Worst or First? NFL Expert Makes Surprise Prediction

The Green Bay Packers have the longest odds to win the NFC North. One NFL insider, however, thinks the Packers will reclaim the division crown.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Detroit Lions haven’t won the NFC North since … ever. Their last time atop the division standings was their NFC Central triumph in 1993. The Green Bay Packers, meanwhile, haven’t finished last in the NFC North since 2005.

Sportsbooks believe that’s going to change. NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, however, does not.

“I trust Elgton over the oddsmakers,” Brooks wrote in his breakdown of the NFC North.

On Monday, Packers left guard Elgton Jenkins stated his case on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.

“Winning the division is always the standard,” Jenkins said. “It’s always the standard in our locker room and in our building. We feel like we’re the best team in our division, and we’re going to go out there every week wherever and show that we are the best team in the division and the best team in the NFC.”

In calling the NFC North the most wide-open division ahead of the 2023 NFL season, Brooks cited the odds at Caesars Sportsbook. With their strong finishing kick to last season, the Lions are a heavy favorite at +120. The Packers have the longest odds to win the division at +420.

However, Brooks sees a winning formula for the Packers. As they enter a post-Aaron Rodgers world, new starting quarterback Jordan Love needs to be a “complementary playmaker” alongside running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. With game-breaking receiver Christian Watson, the Packers “have enough firepower” to field a balanced, productive offense.

Defensively, the Packers need to maximize the talents of their eight first-round picks.

If those things happen, they “definitely” could win their ninth NFC North title since 2011, Brooks said.

Of course, those are two big “ifs.” It’s possible Love won’t be up to the task, which will throw all the pressure on Joe Barry’s defense. That burden could be too much to withstand, Brooks said, especially given the Lions’ physicality on the offensive line, the pinpoint passing of Jared Goff and their surging strength on defense.

The longest odds for the Packers anywhere are at DraftKings Sportsbook, with Green Bay +475 to win the division. That means, if you’re like Brooks and believe the Packers are poised to rebound, that would be the most profitable sportsbook to place a bet.

If you’re located in a state in which sports gambling is legal, a new DraftKings customer who bets $5 will receive $200 in bonus bets.

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