Updated: September 26, 2025
- Riding a three-game winning streak and with a record of 6-3, the Chicago Bears are first in the NFC North
- Can Chicago maintain their momentum and win the division?
- Or do the Viking and Packers still have a shot?
Don't look now but the Chicago Bears are leading the NFC North and currently listed as favorites to win the division after a 34-22 win over the Lions.
In their recent games, the Bears' success was largely propelled by their balanced team effort. Khalil Mack was a constant force on defense, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and causing turnovers.
On offense, Mitchell Trubisky shined, demonstrating growth with a notable increase in passing accuracy. His connections with receivers led to key scores, helping the Bears to top their rivals.
Odds to Win NFC North
| Team | Odds to Win NFC North at Bovada |
|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | +130 |
| Minnesota Vikings | +140 |
| Green Bay Packers | +333 |
| Detroit Lions | +4000 |
The Bears have a reputation for having a strong defense and that has continued this season with the league's fourth-ranked defense in YPG. They've been equally strong both versus the pass and run ranking 13th and second, respectively.
How does ANYONE ever block Khalil Mack?
?: FOX #DETvsCHIpic.twitter.com/4M1HZmV43P
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 11, 2018
An already strong unit was bolstered with the addition of OLB Khalil Mack to begin the season. Prior to a recent injury Mack was the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year.
The Bears' offense hasn't been prolific, but still ranks 16th in total yards. Second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky has improved and has thrown 19 TDs compared to only seven INTs.
Mitchell Trubisky is tied for the lowest percentage of passes dropped by his receivers so far this season. pic.twitter.com/6BNAB8JuKM
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) November 12, 2018
Can The Bears Hold The Lead?
When stacked against the Vikings and Packers, the Bears' defense ranks higher in terms of sacks and takeaways. Offensively, the Vikings have a slight edge in total yards, but the Bears have been more efficient in red zone conversions, a statistic that often tells the story in close games.
Prior to the season, the story lines were, “could the Vikings hold off the Packers for the division crown“. But now just over halfway through the year the story is, “can the Bears hold off the Vikings,” and possibly the Packers too.
The Bears were offering juicy odd,s as high as +900, to win the division in early August.
Those odds quickly shortened with wins in three of their first four games and now again after their recent three-game win streak.
But how good are the Bears really? Can you point to any one signature win?
Chicago has only played one team all season which currently owns a winning record. That came against the New England Patriots in Week 7 which ended in a 38-31 defeat.
The Bears' wins have come against a group of teams which sport a collective record of 18-38.
This, of course, means they have yet to beat a winning team. The Bears' wins have come against Seattle, Arizona, Tampa Bay, the Jets, Buffalo and Detriot. That group of teams sport a collective record of 18-38.
Seattle has the best record at 4-5 and their win over the Seahawks came back in Week 2 when Seattle was still transitioning through many defensive changes.
Who Wins A Crowded NFC North?
With what has to be one of the league's softer schedules so far, you would think it could only get tougher.
However, Chicago will only play three of their remaining seven against teams with a winning record. Two will come against the Vikings and one against the 9-1 Rams. Also mixed in will be a home date with the 4-4-1 Packers, who still hope to have a say in the division as well.
Game one between the Vikings and Bears will take place on Sunday in a rivalry which has seen Minnesota win six of the past seven.
The Vikings will be coming off the bye and giving Head Coach Mike Zimmer extra time to prepare has been deadly during his time at Minnesota. He is now 10-4 when given more than eight days to prepare for an opponent.
Chicago has also not fared well within the NFC North of late. Their win over Detroit snapped a ten-game losing streak in the division.
Minnesota doesn't exactly have an impressive resume themselves, as they have also yet to beat a winning team. Their remaining schedule looks much like the Bears' though, with only three games against winning teams (two versus Chicago).
Key Injuries Impacting NFC North Race
Injuries can change a season's landscape quickly. The Packers recently faced setbacks with injuries to key wide receivers, affecting their passing game. Meanwhile, the Vikings have been monitoring Dalvin Cook's status closely, as his explosive plays are essential to their offense.
The Bears have mostly avoided major injuries but have concerns with growing wear on their offensive line.
But the Vikes rank just behind Chicago at fifth in overall defense, and above them offensively at 12th. This division could come right down to Week 17 where Minnesota will host Chicago at U.S. Bank Stadium. I just made a bet on the Vikes at +100 last week, so now at +140 I'll stick with them as the best bet to win the NFC North.
NFC North rivalries have always been fierce, with many seasons coming down to the wire. In past years, battles between these teams often decided playoff spots, making every matchup in this division feel like a playoff game.
Fans remember the unforgettable 2013 season finale where the Packers defeated the Bears at Soldier Field, snatching the division title and showcasing the unpredictable nature of this rivalry.
The post Bovada Lists Bears as Favorites to Win NFC North appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
Original source: https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/nfl/bovada-lists-bears-favorites-win-nfc-north/
