Bears Now Favored to Win NFC North After NFL Draft, Vikings’ Odds Worsen

• The odds to win the NFC North shifted slightly following the 2019 NFL Draft
• The Chicago Bears are now the favorites, while the Minnesota Vikings saw their odds dip slightly
• The Green Bay Packers stayed the same, despite a rather divisive draft class 

Unless you’re a New York Giants fan or a bachelorette party, chances are you were feeling pretty good about the results of the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville.

Football fans are usually pretty optimistic about a rookie class before they ever lace up their cleats, which  is why it’s odd to see NFL divisional odds move after the draft, particularly in the NFC North.

When we last left the NFC North, the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings all had identical +200 odds. That is no longer the case.

Odds to Win 2019 NFC North

*Odds taken May 4

Either bettors are actually taking my advice or something about the Bears early drafts picks (73rd and 126th overall to be precise) got them excited.

Why the Change in the North?

It probably does have more to do with the value a quality team like the Bears were offering at +200 than the addition of David Montgomery.

While Matt Nagy comparing the Iowa State back to Kareem Hunt got fantasy football’s mouths watering; a running back doesn’t make or break your season anymore.

#IowaState RB David Montgomery to the #Bears. Contact balance at the point. And the shake to slip tackles. Solid in pass pro, with some receiving production on screens, swings. Watch the move here… pic.twitter.com/EhAxytKieT

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 27, 2019

All anyone really wants to know out of Bears land is how that kicker battle is going.

The Bears finished practice today with each of the eight kickers attempting — you guessed it — a 43-yard FG. Six of the eight kickers missed. Redford Jones hit the left upright.

— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) May 3, 2019

The Vikings Drop Doesn’t Reflect Draft

Personally, I liked the Vikings draft class. Garrett Bradbury should make an immediate improvement to that struggling offensive line and give Kirk Cousins more time to find second round tight end Irv Smith.

Best of all, the Vikings avoided the urge to draft another corner!

Rick Spielman said his wife told him if he drafts another cornerback to not come home lol

— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) April 23, 2019

Of all the teams in the division to see their odds drop because of the draft, I did not think Minnesota would be the one.

What Were Those Other Two Doing?

The Packers may love Rashan Gary’s traits, but traits don’t get you sacks in 2019. Gary still has so much left to learn about defensive line play; he may end up being a total stud over his career, but he shouldn’t make a significant impact in his rookie year.

Look I get WHY the #Packers picked Rashan Gary. Dude has HIGH upside and could turn into an amazing edge defender.

Personally I gave him a mid-to-late first round pick, but hopefully they can develop him.#NFLDraft @CoachPaintCH pic.twitter.com/8MYbEGJ7Ol

— Samuel Gold (@SamuelRGold) April 26, 2019

And even if you like the Darnell Savage pick, you have to admit it’s a little embarrassing to see Green Bay trade up to get another safety. Coming into this draft, the Packers had used six of their last eight first and second round picks on secondary players, and so far, only Jaire Alexander looks like he’s a part of the future.

Not surprised to see Pre-eminent #NFLDraft Expert Mel Kiper Jr. grade the #Packers draft picks as tied for WORST in the NFL. Given how BAD their offense was last year, wouldn’t you think they get Mr. Danica P some help? Once they sober up (on Tuesday?), their fans will be LIVID!

— Minnesota Sports Fan Trump (@MN_Sports_Trump) April 28, 2019

As for the Lions, T.J. Hockenson may end up working out, but I’m shocked they even wanted to take a tight end in the top 10 again.

The Bears are Still The Best Value

Nothing about the draft’s results changed my incredible argument from last week. However, there is also some value in the Vikings too.

The fact is, the Packers are being overvalued at this point. And when one team is getting too much respect, that means some others are getting overlooked. We may have two in this division.