________ I have found that flicking through a few threads on my smartphone is a great way to pass some time while "stocking the pond."Hairy 6/7/12 “ I feel you, brother. Welcome to East Berlin, circa 1963.” Hairy 5/9/20

03-15-2023, 11:14 AM	#16
CKYC Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 24 cky-cards	I'd say Vikings fans are well aware that last year was an incredibly fortuitous 13-win season. That said, the defense will be much improved (can't get worse!) with Flores at the helm. Huge hole filled at CB1 with Byron Murphy yesterday. That said it's 100% transition mode right now, especially with no extension for Kirk. I expect Vikings will draft a QB of the future this year or next. At this point, an 8- or 9-win season wouldn't be that bad considering how much the roster will be reshaped — particularly on the defensive side of the ball — in 2023. Excited to see how the Lions continue to build and how the Bears pieces mesh in the coming season ... and if JLove will be the third straight HoF QB for the Pack (please no). __________________ Slowly building the 1953 Topps set. Vikings fan by birth, Guardians fan through marriage. Follow cky_cards on Instagram!

03-15-2023, 01:34 PM	#17
lambeauleap87 Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 24,744 LL87	Love the thread idea, especially in a year where I don't think any of these teams are in the stratosphere of contention. The Lions should be fun because Dan Campbell is fun, though they take a hit by not bringing back Jamaal. Still a lot of likable guys and should be a decent team. The Bears should be fun because of Fields, some new weapons, and the fact that they generally still shouldn't be very good this year (which is fun to Packers fans). The Vikings have Justin Jefferson - that's really the nicest thing I can say about them. Not a lot of players I find fun (yet) and I don't see a whole lot of upside - or downside. They just kind of exist, much like they have for all of their existence. The Packers will be fun because Love will either show some flashes (fun for Packers fans) or not at all (fun for everyone else) and have a lot of unknown for the second time in thirty years. The young guys on offense might be kind of entertaining, too. __________________ I collect Packers, former Ohio State Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

03-15-2023, 07:25 AM	#2
Grid Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 12,875 Gridiron-Gladiators	David Montgomery was a great grab for your Lions. I know the Dolphins were after him as well. You have a yourselves a fine running back with that pickup.

03-15-2023, 07:28 AM	#3
jplarson Banned Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 15,578	What happened to Jamaal Williams? Seems like he and Monty would occupy similar roles in the offense.

01-08-2024, 02:48 PM	#15
erock28 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oak Creek, WI Posts: 2,411 topnotchcards28	[QUOTE=jplarson;19240817]Nope, sorry. It was a great effort and a better read than mine, I'll give you that all day. I didn't give myself any "If" statements or ambiguous opinions. No ranges on win margins. I said it and set it in stone. Lions 11-12 wins Packers 8-10 wins Vikings 7-8 wins Bears 6-7 wins Easy giving a range of outcomes . We're alike that we got the division order right. I NAILED the Packers and Bears records, only off on 1 game with the Vikings, and off by 2 for the Lions. I'll take the W in this prediction battle and look forward to our next encounter in 2024 . And you're right, it was a fun division to watch. Best division in the NFL filled with the best fans. Oh I don't disagree and obviously a two game range allows for the variance, BUT you did miss by two games with Detroit, so...maybe that evens it out? I can't go any lower than calling the battle a tie , and definitely look forward to the 2024 iteration! Love the division and mostly pleasant banter/smack talk in this thread. A lot will happen between now and August...but GB and Chicago are on the rise, Minnesota is on the decline, and Detroit will have to deal with the target on it's back and big boy schedule next year. In the meantime, let's see if Detroit can win it's first playoff game in 30 years and second in 65; or if the Packers can pull off a major upset against the Cowboys!

03-15-2023, 01:47 PM	#21
TheFrenzy Banned Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Texan in AZ Posts: 44,115	The Detroit Lions: "Hey, there is a very real chance that we will be good this season and the division is wide open!" Hairy: starts a joint division thread Love it.

03-15-2023, 03:30 PM	#22
Grid Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 12,875 Gridiron-Gladiators	All I can add, for my fellow NFC Northers. Is that we all get to plow through the NFC South this year! Who are we going to intercept the most? Carr (Saints), Mayfield (Bucs), Dalton (Panthers) or whoever the Falcons are throwing out there. Ridler and Mariota I guess. In the AFC West matchups, KC & LA will be tough. But I am not afraid of the Broncos or Raiders.

03-15-2023, 03:55 PM	#23
BostonNut Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 60,065	Packers 9-8 Vikings 8-9 Bears 5-12 Lions 3-14

03-15-2023, 04:54 PM	#25
TheFrenzy Banned Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Texan in AZ Posts: 44,115	I will say this, the Lions have a real shot at being the second-best silver & blue team in the league!