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Re-Ranking All 4 Teams in the NFC North After Packers' Micah Parsons Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 12:10 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers shocked the NFL world on Thursday with their trade for disgruntled former Cowboys superstar Micah Parsons, sending two first round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to Big D for one of the most fearsome and imposing defensive players in the league.

The Packers' trade helped coach Matt LaFleur's team to keep pace with three divisional foes in the arms race that has enveloped the NFC North in recent months.

The addition of Parsons gives the Packers a defensive star opposing teams must game plan for, potentially giving his team a better chance for a run at Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in California.

Now that Parsons is a Packer, it's time to re-rank the North's four teams with the start of the regular season just days away.

4. Chicago Bears-

Coach Ben Johnson's team is the biggest wild card in the division this season after stacking the offensive deck in favor of former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

The Bears' offseason spending spree and focus on offense netted an improved offensive line and a front line weapon for Williams in rookie tight end Colston Loveland.

The Bears will spring numerous upsets and score a lot of points this season, but it won't be enough to claw and climb their way out of the division cellar.

3. Minnesota Vikings-

JJ McCarthy's captainship is a good omen for a team in need of leadership on offense after crumbling against Matt Stafford and the Rams in last season's playoffs.

McCarthy has won big at every level of football. This season will be the toughest of his career but he has plenty of help with Adam Thielen adding a much-needed security blanket and the Vikings stacked with talent on both sides of the ball.

McCarthy's inexperience and a lesser defense compared to Detroit and Green Bay will be Kevin O'Connell's team's undoing this season.

2. Green Bay Packers-

The Packers are structurally sound on both sides of the ball and Parsons gives LaFleur's team a game wrecker who can change the outcome of a possession in a matter of moments.

Green Bay doesn't quite have the depth and firepower that the Lions have, but they do have the playoff experience and strength across the board to challenge for the division title.

1. Detroit Lions-

The Lions' season will likely hinge on staying healthy and getting strong play from its offensive line, which has boom or bust potential now that former Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow is off enjoying his retirement.

Aidan Hutchinson leads a defense full of hungry young playmakers that still has another gear or two to reach under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.

Offensive line challenges or defensive injuries could once again derail the Lions come playoff time, but the prediction here is that Hutchinson's prediction of a healthy, dominant season will come to fruition in Motown in 2025-26.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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