NFC North Primer: Packers push Lions, Bears looming

Wed Sep 3 12:23pm ET
Field Level Media

Ben Johnson jumped from his gig as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions to become head coach of the Chicago Bears in a move that could create a seismic shift in the NFC North.

But that leap is bound to take some time as the Bears celebrate 40 years since the Super Bowl Shuffle.

The Bears are competitors on paper, and excitement for the Monster of the Midway to return to the playoffs might be tempered only by the reigning beast of the North in Detroit.

The Lions dominated the conference even in the face of a revolving-door plan on defense caused by major injuries. Now without Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, hired to become head coach of the Jets, more falls to head coach Dan Campbell and 2024 MVP candidate quarterback Jared Goff to keep the talented roster churning forward.

One roadblock to consider is a loaded defense in Green Bay, where Jordan Love is coming off of preseason thumb surgery, but the Packers acquired All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys.

And the only team to make a change at quarterback is the Minnesota Vikings.

J.J. McCarthy replaces Sam Darnold after a virtual redshirt rookie season prompted by knee surgery last summer. A first-round selection in the 2024 draft, McCarthy steps into an offense with Justin Jefferson as the WR1.

1. Green Bay Packers (11-6 predicted record)

2025 Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 vs Detroit Lions

W2 Thu Sep 11 vs Washington Commanders

W3 Sun Sep 21 at Cleveland Browns

W4 Sun Sep 28 at Dallas Cowboys

W5 Bye

W6 Sun Oct 12 vs Cincinnati Bengals

W7 Sun Oct 19 at Arizona Cardinals

W8 Sun Oct 26 at Pittsburgh Steelers

W9 Sun Nov 2 vs Carolina Panthers

W10 Mon Nov 10 vs Philadelphia Eagles

W11 Sun Nov 16 at New York Giants

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Minnesota Vikings

W13 Thu Nov 27 at Detroit Lions

W14 Sun Dec 7 vs Chicago Bears

W15 Sun Dec 14 at Denver Broncos

W16 Sat Dec 20 at Chicago Bears

W17 Sun Dec 27 vs Baltimore Ravens

W18 Sun Jan 4 at Minnesota Vikings

Predicted Breakout Player: If you paid attention to the Packers last season, you've already seen the relentless effort and profound impact linebacker Edgerrin Cooper can have on this overlooked defense. He's more than capable of being on All-Pro lists this season with the attention of blocking schemes elsewhere. One notch below, DE Lukas Van Ness is one of the immediate beneficiaries to the Packers moving Kenny Clark in the Parsons trade. He has the athletic tools and upside to emerge as a consistent pass-rush threat if Parsons is healthy and producing at his predicted level.

Holiday chopping: All bets are off in the North standings until mid-December, when this bloodbath gets real. If the Packers make a push to the postseason, all appearances of the final seven games of the season would support the belief that they will have earned it. Starting with the Vikings at Lambeau before a short-week Thanksgiving trip to Detroit and two dates with the Bears, the AFC crossover games with 2024 playoff teams -- Denver and Baltimore -- stand as a stern challenge for even a top-rated roster.

2. Detroit Lions (11-6 predicted record)

2025 Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 at Green Bay Packers

W2 Sun Sep 14 vs Chicago Bears

W3 Sun Sep 22 at Baltimore Ravens

W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Cleveland Browns

W5 Sun Oct 5 at Cincinnati Bengals

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Kansas City Chiefs

W7 Mon Oct 20 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W8 Bye

W9 Sun Nov 2 vs Minnesota Vikings

W10 Sun Nov 9 at Washington Commanders

W11 Sun Nov 16 at Philadelphia Eagles

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs New York Giants

W13 Thu Nov 27 vs Green Bay Packers

W14 Thu Dec 4 vs Dallas Cowboys

W15 Sun Dec 14 at Los Angeles Rams

W16 Sun Dec 21 vs Pittsburgh Steelers

W17 Thu Dec 25 at Minnesota Vikings

W18 Sun Jan 4 at Chicago Bears

Predicted Breakout Player: WR Jameson Williams ran into multiple self-inflicted wounds and stunted his growth to a certain extent, but the former first-round pick is evolving quickly from a one-trick deep threat. He'll still be a concern for backpedaling cornerbacks and those challenges might multiply rapidly if Williams proves a disciplined route-runner on explosive in-cutting routes as advertised.

Meet the new boss: Campbell continues to use the external concern over changing coordinators as internal motivation. He believes the roster has improved and with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson, it's hard to argue Detroit's defense will have more bite.

3. Chicago Bears (10-7 predicted record)

Schedule

W1 Mon Sep 8 vs Minnesota Vikings

W2 Sun Sep 14 at Detroit Lions

W3 Sun Sep 21 vs Dallas Cowboys

W4 Sun Sep 28 at Las Vegas Raiders

W5 Bye

W6 Mon Oct 13 at Washington Commanders

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs New Orleans Saints

W8 Sun Oct 26 at Baltimore Ravens

W9 Sun Nov 2 at Cincinnati Bengals

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs New York Giants

W11 Sun Nov 16 at Minnesota Vikings

W12 Sun Nov 23 vs Pittsburgh Steelers

W13 Fri Nov 28 at Philadelphia Eagles

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Green Bay Packers

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Cleveland Browns

W16 Sat Dec. 20 vs Green Bay Packers

W17 Sun Dec 28 at San Francisco 49ers

W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Detroit Lions

Mr. Williams' neighborhood: Thriving in unrehearsed situations is an ingredient for greatness in quarterbacks and, hoo boy, did Caleb Williams go through it as a rookie. Even with a handful of coaching changes -- which necessitated multiple play-caller switches -- Williams challenged Aaron Rodgers' record for pass attempts without an interception and kept Chicago in more games than the Bears probably deserved to be in. Under Johnson, the sharp-edged attention to detail could spell instant returns -- and wins -- for the 2024 No. 1 overall pick.

Living on the edge: Is there enough of a pass rush in place for the Bears to rattle the elite quarterbacks on their schedule? One reason pundits are picking against Chicago contending is the uncertain production from their defensive ends. Montez Sweat wins consistently but without a sidekick, can they get home enough? GM Ryan Poles wrote big checks to bring in defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who is well into the back nine of his career at age 32, and Dayo Odeyingbo (6-5, 282) is the starter at left end opposite Sweat. He's big, powerful and can win one-on-one, but don't bet on him becoming the difference-maker on defense.

4. Minnesota Vikings (8-9 predicted record)

Schedule

W1 Mon, Sep 8 at Chicago Bears

W2 Sun, Sep 14 vs Atlanta Falcons

W3 Sun, Sep 21 vs Cincinnati Bengals

W4 Sun, Sep 28 at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin, IE)

W5 Sun, Oct 5 at Cleveland Browns (London, UK)

W6 Bye

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Philadelphia Eagles

W8 Thu Oct 23 at Los Angeles Chargers

W9 Sun Nov 2 at Detroit Lions

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Baltimore Ravens

W11 Sun Nov 16 vs Chicago Bears

W12 Sun Nov 23 at Green Bay Packers

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Seattle Seahawks

W14 Sun Dec 7 vs Washington Commanders

W15 Sun Dec 14 at Dallas Cowboys

W16 Sun Dec 21 at New York Giants

W17 Thu Dec 25 vs Detroit Lions

W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Green Bay Packers

Predicted Breakout Player: J.J. McCarthy (QB) -- Despite being unproven, many analysts expect McCarthy to make a leap as the Vikings' starter, with his development being a key storyline. No single standout named in sources, but his role as QB with upside suggests breakout potential.

Running men: Aaron Jones was a solid addition for the Vikings after being released by the Packers before last season, but Minnesota's ground game remained mediocre (93.4-yard average per game). Signing Jordan Mason in free agency after his breakout season with the 49ers and the return of tone-setting left tackle Christian Darrisaw sparks optimism for the rushing attack to be a featured part of the scheme. Minnesota also signed free agents Ryan Kelly, a former Pro Bowl center with the Colts, and his teammate in Indy, new right guard Will Fries, to bolster the front five.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 2

Player Notes
Josh Allen Sep 12 10:40am CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen put on a show in a 41-40 win over the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday, earning AFC Player of the Week honors after going 33-for-46 for 394 yards and accounting for four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing). The reigning MVP is a plug-and-play option every time out, and this Sunday, he'll take on a New York Jets defense that had difficulty stopping the Pittsburgh Steelers' aerial attack in a 34-32 loss in Week 1. The Jets allowed Aaron Rodgers to complete 22-of-30 passes for 244 yards and four TDs. They didn't have to worry about the 41-year-old Rodgers hurting them with his legs, but that's not the case with a superb dual threat in Allen. Realistically, Allen will have a hard time approaching his video game-like production from last Sunday, but he looks primed for another strong outing in Week 2. Allen combined to go 35-for-52 for 397 yards, six TDs (four passing, two rushing), and no picks in two wins over the Jets last season.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Sep 12 10:40am CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell will look to make more of an impact in Week 2 when his team takes on the Seattle Seahawks at home. With rookie rusher Kaleb Johnson toting the rock just once in his NFL debut last weekend, Gainwell operated as the team's clear-cut No. 2 backfield option. The former Philadelphia Eagle didn't turn his touches into much, but he saw just four fewer carries than teammate Jaylen Warren, and out-targeted him 4-2. Warren handily outgained him, though Gainwell should see decent volume on a team that has split backfield work over the past few campaigns. His standalone value is slightly diminished as of now, and stands to take a hit eventually when Johnson garners a larger workload. Still, he's ahead of him in the pecking order for the meantime. Gainwell is RotoBaller's PPR RB47 ahead of Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 12 10:40am CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was viewed as a breakout candidate entering the season, and he lived up to the billing in a Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Coleman led the Bills in catches (eight), targets (11), yards (112), and touchdowns (one) against a strong Ravens secondary. He'll face another major challenge this week with New York Jets shutdown cornerback Sauce Gardner on the opposing side. Gardner performed brilliantly in a Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving up just one catch for 11 yards to No. 1 receiver DK Metcalf. He lined up across from Metcalf on 30 of 34 passing plays, according to Next Gen Stats, and Coleman could be in for a similar fate this week. That's not to say Coleman won't produce - Metcalf still finished with four catches for 83 yards, as he didn't exclusively match up against Gardner - but there should be wariness going into Week 2 against an elite corner.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 12 10:40am CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid took advantage of his opportunities in last week's season-opening win over the Baltimore Ravens. Kincaid hauled in all four of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown - just the fifth score of the third-year man's career. In Week 2, he'll go up against a New York Jets defense that surrendered the league's fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends in a 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. That seems auspicious for Kincaid, though it's worth noting that he continues to lag behind Dawson Knox in usage among Bills tight ends. Knox isn't much of a pass-catching threat, but he garnered more snaps than Kincaid last year, and that remained the case on Sunday. It's also a bit of a concern that Kincaid only totaled four targets during a game in which the Bills, who staged a furious comeback, attempted 46 passes. So, while Kincaid did produce like a fantasy TE1 last week, it would be risky to count on that happening again this week if he doesn't start drawing more attention from quarterback Josh Allen.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 12 10:40am CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (hamstring) opened the season with a productive showing in a 41-40 win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. Facing a defense that ranked first against the run last year, Cook only totaled 13 carries for 44 yards. However, he scored a rushing touchdown and chipped in five receptions for 58 yards. Cook figures to log more carries this week, largely because the Bills shouldn't spend the majority of the game trying to overcome a significant deficit. They were down multiple scores for most of the night against the Ravens, leading to a pass-happy approach that yielded an improbable comeback victory. While Cook did deal with a hamstring issue earlier this week, it shouldn't hamper his availability against the New York Jets on Sunday. The Jets stuffed the run in a Week 1 loss to Pittsburgh, allowing a meager 53 yards on 20 carries, but Cook is vastly superior to the Steelers' backs. He'll enter Week 2 as a solid RB2 option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Sep 12 10:30am CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III will line up against the visiting Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in Week 2. The University of Memphis product will look to build off of his opening weekend performance against a Seahawks defense that yielded the seventh-most passing yards in Week 1. Austin III is an elite deep threat, but has never gotten enough of a target share to make a consistent fantasy impact. That could be changing in 2025, though, as he was the only other Steelers wideout aside from DK Metcalf to record more than ten snaps (45) in their win over the Jets. There could still be some up-and-down weeks here when the team finally gets their ground game going, but the 26-year-old should see a steady stream of targets as long as he holds his current position and has a higher floor than in his previous seasons. Austin III is RotoBaller's PPR WR69 for his outing with Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Sep 12 10:10am CT
Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward struggled in his first NFL game, completing 12 of 28 pass attempts for just 112 yards and zero touchdowns against the Denver Broncos. Ward will face another excellent pass defense in Week 2 in the Los Angeles Rams, who held the Houston Texans offense to nine points and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to 188 passing yards in Week 1. Ward, who was sacked six times in Week 1, may have a tough time avoiding negative plays once again in Week 2. The Rams have a dominant front four led by star edge rusher Jared Verse, and the Titans will be without starting right tackle JC Latham (hip) due to a hip injury. Ward has some long-term fantasy appeal, but he should not be started in Week 2, even in Superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 12 9:50am CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley underwhelmed in Week 1 against cornerback Patrick Surtain II and the Denver Broncos defense, recording just four catches for 27 yards. On a positive note, Ridley led the Titans in targets (eight) and looks like the clear number one option in the passing game for Tennessee rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. Still, it could be a struggle again for Ridley in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams' defense dominated the Houston Texans' passing game in Week 1, holding Houston to 188 yards passing and shutting down star Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (three catches for 25 yards). Ridley should still see a heavy volume of targets on Sunday, but efficiency and end zone opportunities may be hard to come by. He profiles as a low-end fantasy WR3 in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Sep 12 9:50am CT
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor finished second on his team in targets (seven) in Tennessee's 20-12 Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. Ayomanor only recorded two catches for 13 yards on those targets. Still, it's encouraging to see him draw so many looks from Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward in the pairings' first time sharing the field in a regular-season game. Ayomanor and the Titans' passing offense face another tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. The Rams held the Houston Texans to 188 receiving yards in Week 1 and should be able to put significant pressure on Ward, who was sacked six times in his Week 1 matchup against the Broncos. Ayomanor should not be started by fantasy managers in Week 2, but he's a name to monitor as a long-term play if he keeps earning a significant target share in Tennessee.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 12 9:40am CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard did not have his most efficient game in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos, rushing for 60 yards on 18 carries and recording one catch for 29 yards. Still, Pollard received 90% of the running back carries for Tennessee in Week 1, a trend that figures to continue as long as Titans RB2 Tyjae Spears (ankle) remains on Injured Reserve due to a high ankle sprain. Pollard gets a tough matchup in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, who allowed just nine points to the Houston Texans in Week 1. However, Houston gained 127 yards on the ground, and lead back Nick Chubb averaged 4.6 yards per carry. Expect Tennessee to lean on Pollard to ease the pressure on rookie quarterback Cameron Ward and slow down a formidable Rams' pass rush. Pollard is a volume-based low-end fantasy RB2 in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 12 9:20am CT
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was heavily involved in the offense for the second straight week in his team's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Samuel Sr. was targeted eight times, hauling in seven catches for 44 yards and a touchdown. It was not an efficient night for Washington overall, and Samuel Sr. was no different, averaging just 6.3 yards per reception. Still, it's an encouraging sign for fantasy managers that Samuel Sr. has been targeted 18 times and logged 15 total touches through Washington's first two games. Early on, the 29-year-old profiles as a high-end flex option going into a much easier Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sep 12 9:20am CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was barely utilized in Week 2, recording four carries for 17 yards in his team's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers. However, Croskey-Merritt could be in line for significantly more touches going forward, given the unfortunate news that veteran running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) may have suffered a torn Achilles. Even in Week 2, Croskey-Merritt's struggles could be attributed mostly to game script and Washington's overall inability to run the ball (51 yards on 19 rush attempts). Without Ekeler, the Commanders' backfield consists of three largely unproven backs in Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Croskey-Merritt could reasonably lock down a true lead role at some point in the next few weeks and should be held by fantasy managers in all league formats despite the poor Week 2 performance.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Sep 12 8:10am CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz was busy on the field during Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. He finished with 26 yards and a touchdown in the season opener, but was able to top that here. Ertz hauled in six of his eight targets for 64 yards and a score in the loss on Thursday. It was his second straight game with a touchdown as he hauled in a 20-yard score in the fourth quarter. The veteran tight end appears to be a safety blanket for Jayden Daniels. That being said, Ertz should be viewed as a high-end TE2 for the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 12 8:00am CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Brown exited in the third quarter with a groin injury and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. He finished with one catch on four targets for nine yards in the loss. It's unclear at the moment if Brown will be ready to go for the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The absence of Brown would likely lead to increased roles for Deebo Samuel Sr., Terry McLaurin, and possibly Luke McCaffrey.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 12 7:50am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was unable to have much success early during Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Daniels was held in check for a majority of the first half, but was able to do some damage after halftime. He completed 24-of-42 passing attempts for 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss. Daniels also added a two-point conversation and rushed seven times for an additional 17 yards in the defeat. It was a nice performance from a fantasy perspective, but the Commanders are hopeful for a better game during next week's matchup versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 12 7:40am CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs continued to have success during Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Last week, Jacobs rushed 66 yards with a touchdown in the win over the Detroit Lions. Jacobs continued his success on Thursday with 84 yards on 23 rushing attempts with a touchdown in the victory over the Commanders. He carried the ball into the endzone in the second quarter for his second score of the season and it marked his 10th straight game with a touchdown. Jacobs will remain a RB1 and the workhorse back heading into their Week 3 matchup versus the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 12 7:40am CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs got off to a quick start during Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Doubs got the scoring started with a five-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. Sadly, Doubs didn't do much on the field after that. He finished this game by hauling in three of his five targets for 28 yards and one score in the win. It's worth noting that the Packers lost wideout Jayden Reed (shoulder) during this game. His absence would likely open up a bigger role for Doubs going forward. Despite that, Doubs remains in the WR4 range for the Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Sep 12 7:30am CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft posted an excellent performance during Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Kraft was quiet with a 16-yard performance in the season opener, but looked unstoppable here. He hauled in six of his seven targets for 124 yards and one touchdown in the win. It was his first career 100-yard game as he also led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and targets. It's worth noting that the departure of Jayden Reed (shoulder) likely contributed to Kraft's increase in usage. The status of Reed for Week 3 should have some impact on Kraft's value for that one. Regardless, Kraft is looking like an appealing option for that Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Jeremy McNichols Sep 12 7:14am CT
Jeremy McNichols

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols could be headed for an increased workload after teammate Austin Ekeler suffered a serious Achilles injury on Thursday night. Ekeler suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter and was quickly ruled out, indicating that the severity is serious. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport echoed these concerns postgame, telling the Amazon Prime broadcasters that the Commanders' front office is concerned about Ekeler's status. If the veteran running back misses extended time, McNichols could step into a much larger role. He didn't register an offensive touch Thursday night but should enter Week 3 as the Commanders' No. 2 running back behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With more snaps on the way, McNichols immediately becomes an intriguing waiver wire option in fantasy football.

RJ Harvey Sep 12 6:40am CT
RJ Harvey

Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey "really impressed" the coaching staff during his NFL debut last Sunday. During their victory against the Tennessee Titans, the second-round pick was deployed as the clear No. 2 option to veteran J.K. Dobbins, but was still effective when given the ball. On six attempts, the UCF product tallied 70 yards. In the air, Harvey caught his lone target for -1 yards. During this contest, Dobbins was given the lion's share in the Denver backfield as he took the ball 16 times for 63 yards and a score. While Harvey should continue to see his role grow as the season progresses, the workload may remain similar during their Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. As a result, Dobbins projects to be a low-end RB2 while Harvey carries flex appeal.

From RotoBaller