The NFC North has been dominated in recent years by the Packers, who have won the division four seasons in a row. According to Las Vegas odds, Green Bay is expected to make it five straight this season.
The Westgate SuperBook prices the Pack at prohibitive 2-to-7 odds to come out on top of the division again and assigns them a lofty win total of 11. In fact, as of mid-May, they are the co-favorites, along with the Seahawks, to win Super Bowl 50.
Next up on the odds to win the NFC North are the Lions at 9-to-2. Detroit vaulted to 11 wins last season, but that marked just the second time since 2001 the team finished above .500. Their win total at the Westgate is set at 8.5, with the UNDER juiced as the favorite.
The Bears have a new coach, with Marc Trestman let go. Insert John Fox, who has had some playoff success, including taking the Panthers to the Super Bowl and going to the AFC Championship with the Broncos with Tim Tebow as his quarterback. At 12-to-1 odds, Chicago is biggest longshot to win the division, behind the Vikings at 8-to-1.
Here's a snapshot of the NFC North from a betting perspective, with season win totals, odds to win the Super Bowl and division, and our take on each team:
Packers
Season win total: 11 (OVER +120, UNDER -140)
Odds to win Super Bowl: 5/1
Odds to win division: 2/7
The Linemakers’ take: One of the more popular futures bet this offseason. The big challenge will be taking things up a notch away from Lambeau Field – they were undefeated at home last season (6-1-1 ATS), but 4-4 SU and 3-5 ATS away. The road to the Super Bowl still goes through Seattle.
Lions
Season win total: 8.5 (OVER +120, UNDER -140)
Odds to win Super Bowl: 30/1
Odds to win division: 9/2
The Linemakers’ take: Exceeded 2014 expectations with 11 wins, but still played below their rating by covering only seven games. The good news is the win surge was spurred by a defense that allowed only 17.6 ppg. Because of the D, nine or more wins appears probable again.
Vikings
Season win total: 7 (OVER -130, +110)
Odds to win Super Bowl: 50/1
Odds to win division: 8/1
The Linemakers’ take: One of the better cover teams in league last season at 10-6 ATS despite having the sixth worst offense. The strength of their team – defense – got even better through the draft. They should be competitive again with a .500 season in store.
Bears
Season win total: 7 (OVER +130, UNDER -150)
Odds to win Super Bowl: 60/1
Odds to win division: 12/1
The Linemakers’ take: Allowed the second-most points (27.6 ppg) in 2014, but defensive-minded coach John Fox should fix that. A trade partner for Jay Cutler couldn’t be found, but Fox will make it work. He went to playoffs in first year at Denver with Tim Tebow at QB. No playoffs, but competitive.
More division betting outlooks: NFC East
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