Breaking down 2020 NFC North odds to make playoffs

DraftKings Sportsbook has gone ahead and released the odds for each team to earn a playoff berth at the end of the 2020 season. The most significant part of NFL free agency is wrapped up, and while there are still some big names left to sign, much of the NFL is focusing on the upcoming NFL Draft. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at each team’s odds to make the 2021 NFL playoffs — breaking it down by division. Today, we look at the NFC North.

Green Bay Packers: Yes (-182), No (+149)

The Packers missed the playoffs in 2017 and 2018 but appear to be on track to dominate the NFC North again. They have the best chances to make the playoffs in 2020 and went 13-3 in Matt LaFleur’s first year with the team, despite having what was probably the worst receiving corps in the division. Davante Adams, Aaron Jones and a bunch of practice squad guys held Green Bay’s aerial attack together in 2019. While Jimmy Graham left to join Chicago, Green Bay is returning Aaron Rodgers, Adams, and Jones, but needs to add talent at wide receiver and tight end for their offense. Blake Martinez was a key loss for its defense, but its odds to repeat as division champions look strong.

Minnesota Vikings: Yes, (+104), No (-125)

The Vikings have the second best odds to make the postseason after finishing second with a 10-6 record last year, but they parted with one of their most important offensive weapons this offseason. Minnesota sent Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for a slew of draft picks, making Adam Thielen the definitive lead wideout ahead of 2020. It also parted ways with two starting cornerbacks in Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes while Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen on the defensive line. Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook will be the very important to finding success in 2020, but the Vikings will have to make the most of their 12 draft picks this month to solidify the roster.

Chicago Bears: Yes (+163), No (-200)

The thing that held the Bears back in 2019 was consistency at the quarterback position. They decided to shake things up by acquiring Nick Foles from the the Jacksonville Jaguars to challenge Mitchell Trubisky. The two will battle it out for the starting spot, there are concerns associated with both options. Foles hasn’t played more than half a season since 2015 and Trubisky declined considerably last year after leading Chicago to a division title on 2019. The Bears are solid defensively and have a solid top receiver in Allen Robinson. An upgrade under center could vault them into the playoff conversation, but they’re just behind the Vikings for now.

Detroit Lions: Yes (+340), No (-455)

The Lions have the worst odds to win the division after playing half of the season without Matthew Stafford in 2019. But Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones scored more touchdowns (20) than any other wide receiver duo in the league. Detroit needs a healthy Stafford back and to upgrade its terrible secondary to make some noise in 2020. It signed Desmond Trufant this offseason and is expected to select the best cornerback prospect in the draft this month, so it’s on the right track. The Lions probably aren’t as far back from the Bears and Vikings as you might think.

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