NFC North Teams Face Tough Road Ahead in 2025: Full Schedule Breakdown
GREEN BAY, Wis. – As the 2024 NFL playoffs loom with the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings all punching their playoff tickets from the NFC North, fans are already eyeing the future. The 2025 NFL schedule is out, and the NFC North teams will face some serious challenges.
Here’s a look at the 2025 schedules for all NFC North teams, with playoff opponents marked with an asterisk:
1. Detroit Lions
- Home: Chicago, Green Bay*, Minnesota*, Cleveland, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Pittsburgh*, Tampa Bay*
- Away: Chicago, Green Bay*, Minnesota*, Baltimore*, Cincinnati, Philadelphia*, Washington*, Kansas City*, L.A. Rams*
- Games against playoff teams: 11
2. Minnesota Vikings
- Home: Chicago, Detroit*, Green Bay*, Baltimore*, Cincinnati, Philadelphia*, Washington*, Atlanta
- Away: Chicago, Detroit*, Green Bay*, Cleveland, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Pittsburgh*, L.A. Chargers*, Seattle
- Games against playoff teams: 9
3. Green Bay Packers
- Home: Chicago, Detroit*, Minnesota*, Baltimore*, Cincinnati, Philadelphia*, Washington*, Carolina
- Away: Chicago, Detroit*, Minnesota*, Cleveland, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Pittsburgh*, Denver*, Arizona
- Games against playoff teams: 9
4. Chicago Bears
- Home: Detroit*, Green Bay*, Minnesota*, Cleveland, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Pittsburgh*, New Orleans
- Away: Detroit*, Green Bay*, Minnesota*, Baltimore*, Cincinnati, Philadelphia*, Washington*, Las Vegas, San Francisco
- Games against playoff teams: 10
NFC North Dominance
The NFC North stands out as the NFL’s toughest division on paper. With a combined 45-23 record, it saw three teams make the playoffs, while the only other division with three playoff teams, the AFC West, had a 40-28 record. The NFC North also excelled in net touchdowns, with Detroit at +33, Green Bay at +13, Minnesota at +10, and Chicago at -1, for a total of +55. By comparison, divisions like the AFC South (-47) and NFC South (-13) struggled in this department.
NFL Schedule Changes
Thanks to the NFL’s rotation system, NFC North teams will face the NFC East and AFC North in 2025, replacing matchups with the mediocre NFC West and AFC South. The AFC North and NFC East both sent multiple teams to the playoffs, adding more competition to the mix. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens (10-7), Cincinnati Bengals (over .500), and the Dallas Cowboys (7-10 without Dak Prescott) will challenge NFC North teams in 2025.
Strength of Schedule
According to NFL Nerd on X, the New York Giants will have the toughest schedule, facing opponents with a combined winning percentage of .574. The Bears and Lions tied for the second-hardest schedule at .571. Meanwhile, the Packers, Vikings, and Cowboys have the fifth-toughest schedule at .557.
Green Bay’s Home Field Advantage
The Packers’ home schedule will feature teams with a combined .632 winning percentage, including heavy-hitters like the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders. It’s shaping up to be a brutal year ahead in Green Bay and across the NFC North.
With these tough schedules ahead, NFC North teams will have their work cut out for them in 2025. But given their recent performances, expect some serious competition for playoff spots.
