In what might be the most rapidly improving division in the NFL, the margin between the postseason and watching from home is shrinking by the day.
With training camp set to begin, rosters will soon be getting whittled down. Which NFC North position battles could affect the race for the division crown?
Top NFC North Position Battles To Watch in NFL Training Camp
Chicago Bears: Center
The Chicago Bears are certainly trending in the right direction, following a strong end to last season and the addition of franchise quarterback Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Bears have a serious question regarding who will be snapping Williams the ball.
Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton are set to battle it out to be Chicago’s starting center. Bates is currently viewed as the early favorite, but Shelton has played more snaps at center in the NFL and certainly has a chance to win the battle.
Detroit Lions: Wide Receiver
Following Josh Reynolds’ departure this offseason, the Detroit Lions need to find a new WR3 for Jared Goff to target.
KEEP READING: 1 Position Battle To Watch for All 32 Teams in NFL Training Camp
Reynolds served as one of Goff’s favorite targets, and Kalif Raymond appears to be the early favorite to replace him in 2024. Donovan Peoples-Jones showed flashes at times, though, and could win the battle over Raymond.
Green Bay Packers: Cornerback
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander has established himself as one of the best players at the position. Yet, the Packers must figure out who will start across from him on the outside.
Eric Stokes is currently viewed as the favorite to win the CB2 spot, but Carrington Valentine played well when he was forced to replace him in 2023.
Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback
Following Kirk Cousins’ departure in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings are ready to start a new era at quarterback. Therefore, Sam Darnold will compete with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. Although the Vikings could elect to bring McCarthy along slowly, he’s clearly the team’s best long-term option.
