Week 1 of the regular season is here, so it's time for a quick offseason refresher and Week 1 preview for all four teams in the NFC North:
DETROIT
2024 record: 15-2 (division champions)
Week 1 opponent: at Green Bay, Sept. 7, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
2025 strength of schedule: T-2nd (165-124 opponent record last season & includes 11 2024 playoff teams)
New faces: CB D.J. Reed, DL Tyleik Williams, G Tate Ratledge, WR Isaac TeSlaa, LB Grant Stuard, DB Rock Ya-Sin, DB Avonte Maddox, DL Roy Lopez
Key losses: C Frank Ragnow (retirement), CB Carlton Davis, DL Levi Onwuzurike (IR)
Breakout player to watch: WR Jameson Williams
Some might ask how a receiver who had his first 1,000-yard season in 2024 with seven touchdowns could be a breakout candidate in 2025. Williams has had such an impressive spring and training camp that he has the potential to blow those numbers out of the water. New offensive coordinator John Morton has given Williams run of the entire route tree and he made plays all over the field in camp. If opponents don't double Williams, especially on those deep routes, beware.
Most significant change: Two new coordinators
Dan Campbell was a bit spoiled the last three seasons having so much continuity at the coordinator spots. But with Ben Johnson getting the head coaching job in Chicago and Aaron Glenn with the Jets, for the first time since 2022 the Lions head into a season with a new coordinator. Morton was on staff in 2022 when Detroit built this offense around quarterback Jared Goff. He knows the system and personnel very well as he takes over as OC. Kelvin Sheppard has been preparing to take over the defense for a couple years now and his ascension to the DC role seems seamless so far.
Twentyman: With the start of the season right around the corner, a lot of people have asked me how good I think this Lions team can be in 2025. I tell them they can be a better football team than last year but could lose more games, if that makes sense. Let me explain.
We know how good the offense can be with all the weapons. I don't see much drop-off there, if at all, with Morton stepping in. Where Detroit could make their biggest gains is on defense. It's the best defense I've seen in camp in my 16 years covering the team. The secondary looks especially good.
The Lions have the second toughest schedule in the NFL with road games in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Washington, and LA Rams. Not to mention the division slate. Campbell is hoping the tough schedule hardens the team for a playoff run come January and hopefully February.
View photos of the Detroit Lions' initial 53-man roster heading into the 2025 season.
Detroit Lions quarterback Kyle Allen (8) looks to throw during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 21, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 19, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) in action during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks an extra point during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, August 16 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 14, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 26, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Zach Cunningham (52) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, August 16 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Marcus Davenport (92) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 19, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 21, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) in action during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) punts the ball during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 21, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 3, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 3, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. The Raiders defeated the Saints 25-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten (49) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 21, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 14, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Jamarco Jones (72) and Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, August 16 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 21, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Tyler Lacy (93) rushes on defense during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jets defeated the Jaguars 32-25. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 4, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Roy Lopez (51) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 29, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, August 16 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, August 16 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Christian Mahogany (73) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 13, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 25, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (96) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, August 16 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 13, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 25, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 4, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 14, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Chris Smith (90) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 29, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 3, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas (20) in coverage during an NFL preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in New Orleans. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrus Wheat (91) lines up during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys 27-21. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 28, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) in action during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo (94) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Carl Jones II/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on July 26, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, August 16 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during training camp at the Meijer Performance Center on Aug. 4, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
MINNESOTA
2024 record: 14-3
Week 1 opponent: at Chicago, Sept. 8, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
2025 strength of schedule: T-6th (161-128 opponent record last season & includes nine 2024 playoff teams)
New faces: QB J.J. McCarthy, DL Jonathan Allen, DL Javon Hargrave, OL Donovan Jackson, C Ryan Kelly, G Will Fries, CB Isaiah Rodgers, QB Carson Wentz
Key losses: QB Sam Darnold, S Cam Bynum, DT Harrison Phillips, LB Anthony Barr
Breakout player to watch: EDGE Dallas Turner
A first-round pick in 2024, Turner played in just 28 percent of Minnesota's defensive snaps as a rookie and finished with 3.0 sacks and seven pressures. He's going to play a much bigger role in his second season. The additions of Hargrave and Allen to eat up double teams around Turner should free him up to make even more plays.
Most significant change: J.J. McCarthy at quarterback
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has handed the reins of the offense over to the second-year quarterback out of Michigan who missed his rookie season with a knee injury. The Vikings are high on Mcarthy's potential and reports out of Minnesota are he had a nice camp. O'Connell has proven in the past he can get the most out of that position. It's a roster in Minnesota that's ready to win now if they get consistent play from their new starter at quarterback.
Twentyman: Minnesota was right there with Detroit all last season and the two needed a monster Week 18 matchup in Detroit to decide the NFC North. Minnesota returns a lot of their core pieces and added a few nice players in free agency and the NFL Draft. For me, it all comes down to McCarthy and the play at the quarterback position. We know Minnesota has a good defense and a ton of skill weapons on offense. Can McCarthy get them the football and avoid the mistakes we see a lot of times from first-time starting quarterbacks in the NFL?
GREEN BAY
2024 record: 11-6
Week 1 opponent: vs. Detroit, Sept. 7, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
2025 strength of schedule: T-6th (161-128 opponent record last season & includes nine 2024 playoff teams)
New faces: EDGE Micah Parsons, WR Matthew Golden, G Aaron Banks, WR Savion Williams, CB Nate Hobbs
Key losses: CB Jaire Alexander, CB Eric Stokes, RB AJ Dillon, DT T.J. Slaton
Breakout player to watch: EDGE Lukas Van Ness
The 2023 first-round pick is expected to take a significant step forward in production going from a rotational player along Green Bay's defensive front to a starter in 2025. Van Ness possesses the size, experience, and pass-rush toolbox to turn the flashes of good play we've seen the last two years into consistent production this fall.
Most significant change: Shakeup on defense
The Packers saw an opportunity to significantly improve their pass rush and took it late last week, trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks to Dallas to acquire four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro Micah Parsons, 26, who has recorded 52.5 sacks in his four seasons. The Packers also gave Parsons a four-year, $188 million extension. That's one of the best pure pass rushers in the NFL the Lions will have to face at least twice a season now.
Twentyman: The Packers have my vote as the team most likely to challenge Detroit for the NFC North. They return most of the key pieces from a top five offense last season and added a couple more weapons in the speedy Golden and big-bodied Williams that should benefit a passing game that ranked 12th last season. Defensively, Jeff Hafley takes over as coordinator and inherits a talented group that now includes one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Parsons. Green Bay's defense was was fifth in yards allowed per game and eighth in sacks last season. Can the Packers get more consistency from their pass game in 2025? That will be the biggest determining factor in them taking the next step and challenging Detroit in the division.
CHICAGO
2024 record: 5-12
Week 1 opponent: vs. Minnesota, Sept. 8, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
2025 strength of schedule: T-2nd (165-124 opponent record last season & includes 10 2024 playoff teams)
New faces: OL Joe Thuney, OL Jonah Jackson, OL Drew Dalman, DT Grady Jarrett, TE Colston Loveland, WR Luther Burden III, DL Dayo Odeyingbo
Key losses: WR Keenan Allen, DL Yannick Ngakoue, DL Justin Jones
Breakout player to watch: DL Gervon Dexter Sr.
Heading into the 2025 season, Dexter is expected to serve as a starter on the interior of Chicago's defensive line next to Grady Jarrett. All indications out of Chicago are that the 23-year-old has been dominant in camp and is looking better than ever in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defense. Dexter led the Bears with 19 quarterback hits last year and was second with 5.0 sacks.
Most significant change: Ben Johnson as head coach
Johnson took the four hour drive down I-94 from Detroit to Chicago after leading one of the best offenses in the NFL in Detroit the last two seasons. Johnson got a close-up look from Dan Campbell at what it takes to build a contender in the NFC and Johnson's first task was rebuilding an offensive line that allowed the most sacks (68) in the NFL last season. Johnson's offense is about timing, space, and getting weapons in favorable matchups. If second-year quarterback Caleb Williams learns to trust Johnson and get the ball out of his hands, the Chicago offense, which ranked 32nd in total offense in 2024, has a chance to be much improved.
Twentyman: Every year there's a team in the NFL that goes from worst to first in their division. While I don't think Chicago will win the NFC North in Johnson's first year, I do believe they have a chance to be much improved and potentially compete for a playoff spot in the NFC. They have a really good defense, and if Johnson can sprinkle some of the magic he showed in Detroit the last two seasons on the offense in Chicago, they could be a dangerous opponent week in and week out.
