ESPN names NFC North the NFL's toughest division, and Packers are big reason why 1 Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) smiles as he runs off the field with wide receiver Christian Watson (9) after the two connected on a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the thrid quarter during their football game Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

ESPN names NFC North the NFL’s toughest division, and Packers are big reason why

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 1:48 PM ET

According to ESPN NFL analyst Bill Barnwell, the NFC North stands alone as the toughest division in football, and the Packers are playing a major role in that rise.

“This division has two of the top three teams by overall FPI, plus the Bears and Vikings have reason to believe they’ll improve the rest of the way,” Barnwell writes for ESPN. “Of all eight divisions, this one feels most likely to put all of its teams into the postseason.”

Through the season’s first five weeks, the numbers back up Barnwell’s claim.

As Barnwell points out, the NFC North owns a combined FPI rating of 7.8, the best in the NFL. The Lions rank second overall (5.7), followed closely by the Packers at third (4.6). Even the Vikings (-1.1) and Bears (-1.4) are hovering near league average; a testament to the division’s balance and depth.

Last season, the NFC North sent three teams to the playoffs; the Lions, Vikings, and Packers, though none wound up winning a postseason game.

If this season’s fast start for the division rivals keeps up, the North may be a force to be reckoned with, not just down the stretch during the regular season, but in the playoffs, as well.

For the Packers, what we’re seeing so far, means every divisional game carries postseason-level stakes.

Green Bay already has a division victory tucked away for safe keeping over the Lions, in the season-opener, but the remaining showdowns against the Vikings, Bears, and Lions could dictate the Packers’ ceiling this season.