The 2023 NFL season might be right here earlier than you recognize it, and there won’t be a division with extra underrated intrigue than the NFC North. The Vikings are the reigning champions coming off a 13-4 debut underneath Kevin O’Connell, and but you would not comprehend it contemplating how a lot consideration the runner-up Lions have gotten for his or her busy offseason. The Bears, in the meantime, are lastly giving Justin Fields extra assist, and the Packers are set to play with out Aaron Rodgers for the primary time in virtually twenty years.

Till the video games start, this is a take a look at burning questions for all 4 NFC North squads getting into 2023:

Bears: Will Justin Fields progress as a passer?

Chicago claimed to be “all in” on its younger quarterback going into final 12 months. This 12 months, the declare really holds water, with the Bears declining to draft one other high QB prospect and as a substitute shopping for new items at working again, receiver and offensive line — none larger than D.J. Moore. Might they’ve accomplished extra? Certain. However now that Fields at the very least has a reliable setup, nothing might be extra instructive about this group’s short- and long-term future than how the Ohio State product develops throwing the soccer. He is bought MVP-level dashing means, that a lot is obvious. His ceiling as a downfield decision-maker is extra of a thriller.

Lions: Can they reside as much as the hype?

In Week 18 of final 12 months, Detroit received many followers by enjoying spoiler, ending the Packers’ season with a usually feisty efficiency underneath Dan Campbell. In Week 1 of this 12 months, they will open your complete season towards the defending champion Chiefs — an indication of how a lot the league believes of their trajectory. QB Jared Goff does have strong weapons throughout the board, and a once-shoddy protection has been bolstered with a slew of bodily defensive backs, together with rookie Brian Department and ex-Eagles standout C.J. Gardner-Johnson. However that is nonetheless a franchise with no playoff victory since 1991. It is one factor to boost the bar; it is one other to clear it.

Packers: Is Jordan Love able to take over?

The pure follow-up is: Have they accomplished sufficient to make sure the younger QB is well-supported? As a result of Love’s lineup is kind of youthful, with first- and second-year gamers like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed headlining his pass-catching corps. Aaron Rodgers’ departure after 18 seasons could reduce the strain for Inexperienced Bay to make a title run. And reality be informed, coach Matt LaFleur and working again Aaron Jones ought to be capable of assist reduce Love’s personal load. However for as energetic as the previous first-rounder’s arm seemed briefly 2022 motion, the very fact of the matter is he is getting into an entire new world, as chief of the clubhouse.

Vikings: What’s the inner objective for the season?

After all everybody desires one factor and one factor solely: to win the Tremendous Bowl. However Minnesota, greater than most, has been in a form of holding sample this offseason. Normal supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stripped the lineup of expensive huge names (i.e. Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks, Za’Darius Smith) in favor of short-term leases after their early playoff exit. QB Kirk Cousins is getting into a contract 12 months — uncharacteristic for his time in purple. And Dalvin Cook dinner could or is probably not subsequent to depart. This membership may nonetheless contend for a division title, particularly with Justin Jefferson lining up exterior, nevertheless it’s laborious to not suppose the entrance workplace is simply as considering a extra thorough reset.