No division in the NFL is more competitive than the NFC North, and the Chicago Bears are in the thick of the race to win it.
Here's a look at what the standings are entering Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season:
1. Minnesota Vikings (6-1)
2. Chicago Bears (6-2)
3. Detroit Lions (5-2)
4. Green Bay Packers (5-3)
The Bears look poised not only to win the division, but also the Super Bowl after the Jeffery Simmons trade and their Week 8 win over the Seattle Seahawks. That sets them up for a strong second half of the season in the division. Let's look at five bold predictions for what might happen in the division.
Bold predictions for NFC North in the second half of 2026 season
Jeffery Simmons gets more sacks in second half of season over Micah Parsons
Simmons already showed early in his Bears tenure how good he is with six tackles, one sack, and other insane stats in the Seahawks game. Chicago's defense looks completely different with him on the field than without him.
Parsons is practicing with the Packers for the first time this week since his ACL injury last year, which could mean he returns to the field. Even if he returns, Simmons will clearly be more of a difference-maker than Parsons.
We'll even make it fair and square: once Parsons returns, set the timer. Simmons will out-perform Parsons in the sack department. Book it.
Minnesota Vikings collapse, but still barely make the playoffs
The Vikings' collapse is not surprising after starting the season 6-0. They lost to the Lions this past weekend, leaving the door open to a potential losing streak.
Minnesota's defense has been the best in the NFL, but the offense has let them down. Kyler Murray has not been able to get the job done as well as many were hoping he would.
It would be a surprise if they have a losing record in the second half of the season but still make the playoffs. At 9-8 or 10-7, the Vikings might still sneak into the playoffs, depending on how the NFC West does. Minnesota's defense is elite enough to carry them into the postseason...barely.
D'Andre Swift beats Jahmyr Gibbs in one NFL stat
Swift currently leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 10. Gibbs is tied for third in the league in rushing touchdowns with eight. The Lions' running back might win the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year award given his current yardage pace, but when it comes to touchdowns on the ground, Swift has him beat right now.
Kyle Monangai has missed the last four games, which has helped Swift be able to pad the stats often. There doesn't seem to be a clear timeline on when Monangai will be back, so Swift will continue to be the workhorse for the Bears and get his touchdowns.
Ultimately, though, Swift will remain a touchdown machine for the Bears, as he could reach 20 rushing touchdowns by the end of the year. He should be able to beat out Gibbs in that statistical category.
Green Bay Packers miss the postseason
The Packers might be getting Parsons back and Josh Jacobs is slowly getting back into it, but Green Bay still feels off. Their offense has not been as consistent as it was in past years.
Looking at the Packers' remaning schedule, they have some nightmare matchups they still need to play. They have the Patriots, Vikings, and Rams in the next three games alone. Add in the Bills, Bears, and Lions still remaining and that is a recipe for disaster.
It feels like the Packers could be in for a massively disappointing end to the season. Watch for them to collapse like the Vikings, but Green Bay finishes last in the division and misses the playoffs.
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Bears win NFC North in Week 17 against the Lions
Chicago has all the makings to be a Super Bowl team. The Bears have fought through the toughest part of their schedule well, with wins over the New England Patriots and the Seahawks, the two Super Bowl opponents in February.
Things are a bit more managable with the schedule after going through that rough stretch. With games against the Buccaneers, Saints, and Dolphins in the next five contests, that should help them out. Even with the tough games against the whole NFC North, Bills, and Jaguars, the Bears are stil talented enough to get the job done.
Watch for the Bears to continue that success with a top-10 offense and defense and win the NFC North with a 13-4 record, beating out the Lions. Not only that, but Chicago claims the North with a Week 17 win over the Lions to secure the division title.
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