There are differing opinions on how the Chicago Bears will finish the 2026 season, but most believe this is a playoff team.
That means if the Bears are in the playoffs, the other three NFC North teams are also battling for postseason spots, but who makes it could hinge on a big storyline emerging from the division going into training camp. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox shared the biggest rumor from the NFC North is that the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback Kyler Murray is well ahead of J.J. McCarthy for the job.
"The Minnesota Vikings are the one team in the NFC North with an unsettled quarterback situation. However, we saw two seasons ago just how dangerous Minnesota can be when it has an above-average signal-caller behind center. The Vikings are in the middle of a quarterback competition involving 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy and offseason addition Kyler Murray. All signs point to the competition lasting well into training camp."
"The gap may get closer in camp, but Murray should be considered the favorite to win the QB1 gig going into it. If he does and can return to Pro Bowl form, Minnesota will be right back in the thick of the NFC North race."
Vikings' QB competition could affect Bears' chances of winning NFC North again
It's clear that Murray was brought in to be the starter for the Vikings, so Bears fans shouldn't be surprised if he wins the job. With that being said, Chicago may not want Murray to win that job, as it could flip the division on its head.
The Bears need to find as many easy paths to the playoffs as possible since they already have the NFL's toughest schedule in 2026. Throwing Murray into the equation, with how athletic he is, will not make things any easier for the Bears.
Chicago still has to deal with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, both of whom are at the top of their games. Adding the Vikings to the conversation continues to make it the best in the NFL.
Last season, all four teams finished the 2025 campaign with a winning record. There's a strong chance that could happen again, so the Bears can't afford to have a nine-win season, as they will need at least 10 to get into the playoffs.
Read more: Everyone is starting to follow Ben Johnson's advice on Bears' breakout candidate
Minnesota is a better team with Murray at quarterback, which is not good news for the Bears. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen better be ready to prep for Murray, as that will be another tough quarterback to gameplan for in 2026.
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