NFC North Divisional Podcast Recap for 2026 (Fantasy Football)

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We are moving into the NFC North, arguably one of the most competitive divisions in the league, and therefore one of the most fun. I can easily make a case for any of these teams taking the division this year. It is entertaining and unpredictable, as evidenced by the fact that last year the division finished in the reverse order of 2024 – the Chicago Bears took first, the Green Bay Packers second, the Minnesota Vikings third, and the Detroit Lions fourth. Today, we will talk about last year’s performances and what we expect of these teams in 2026. Tune in to The Fantasy Footballers Podcast on all your devices! Apple Podcasts Spotify Youtube Check out the full version of the episode on YouTube! Let’s Get Divisional – NFC North Chicago Bears (11-6) Player Additions : WR Kalif Raymond Player Subtractions : WR DJ Moore , WR Olamide Zaccheaus , TE Durham Smythe Rookies : TE Sam Roush , WR Zavion Thomas 2026 Vegas Projected Win Total : 9.5 2025 Offensive Ranks : Starting with the Chicago Bears, who went from worst to first under the direction of their fearless leader, Ben Johnson , and won their first playoff game since 2010 . Can they prove that they are schedule-proof now that they are facing the sixth-toughest strength of schedule for 2026 according to Warren Sharp? Let’s see. QB Caleb Williams has shaped up to be a boom-or-bust, and we are looking to see a more consistent performance from him in this upcoming season. One of his most startling stats from last year is his 58% completion rate. Only Shedeur Sanders and JJ McCarthy were worse, and that is not a club I am interested in being a part of. The good news is, his weapons are expected to get stronger. As Jason mentioned, Caleb had a young group around him last year. Two rookies in TE Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden III, and the second-year WR Rome Odunze . We expect these players to continue to grow and get better, especially as they get comfortable in the system. This leads to one of the biggest questions in this offense: are you Team Rome or Team Burden? Last year, the two WRs had a bit of a flip-flop performance where Rome started off hot and then fell off the face of the earth after his foot injury, and Burden started as a typical rookie WR – slow assimilation and then a couple of flashes toward the end of the year. Mike and Jason lovingly likened their play styles to a lead pipe and a butterfly knife, respectively. But ultimately they think that Mr. Loveland is the big bad firearm that will take over targets. Did anyone else immediately picture the Anchorman news team battle here? Ok, glad it wasn’t just me. Anyways, Loveland had a 28% target share in the playoffs, which is unheard of for a rookie TE, so they have a point. Colston Loveland ADP price check pic.twitter.com/46X9f0galF — Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) April 28, 2026 To wrap up the question on Rome vs. Burden, Jason has historically been Team Rome while Mike has been Team Burden. However, they agree that Burden’s ADP is making him less favorable. He is currently being taken 10 spots higher than Rome. With Rome being drafted in the sixth round right now, he is seeming like the better value. The RB room in Chicago is more straightforward. D’Andre Swift is expected to lead the team in carries with potential for more of a pass-catching role, while Kyle Monangai will have a more limited role with TD upside. Swift is by no means a sexy pick, but he could be the consistency you need depending on your team b…