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Last year was all about the Chicago Bears in the NFC North. The Detroit Lions went from first to last after losing head coach Ben Johnson to Chicago, and the Bears were No. 1 in the NFC North. It was all roses for Johnson. It was a glorious year for the Windy City. So, this year will be even better, right? Not so fast. As the 2026 season kicks off, NFL analysts and experts are giving their takes on what teams will rise and fall this season, and the riser could be the Lions. Lions could reclaim the NFC North from the Bears On Wednesday, Bill Barnwell of ESPN released his predictions for the 2026 NFL playoff field, plus what teams have the best chance to go all the way. In the piece, he says that he thinks the Lions will be the No. 1 team in the NFC North once again. That could leave Johnson feeling icky. He thinks it will come down to the Lions and Vikings for the final playoff spot in the NFC North, and he's giving it to the Lions. One reason is because of the ease of schedule. "Detroit projects to play the league's second-easiest slate of opponents in 2026, per the FPI," he says. He also has confidence in the Lions' defense. "The Lions should, at least in theory, be healthier on defense than they were in 2024 and 2025, when they ranked last in adjusted games lost in back-to-back campaigns," he says. "Admittedly, that starts with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph opening the year on the physically unable to perform list, so things aren't off to a great start, but the rest of the defense is healthier than it was a year ago." He also mentioned the Lions' obviously dominant offense. This could really, finally, be the year for Detroit. More NFL news: - Giants fans may pinch themselves after hearing what NFL analyst has to say - Maxx Crosby gets harshly picked on by Dolphins player before Raiders' season opener - Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs gets great news that says it all